New to Pool Chemistry

[Ozzsp250]

I used my new just received TF-100 test kit today and know are trying to use pool math to correct chemical pool imbalance and need advice on using pool math or the app but I'm digitally challenge.

My results:

FC 1.5
CC 0.5
PH 8.5
TA 250
CH 250
CYA 60
Water temp is 74F

My pool/Spa combo is about 17500 gals

 

[Texas Splash]

but I'm digitally challenge

Bwaahaahaaa! Okay, no worries. Is this a non-salt pool? No algae I hope? Your pH is too high, so use some muriatic acid to lower that right away. Use a target pH of about 7.8, then re-test in about 30 minutes. A few minutes after adding the first dose of acid (mixed well in the water), add some chlorine to increase the FC. You need that FC up to around 6-8 or so. Always compare your FC to your CYA as noted on the FC/CYA Levels. Now if you have algae, let us know. That would change some things. The link below is golden and will always help you.

Pool Care Basics Archives

Your one-stop shop for all things TFP to include: ABCs of Water Chemistry, Recommended Chemicals/Levels, Test Kits, Troubleshooting, and much more!

www.troublefreepool.com

 

[Texas Splash]

Are you sure about the TA? Seems odd to be that high in your area. I would double check that one with the link below. If you have a new TF-100, wipe the tips of the R-0008 and R-0009 a few times because they can have some static on them influencing the droplet size.

Total Alkalinity

A drop-based test used to measure the alkalinity in water. Alkalinity helps serve as a … Read more…

www.troublefreepool.com

 

[Plefasu]

If you want to use pool math to figure out how much to add you first need to input your pool details using the settings gear at the top right. Then you can tap on the individual tiles and input your result and your target and it will tell you how much of what to add. There is also an "Effect of adding" option by clicking on the top left(three horizontal bars) that I have found very useful.

 

[Ozzsp250]

It is a salt pool using a IC40 salt generator. No algae at this time but I notice white flakes on the steps where the pool cleaner doesn't access. I should have noted salt is 3100 ppm

 

[Texas Splash]

The flakes might be calcium coming off the SWG. But still lower the pH a bit and increase the FC. Let us know about that TA when you get a chance.

 

[Ozzsp250]

Just taken readings after adding 1 gal muriatic acid and chlorine allowing the pool to run overnight through its normal cycle.

FC 6-7
CC 0
PH 7.9
TA 220
CH 375
CYA 65
Salt 3100
Water temp is 74F

So the TA is still very high, I repeated this test with same result.

 

[mknauss]

Lowering the TA is a process.
See Lower Total Alkalinity - Trouble Free Pool

Your fill water TA is about 130 ppm. So you need to add acid on a regular basis (once or twice a week) during the times of high evaporation to lower the pH and the TA.