New pool owner - test results

wscanl01

New member
May 24, 2025
3
new canaan, ct
Bought a house with a pool last summer. It was in good shape when I moved in and just maintained chlorine last year with no issues.
Had the pool opened this spring and got the water tested.
PH is high and calcium hardness is low. Any suggestions on amount of acid needed and what exact chemicals you would use are appreciated

Photo with test results here. Thank you
 

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PH is high and calcium hardness is low. Any suggestions on amount of acid needed and what exact chemicals you would use are appreciated
Welcome to TFP!!! :shark:

Is your pool cloudy/hazy?
Here is what I would recommend:
  1. Get a proper test kit. Here are the ones we recommend. Link--> Test Kits Compared
    1. Why? 1) pool store testing is not accurate. If we make recommendations on pool store testing, we can do more harm than good. 2) you need the kit to follow the SLAM process and clear your pool.
    2. Add 5ppm of liquid chlorine per day until the kit arrives. Nothing else.
    3. When the kit arrives, post a full set of results here, and start the SLAM process to clear the pool. Link-->SLAM Process
You Got This Good Luck Today GIF by MOODMAN
 
Welcome to TFP!!! :shark:

Is your pool cloudy/hazy?
Here is what I would recommend:
  1. Get a proper test kit. Here are the ones we recommend. Link--> Test Kits Compared
    1. Why? 1) pool store testing is not accurate. If we make recommendations on pool store testing, we can do more harm than good. 2) you need the kit to follow the SLAM process and clear your pool.
    2. Add 5ppm of liquid chlorine per day until the kit arrives. Nothing else.
    3. When the kit arrives, post a full set of results here, and start the SLAM process to clear the pool. Link-->SLAM Process
You Got This Good Luck Today GIF by MOODMAN
Thanks. My pool was shocked last week when opened. It is not cloudy or any signs of algae.
I will order a test kit, but assuming these results are accurate can we discuss what would be needed?
If the pool was just shocked and is clear I don’t think a slam is necessary?

Thank you
 
I will order a test kit, but assuming these results are accurate can we discuss what would be needed?
ONLY, if you promise NOT to take any of the steps until your kit arrives. Deal?

If you promise, then tell me what type of pool you have...plaster, vinyl, or Fiberglass (FG)?
If you have a FG pool, do you have a tile line?
Do you have a saltwater chlorine generator?
Do you have a heater?
If the pool was just shocked and is clear I don’t think a slam is necessary?
It was noted on your test report that it was cloudy/hazy? Why would they mark that if you didn't tell them that? Weird. P@@l [email protected] figure.
When you kit arrives, do this test, it will tell us if you have algae, even if you can't see it. Link-->Overnight Chlorine Loss Test
 
  1. CYA and FC are ALWAYS the most important. A CYA of 50 is just fine, but you need to get chlorine up. Use liquid chlorine. Always follow this: Link-->FC/CYA Levels
  2. Download Pool Math. Use the same username/pword as TFP, configure your pool and enable sharing. It will help you with how much of each chemical to add. Link-->PoolMath
  3. You will want to lower your pH in .4 increments. Add enough muriatic acid to lower pH 0.4, pump running. Test after 30 minutes. If you need to lower it again, then add again. I would shoot for 7.8, which would be just fine.
  4. You want your Calcium to be 250, this will protect your plaster. This is the one chemical I buy from the pool store for purity. I would add it in a few batches over a few days.
  5. Test your fill water for TA, CH, and pH.
 
I will order a test kit, but assuming these results are accurate can we discuss what would be needed?
You know what they say about assuming.....

Just add 3-5 ppm of liquid chlorine to your pool daily until you get your test kit and can provide results from it.

Here's a link to the extended test kit directions foryou to review so you're ready when the kit arrives.

Tell us a bit more about your pool by completely your signature with information on your pool, all pool equipment (include manufaturers and model numbers) and test kit.