New to inground pools

[DorsalSpine]

My biggest eye-opener was just how easy it was to maintain a pool once you understood the chemistry. After the money I paid for the pool I'd have sprung for the test kit without thinking about it twice if someone would have bothered to explain it all to me. Of course then they couldn't have sold me all the Crud I didn't need for all those years.

 

[LoneWolfArcher]

FYI, Taylor K-2006 ordered and on the way. Can't do OTO chlorine, but had to go with a $55 option for now. Once old house sells I can upgrade again!

 

[DorsalSpine]

You want to do the FAS-DPD test for chlorine. It's was more accurate than the OTO. I believe the K-2006 has the FAS test. The K-2006c version has bigger bottles of reagents but it's considerably more expensive.

 

[kimkats]

You ordered the correct kit! The OTO is really more of "these is some chlorine in the water" kind of test. Most don't bother even using it!

Kim

 

[LoneWolfArcher]

Thanks, so I tried removing my filter cartridge and setting my valves to drain so I could vacuum to waste (I don't have a setting like that normally). However, I couldn't get vacuum suction that way. The only way I could was to open at least one of the inlets. But when I did I could see the dead algae blowing back into the pool. That old cartridge is toast. Which is why the pool isn't more clear at this point.

The new cartridge is supposed to arrive tomorrow. I can't wait to get it.

 

[kimkats]

Do you know about skimmer shocks or such? You can even put a t-shirt in the skimmer basket to help catch some of the waste before it gets to the filter. Just make sure the water can pass through it.

Kim

 

[LoneWolfArcher]

Do you know about skimmer shocks or such? You can even put a t-shirt in the skimmer basket to help catch some of the waste before it gets to the filter. Just make sure the water can pass through it.

Kim

Yes, I am going to pick some of those up. I think those are a great idea. Unfortunately this dead algae is like powder. So I am not sure the skimmer socks would pick up much of it.

 

[LoneWolfArcher]

I was wrong about price. 12.5% strength chlorine is $3.99 at Menards. That's $4.23/gallon with tax. A little more pricey than I thought, but still worth it since it is a lot less work.

 

[kimkats]

That does change the math some. Hurry up old house!!!! SELL!!!!

 

[LoneWolfArcher]

That does change the math some. Hurry up old house!!!! SELL!!!!

LOL! Thank you Kim! Appreciate that. And for the help you've provided.

 

[LoneWolfArcher]

Okay. New filter cartridge in. Filter running. All dead algae vacuumed off of bottom.
Full testing done:

OTO 6
pH 7.2
TA 100
CH 160
CYA 120

When I get my good test kit I'll be able to do FC.

Currently putting in a gallon of chlorine in morning and one at night.

 

[kimkats]

How does the water look now?

Kim

 

[LoneWolfArcher]

How does the water look now?

Kim

Still cloudy. And some of the dead algae got stirred up and had settled again. So I'll be vacuuming again tomorrow.

 

[kimkats]

How about sharing a pic so I can see what you are seeing.

 

[LoneWolfArcher]

Okay will do.

I am going to SLAM as soon as I get the test kit for FC.

It is looking clearer, I can see further in to the deep end every day.

 

[LoneWolfArcher]

Also, read another tip to check the bottling date on teh chlorine. 4/22/2019, so I am feeling confident that it is at or near full strength.

 

[LoneWolfArcher]

 

[LoneWolfArcher]

Good news, t-storms coming through. I'll have to drain off some more water. My CYA is going down a little!

 

[kimkats]

You are well on the way to a clear pool!!! That color looks like it is the filters turn to step up and do the work!!

Kim

 

[LoneWolfArcher]

You are well on the way to a clear pool!!! That color looks like it is the filters turn to step up and do the work!!

Kim

Great. Any thoughts on how long it should take?