TA of 100 is causing the pH rise. Get the TA down to 60-70.

Thanks much! I just finished reading similar in an acid discussion. Pool math calc didn't say anything needed to be adjusted, so I need to reread Poolmath instructions.

I believe this is also a new plaster too.

Yes, it hit 1 month today. So, just watch it or take action?

Also, that TA reading was full testing done several days ago. Today's test ph was lower (it was listed first) since I have added acid twice since then, so TA should be lower already according to Lower Total Alkalinity - Trouble Free Pool

Correct? I'll test again to verify later. ?
 
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New plaster is subject to quick pH rise.. Its a normal part of the curing process It takes several months if not a little more for it to settle down a bit. Lowering the TA might help a little bit, but since your plaster is still curing, you might not see much of an improvement.

The stains are reappearing. I have the CuLator 4.0 in the filter basket. I used 2 pounds of ascorbic acid the first round and 2 qts Jack's blue magic (as sequestrant).

Chlorine has been liquid and kept mid to low. Ph has been jumping high so muriatic acid goes in often.
Water additions have been through a charcoal filter (used for motor homes).

Currently Cl is 2 Ph is 7.2
Full test Friday:
FC 2
Ph 8.2
TA 100
CH 375
CYA 60 (first time testing so could be less)

My plan:
Add 4 pds ascorbic acid when chlorine hits 0
Add 2 qts metal magic
Continue battling ph.

Any recommendations? If I have this much trouble with ph before salt conversion, I dread afterwards.

Thank you!
 
I finally let my beautiful crystal clear water drop to 0 Cl.
Added 16oz of Polyquat 60
Waited 30mins
Added Acid to drop Ph below 7.8
Added Jack's filter fiber stuff (probably not enough, but my thought was to let it get the sand as clean as possible before this second go)
After a couple of hours, backwashed, it was mostly just white cloudy
Added 4# of Ascorbic Acid this time
Put in new fill hose with dual filters
(Will link if allowed)
Left it on recirculate for a few hours
My stain was lighter, but not gone this time. ?‍♀️

?Theory, hubs put the ascorbic acid outside to keep the cat from chewing the bag. TX heat weakens it, so even though I doubled my dose, it worked half as well.

I reset to filter. Added 64oz Metal Magic and after pondering for a while added 32oz Metal Out (the second because more is better right? And I want them out, and I had it.)

It was cloudy, but I could still see all the steps, just not the bottom drains. I left it overnight to do the work.

By noon the stains are gone except where I know they are, if that makes sense (like the CYA test).

Current chems
Cl 0
Ph 6.8
TA 40 (this is why I didn't want to drop it before)
CA 300
CYA 80 (I struggle with this as it takes my eyes time to focus lol) it could be lower.
The more in the the tube, the lower the reading correct.

I'm going to link the posts that I have read multiple times here.
The polyfil did not work the first time. But it was from the EU and maybe not true polyfil so I'll buy new and add.

CUlator 4 still in filter basket (I consider it a waste, but not harmful and if it catches anything I'll recant)

Currently have hubs "Bellagio" dyi fountain aerating to bring ph up.

AA treatment



Polyfil thread
 
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I finally let my beautiful crystal clear water drop to 0 Cl.
Added 16oz of Polyquat 60
Waited 30mins
Added Acid to drop Ph below 7.8
Added Jack's filter fiber stuff (probably not enough, but my thought was to let it get the sand as clean as possible before this second go)
After a couple of hours, backwashed, it was mostly just white cloudy
Added 4# of Ascorbic Acid this time
Put in new fill hose with dual filters
(Will link if allowed)
Left it on recirculate for a few hours
My stain was lighter, but not gone this time. ?‍♀️

?Theory, hubs put the ascorbic acid outside to keep the cat from chewing the bag. TX heat weakens it, so even though I doubled my dose, it worked half as well.

I reset to filter. Added 64oz Metal Magic and after pondering for a while added 32oz Metal Out (the second because more is better right? And I want them out, and I had it.)

It was cloudy, but I could still see all the steps, just not the bottom drains. I left it overnight to do the work.

By noon the stains are gone except where I know they are, if that makes sense (like the CYA test).

Current chems
Cl 0
Ph 6.8
TA 40 (this is why I didn't want to drop it before)
CA 300
CYA 80 (I struggle with this as it takes my eyes time to focus lol) it could be lower.
The more in the the tube, the lower the reading correct.

I'm going to link the posts that I have read multiple times here.
The polyfil did not work the first time. But it was from the EU and maybe not true polyfil so I'll buy new and add.

CUlator 4 still in filter basket (I consider it a waste, but not harmful and if it catches anything I'll recant)

Currently have hubs "Bellagio" dyi fountain aerating to bring ph up.

AA treatment



Polyfil thread
When I added the jacks and filter fabric after a week my filter was clean and I kind of forgot about it but a month later it was brown with rust . I am debating taking a water sample in for medal testing but I hate going to the pool store ;)
 
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When I added the jacks and filter fabric after a week my filter was clean and I kind of forgot about it but a month later it was brown with rust . I am debating taking a water sample in for medal testing but I hate going to the pool store ;)

I have yet to test for metal, but the initial (and typical green) color of our water indicates it's there. I'll add another slurry of Jack's filter fibre later and watch my pressure. I'd love to see something brown come out somewhere besides the walls. Lol
 
I have yet to test for metal, but the initial (and typical green) color of our water indicates it's there. I'll add another slurry of Jack's filter fibre later and watch my pressure. I'd love to see something brown come out somewhere besides the walls. Lol

I posted a picture here not sure I can find it but it was very dark brown rust looking water coming off. I used jacks purple stuff and a whole back of fiber so hoping i got most out.

This isnt mine but it looked like this
112137
 
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I posted a picture here not sure I can find it but it was very dark brown rust looking water coming off. I used jacks purple stuff and a whole back of fiber so hoping i got most out.

This isnt mine but it looked like this
View attachment 112137

Ha, you got a lot. I used maybe a quarter cup of the Jack's filter fiber (it said 3 oz) I was being cautious. I'll go heavier next time.
 
I have given up on the stains for now.
We were converted to salt last Friday, the pool guy was supposed to replace the pump. He said it would be 2k to replace with variable speed and no warranty. ?‍♀️?‍♀️?‍♀️

Otherwise, he saw no issue with our noisy whisperflo. (PB promised to swap it out). Pool guy put in the salt cell with no salt in, set it to 20% and left. PB dropped off 6 bags of salt in the driveway later that day.

I'm so frustrated with this guy, and no recourse. Now, I need help figuring out how this thing is wired, how I can program it etc. Our electric usage doubled from last year and we have been keeping the ac higher to hopefully offset the pump some...

My water looks great though!

Since ph has been a battle, I'm ready to try boric acid. It was down to 6.8, but is up to 7.8 now and creeping I'm sure.

Last full test:
July26
Free ChL 3
Cc 0
TC 3
Ch 300
TA 60
Ph 7.2
Cya 60

Only additions between are 80 more lbs of pool salt (PB didn't leave enough to get us over 3k)
And liquid chlorine for swimmers.
 
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You have the K-1766 Taylor Salt Test to check your salt level?

Yes, I just updated above. It was at 3k after that initial dose. First 24 hrs the cell was happy, then it wasn't. So, I tested and added two more bags per calculations. Cell is happy again.

I also took time to measure my pool rather than believe PB "to scale" bid/drawing. It is 2 feet shy in length and width.
?‍♀️
But, I know better how many gallons I really have now.
 
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