I am a 74 year old retiree. I recently purchased a house with a 11 year old pool (~23,000 gallons). I have completely replaced ALL the equipment, pumps (5), filters (2), heaters (2). and Chlorine generator. All are Pentair.
I was getting mixed results getting pool water tested by one Pinch-a-Penny, so I went to another one. Same inconsistent results.
I purchased a German photometric pool water tester (PoolLab 1.0) and started getting consistent results.
My big issue is with achieving a balance of pH & Alkalinity. I understand it is a typical problem. I have been alternately adding Muriatic acid and Sodium Bicarb (Arm & Hammer). I am very close. Current pH: 7.7, Alkalinity:90. I have read Robert Lowry's booklet on pool chemistry. This led to the discovery of adding Boric acid to stabilize pH. However, I understand the EU is dead set against this chemical and the local pool supply stores don't even test for it. I purchased a 55# bucket of Boric acid granules and added about half yesterday. Borate level today is between 20-30 ppm (test strip). According to Lowry's booklet the target borate level should be 50 and not exceeded. I added about another 10# today. I'll test tomorrow.
Looking for experience.
I was getting mixed results getting pool water tested by one Pinch-a-Penny, so I went to another one. Same inconsistent results.
I purchased a German photometric pool water tester (PoolLab 1.0) and started getting consistent results.
My big issue is with achieving a balance of pH & Alkalinity. I understand it is a typical problem. I have been alternately adding Muriatic acid and Sodium Bicarb (Arm & Hammer). I am very close. Current pH: 7.7, Alkalinity:90. I have read Robert Lowry's booklet on pool chemistry. This led to the discovery of adding Boric acid to stabilize pH. However, I understand the EU is dead set against this chemical and the local pool supply stores don't even test for it. I purchased a 55# bucket of Boric acid granules and added about half yesterday. Borate level today is between 20-30 ppm (test strip). According to Lowry's booklet the target borate level should be 50 and not exceeded. I added about another 10# today. I'll test tomorrow.
Looking for experience.