New pool owner in Canada

[depassp]

You could. We do know that chlorine is more effective at low pH. But not drastically. High pH is only an issue if you are in the scaling tendency range. Watch for scale.

In that case, would it makes sense to just add some pH reducer now?

How do I "watch for scale"?

 

[mknauss]

Scale will typically start at the water line. So if you see white deposits, that is scale.

I would not add chemicals without proper testing.

 

[depassp]

Well, it failed the OCLT. FC dropped to 18ppm. I thought with such a change in water clarity that it was done. Algae are sneaky.

Is it possible to save on reagents by doing the FAS-DPD test with 10mL pool water mixed with 30mL chlorine-free water? So now to get the final ppm I would multiply the number of drops by 2 (4*0.5)?

 

[mknauss]

Error will get pretty high.

 

[Poolzzz]

Use 5ml pool sample (instead of 10ml). Each drop will now be 1 ppm. Saves on reagents when you don't need the accuracy.

 

[bmoreswim]

Question for @mknauss: If the OP wants an alternate way to test for pH (understanding that scale is the only real issue). Is it feasible to take a bucket of water from the pool, leave it in the sun to reduce FC to 10 or less, then test for pH? Same water but FC naturally reduced.

Edit: I just saw your post 20 mentioning to not bother as well except for scale, but just curious.

 

[mknauss]

Question for @mknauss: If the OP wants an alternate way to test for pH (understanding that scale is the only real issue). Is it feasible to take a bucket of water from the pool, leave it in the sun to reduce FC to 10 or less, then test for pH? Same water but FC naturally reduced.

Edit: I just saw your post 20 mentioning to not bother as well except for scale, but just curious.

hmm --- can try it.
If you are quick in reading the pH value. Real quick. It normally is pretty accurate the first couple seconds after adding the reagent. Then it darkens.

 

[bmoreswim]

hmm --- can try it.
If you are quick in reading the pH value. Real quick. It normally is pretty accurate the first couple seconds after adding the reagent. Then it darkens.

Video it on your phone right after shaking. Then you can look at any color progression.

 

[LFrankow]

You can buy Taylor kits and refills on amazon.ca now

 

[Poolzzz]

You can buy Taylor kits and refills on amazon.ca now

You always could, the issue is price.

 

[depassp]

Use 5ml pool sample (instead of 10ml). Each drop will now be 1 ppm. Saves on reagents when you don't need the accuracy.

That works too. I figured it would be harder to work with such a small volume.

Would the method I suggested also work to save even more (4 times fewer) reagent?

 

[mknauss]

Would the method I suggested also work to save even more (4 times fewer) reagent?

Error will get pretty high

 

[depassp]

Error will get pretty high

Yes. I understand that the error of the test is +/- 1 drop and should scale linearly. So the normal method error is +/- 0.5ppm. Testing with 5mL would be +/- 1ppm and testing with diluted 40mL would be +/- 2ppm.

+/- 2ppm at the shock level I'm expecting (20ppm) is 10%

Is my math correct?

My understanding is that precision necessary for the OCLT. For maintaining shock levels for the SLAM, 10% error should be fine, correct?

 

[depassp]

After almost 2 weeks of SLAMming, my pool has finally passed the OCLT. I've gone to mustard shock level. I know it's probably not necessary but since I'm already close figured it can't hurt.

I'm bothered by the fact that I continue to get what I think is dead algae on the bottom. I've been vacuuming almost every other day and have cleaned by filter 3 times now.

I've taken the lights out and scrubbed inside the hole. I've scrubbed the light housings. I still haven't put the ladder in so no opportunity for algae there.

Will that ever stop? Is that normal? Is there a problem? Is there anything I can do prevent it?

 

[mknauss]

Is your water this clear?
TFP Clear in North Dallas - there is water in there

 

[depassp]

Is your water this clear?
TFP Clear in North Dallas - there is water in there

Yes. See pics. A few rocks fell in as I used them to help place the leaf cover over the winter. I couldn't see the one in the deep end when I started the SLAM.

I vacuumed last night at 1030PM and the black spots are back now at 1230PM

It can't be black algae because the pool is vinyl, right?

 

[mknauss]

It is dead algae. With a cartridge filter, you should be capturing it easily.

 

[depassp]

It is dead algae. With a cartridge filter, you should be capturing it easily.

Yes that's what I thought but I've been brushing every day and vacuuming every other day. It keeps coming back

 

[mknauss]

Any hiding places for algae? Check skimmer, weir door, a light?

 

[depassp]

Any hiding places for algae? Check skimmer, weir door, a light?

I've taken the lights out and scrubbed inside the hole. I've scrubbed the light housings. I still haven't put the ladder in so no opportunity for algae there.

Is it normal to have algae continually dying?

My understanding is that once it's all dead (passes OCLT) that should be it, no?