New pool owner in TX

[AlexD_Satx]

Hello all,
Recently purchased a house in San Antonio which came with a pool. I have no experience whatsoever so this site is a godsend.
We have a pool care company guys coming weekly but I am not sure if they are doing a good job. I have purchased a kit, tested, and the numbers are way off from recommended. Also, mustard algae seems to be growing and thriving despite my daily care.

 

[Texas Splash]

Welcome to TFP! Hang on to your hat. Its' a bit windy today. Be sure to bookmark our Pool Care Basics for lots of great info.

Pro Tip: Test your own water with a TF-100/series or Taylor K-2006C test kit. Drop the expensive pool service. You can do it on your own - better and cheaper.

 

[AlexD_Satx]

Thank you Pat! I am very much tempted to drop them, but since it all is very new to me I am bit wary to drop them yet. I do have TF-100 (followed recommendations on TFP!)

 

[dereksanders]

What are your full panel levels?

The experts need to see your full test results from an recommended test kits before they can provide any recommendations.

FC
CC
pH
TA
CH
CYA

I think I listed them all.

 

[AlexD_Satx]

Here are the numbers from yesterday-
FC 12.5 ppm
CC 1 ppm
pH 8.47
TA 150
CH 350 ppm
CYA 100+
Thanks!

 

[Texas Splash]

Here are the numbers from yesterday-
FC 12.5 ppm
CC 1 ppm
pH 8.47
TA 150
CH 350 ppm
CYA 100+
Thanks!

If those are from your own TF-100 (except the pH - meter perhaps), the CYA is your trouble item right now. Much too high which requires an exceptionally high FC to keep up as noted on the FC/CYA Levels. Your CC is also elevated which signals trouble. That and the fact you seem to see algae in spots means a SLAM Process will be required to kill the algae once and for all.

But first the CYA needs to be lowered with a partial water exchange. You need the CYA down to between 30-50 to effectively perform the SLAM. Also, if there are tablets in use, pull them out right away as they add stabilizer (CYA). Stick to liquid chlorine.

Not sure about this weird weather. If we could count on rain, I'd recommend lowering the water level a bit and letting the rain fill it p for free. That would lower your CYA a bit.

 

[AlexD_Satx]

Pat, thank you for your help! I have also got similar results and suggestions when I put my numbers into theTFP calculator. It’s recommended to replace 60% of the pool water with fresh one. Not looking forward to my future water bill
Now, I have a question, which is probably going to sound very stupid - how do people drain pools? I did a search and it appears that I may need a submerged pump, is that right? Or can the pool pump be used? The valve adjacent to the filter has three positions, Filter, Backwash, and Waste. Would switching to Waste and running the pump drain the pool, or is it something irrelevant? Sorry, I am still learning.
Thanks!

 

[Texas Splash]

how do people drain pools?

You have the right idea - any of the above methods can work. Some are more efficient than others. I'll place a link below with more info. Some people don't like to rely on the main pump for too long (pumping to WASTE) in fear it places too much stress on the motor, but if you aren't in a hurry and have a main drain to pull water from (low speed) reliably, it's an option. Still, some people like the efficiency of a sump pump which can really move water fast. That is probably the most common method.

Draining - Further Reading

www.troublefreepool.com

 

[AlexD_Satx]

Thank you very much, really appreciate your help!

 

[OMGBaby!]

I’m pretty new to this and just (rather successfully) did a partial drain of our pool to lower high CYA. I was nervous about running the pool pump during the process, due to my insecurity about accidentally damaging it, so we primarily used the same submersible pump we use to flush our tankless hot water heater attached to a long hose going away from the house. The submersible pump alone was rather slow (5gal/minute) so we ran our pool pump to put water into our elevated spa a few times and drained from there using the old-school siphon method. All-in-all it was about 12 hours of pumping & 12 of refilling (2 hoses running to refill). It’s definitely doable with a little equipment & patience. Good luck!!