New pool start up questions..

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JessB412

JessB412

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Aug 17, 2018
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Mars Hill, NC (western NC near Asheville)
JessB412 said:
Is the INYO pool discount a 1 time thing or reusable? Debating what to use it for...
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Just to clarify - I'm a first time pool owner and pool is being finished this week (hopefully - I've been in a 6 mo. building nightmare) and b/c I'm on my 3rd builder there is nothing typical about my build including I need to buy separately ALL start up chemicals, brushes, etc. Attempting to figure out where the cheapest place is to buy chemicals and such. Solar cover and safety, etc.
 
The only chemicals you need off the bat will be CYA (stabiizer) and liquid chlorine, and a GOOD test kit. (hint hint--> TF-100)
You can buy the chemicals at Lowes or Walmart. The test kit I like is available at tftestkits.net and they offer a "bundle" of equipment you can look at.

A long pole which you attach your brush or net to is necessary. The net and brush themselves are interchangeable on the pole. Also available at Lowes and Walmart.

Will you be manually vacuuming or obtain a robot?

Maddie :flower:
 
YippeeSkippy said:
The only chemicals you need off the bat will be CYA (stabiizer) and liquid chlorine, and a GOOD test kit. (hint hint--> TF-100)
You can buy the chemicals at Lowes or Walmart. The test kit I like is available at tftestkits.net and they offer a "bundle" of equipment you can look at.

A long pole which you attach your brush or net to is necessary. The net and brush themselves are interchangeable on the pole. Also available at Lowes and Walmart.

Will you be manually vacuuming or obtain a robot?

Maddie :flower:
Click to expand...

Thanks for the response! I planned on buying the test kit off of TF-100 -- I'll also have a SWG system so I think that means I need the K1766 also correct?

Any particular brush the best? I see they have the "whale" brush and a few others. I plan on buying a robot for next season (that's a whole more research - any suggestions?). Basically almost as soon as pool is finished we will have one week to admire it and get chemicals balanced and we are going to schedule closing in October and have a safety cover installed.

Safety cover - The person I contacted strongly suggested solid w/ a pump over mesh if I want an easy opening. She also recommended Loop Loc (of course probably the most expensive out there), but is willing to install any brand if I choose to buy something else.

So much to think about! Chemical balancing is my biggest concern right now though and what exactly to buy off of the TF site.
 
Yes, the salt system test is K-1766 Salt Test.
I know folks rave about the Whale brush.... I only have a knock off version. Its ok but I wish I'd gotten the actual Wanda the Whale (or whatever its called) instead.
I would not worry about adding the salt now unless you don't want to/can't store it and it is already on site. You could wait till next spring when you open the pool up.
Seeing as the pool will only be open a week I would add liquid chlorine, and I would put either the granular CYA in hosiery and hope for a fast dissolving or use Liquid Stabilizer (CYA) instead. The liquid is obviously more costly but once poured in its done. What I *don't* want to happen is for you to have undissolved CYA sitting in the pool when you go to close it. When you put it in hosiery it seems to go faster,
squeeze it often.
We don't normally recommend this but some choose to add Polyquat 60 algaecide to the pools on closing. Since yours will only be open a week I wonder if that might be a good idea for you. Your call. It has to be Polyquat 60 type if you do....NOTHING with copper please.
Maddie :flower:
 
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The whale brush is superb but it's only as good as the person using it otherwise it's as good as any other brush if it just sits on the floor somewhere ;). Get theTF-100 from TF-100 Test Kit ™ including K-1766 as it'll be as fresh as it gets contrary to other sites that have it on the shelf for a while. Also if the pocket allows it SPEEDSTIR MAGNETIC STIRRER and you're all set. For robotic cleaners this one has great review. Has a large and easy to empty filter basket. You definitely want to close the pool as clean as possible that makes much easier next season. Get a jump on whatever cover you go with because once the leaves start coming down they find a way into the pool.
 
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Thank you all for the responses! I ordered the TF-100 bundle with speed stir, angel basket thing, whale brush, Salt test, and I think even the "practice" sample water. The people installing safety cover said to add salt now before closing. I will look into the Polyquat 60.

So I know I need to start
Baking soda - 15lb bag as Sams seems to be the cheapest
www.samsclub.com

Arm & Hammer Pure Baking Soda (15 lbs.) - Sam's Club

Buy Arm & Hammer Pure Baking Soda (15 lbs.) : Baking Soda, Powder & Yeast at SamsClub.com
www.samsclub.com www.samsclub.com

Liquid Chlorine - HDX is the highest chlorine i've found at 10% and seems to be the cheapest around $3.40/gal?
HDX 128 oz. Chlorinating Liquid (3-Pack)-30128HDX - The Home Depot

Muriatic Acid - Home depot at $5.50/gal
www.homedepot.com

HDX 1 Gal. Muriatic Acid Balancer (2-Pack) 10031HDX - The Home Depot

HDX 1 Gal. Muriatic Acid (2-Pack) is a powerful pH reducer for your swimming pool. It comes ready to use, with no pre-mixing required. This fast-working chemical helps prevent scaling caused by calcium-based
www.homedepot.com

Water softener salt - hoping something is at Home depot - site is being glitchy right now

Any idea how much of each I'll need to buy to start a new pool? I have read on here you dont want chemical sitting around losing effectiveness so I want to hopefully get close to what I need now and then restock in spring when it's being used regularly.

I will post pics of build soon - liner is going in within the next 4 days FINALLY!!!!! How long does it usually take to get chemicals balanced? (aka fill with hose (town water) to swimming) I do plan on using my heater to get a couple swimming days in :)
 

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Don't bother buying Baking Soda... you might not need it. Just buy it when and if you actually need it.

When you test kit arrives test your fill water (aka pool water if its in the new pool or just the water from the tap if that's where your pool water will come from) to get your "Baseline" chemistry. Don't bother doing the CYA test as there will never be CYA in fresh water. Once you know your baseline chem levels, enter them into PoolMath. Either use the classic web version found at the bottom of this site or the App for your phone (which also saves logs). WHen you use PoolMath you'll have to know a close estimate of your pools volume. If you don't know, there is a helpful formula included at the bottom of PoolMath. Also while at the bottom of that page declare to the program you want to use the "Troublefree.com" method, that your pool is vinyl and you'll be using "liquid chlorine" or "bleach" (at first). The program will guide you with suggest ranges of chemicals levels and how much to add.

If I've confused you...holla!

Maddie :flower:
 
YippeeSkippy said:
Don't bother buying Baking Soda... you might not need it. Just buy it when and if you actually need it.

When you test kit arrives test your fill water (aka pool water if its in the new pool or just the water from the tap if that's where your pool water will come from) to get your "Baseline" chemistry. Don't bother doing the CYA test as there will never be CYA in fresh water. Once you know your baseline chem levels, enter them into PoolMath. Either use the classic web version found at the bottom of this site or the App for your phone (which also saves logs). WHen you use PoolMath you'll have to know a close estimate of your pools volume. If you don't know, there is a helpful formula included at the bottom of PoolMath. Also while at the bottom of that page declare to the program you want to use the "Troublefree.com" method, that your pool is vinyl and you'll be using "liquid chlorine" or "bleach" (at first). The program will guide you with suggest ranges of chemicals levels and how much to add.

If I've confused you...holla!

Maddie :flower:
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ALL of that was SO helpful! I am going to go do all of that and if I get stuck I'll beg for more info :)
 
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