New pool owner chemical question

[TX Pool]

Ok new pool owner here and have a quick question for the group in water quality. I know I do not have all of my info in my signature yet as some of it is changing but trying to give a good example.
1. Not sure of volume of pool (yet)
2. Cartridge type filter system
3. Uses chlorine tabs and has a Pentair tab feeder installed in the piping after heater.

Questions:
1. Can I just take rough measurements of my pool to determine the volume. The floor is not a constant slope so I know it will not be exact but figured it would be close.
2. Is the pool school on this site a good place to learn about what tests to do, frequency, and chemicals to use for adjustment? I know you can take the water up to the local pool store for testing but figured over the long term this will be better to do on my own.
3. Any recommendations for testing kits or are some suggestions in the pool school pages?
4. Any other recommendations for a pool newbie. I have somewhat of a technical background so not scared to jump in just know there is lots of not good information out in the world and the best I have found on equipment and controls has been this site hands down.

 

[Griswald]

1. Yes, rough numbers will work until you get everything set up and then you can determine exact numbers by chemical amounts.
2. Yes, pool school is THE definitive source for all things pool, along with just reading posts here.
3. TF 100
4. Trust what you learn here, not at the pool store.

 

[ajw22]

1. Can I just take rough measurements of my pool to determine the volume. The floor is not a constant slope so I know it will not be exact but figured it would be close.

Start by using the average depth - (shallow depth + deep end)/2

Then you can tune it up once you begin using PoolMath and see the effect of adding chemicals.

From Calculators - Further Reading

If you need to get an estimate of the amount of water in your pool you can use the calculator at the bottom of the old Pool math web page. You simply enter the pool dimensions and average depth and it gives you the gallons of water in the pool.

Pentair has a Pool Volume Calculator that lets you select from rectangular, oblong, round, and triangle shapes.

There is also a Chemical Way of Calculating Pool Volume using an alkalinity test kit, sodium bicarbonate or acid, and the formula.

2. Is the pool school on this site a good place to learn about what tests to do, frequency, and chemicals to use for adjustment? I know you can take the water up to the local pool store for testing but figured over the long term this will be better to do on my own.

Start with...

Pool Care Basics Archives

Your one-stop shop for all things TFP to include: ABCs of Water Chemistry, Recommended Chemicals/Levels, Test Kits, Troubleshooting, and much more!

www.troublefreepool.com

3. Any recommendations for testing kits or are some suggestions in the pool school pages?

Taylor K-2006C or TFT Test Kits

Swimming Pool Test Kits Compared

What pool test kit should I buy? Why shouldn't I use test strips? Our recommended test kits will pay for themselves in no time!

www.troublefreepool.com

4. Any other recommendations for a pool newbie. I have somewhat of a technical background so not scared to jump in just know there is lots of not good information out in the world and the best I have found on equipment and controls has been this site hands down.

Download PoolMath

Table of Contents

List View Pool Care basics Algae Pool Equipment How To Pool Construction Miscellaneous

www.troublefreepool.com

Further Reading

www.troublefreepool.com

 

[Texas Splash]

As noted above, be sure to get yourself a TF-100 or an other of the TF-Series kits from their site. You won't be disappointed. Bookmark and stay close to the Pool Care Basics page for everything you need to know. Start there and you'll in a good position to manage your pool. Enjoy the forum.

 

[Fpppool]

Emails your county clerk and ask for all the permits and documents available for your property. With a bit of luck youll find the details of the pool there.

 

[mgtfp]

3. Uses chlorine tabs and has a Pentair tab feeder installed in the piping after heater.

Welcome to TFP.

Just one thing to add: Chlorine tabs are not suitable for constant use as they add CYA to the water. They can be used when deliberately increasing CYA, or as a way of adding chlorine while on vacation.

But for daily use, liquid chlorine should be used. Or a Salt Water Chlorine Generator.