New to Pool Ownership, have some questions

[albrightc25]

Hey TFP'ers!

Just moved in to a house with a pool (details and equipment in signature). This is my first time owning a pool, and I want to maintain it myself and do it right, hence why I am here!

I have PoolMath installed and set up, and a TF test kit already on it's way in the mail. In the meantime though, I took a water sample to Leslie's to have it tested as a baseline. Here's the results:

FC: 0.18
pH: 8.1
TA: 80
CH: 206
CYA: 55

Temp: 90F
CSI: 0.32

As far as chemicals, I have 2 jugs of 20 Baume 31.45% and that's it at the moment. Would need to buy any other chemicals needed.

Questions that I have:
1.) what order should I remediate these in? Should I do pH first and then tackle the others?
2.) I measured my pool the best I could and estimated the volume to be 27k gallons. Is there a way to fine-tune this number as I go, perhaps using test results?
3.) Looks like the previous owner was using the Chlorine pucks. If I want to switch to liquid chlorine, should I do that after I get all of my levels remediated?

Thanks in advance for the help, I'm sure this is not the last time I will have questions!

Pool pic:

 

[Texas Splash]

Welcome to TFP! Congrats on the new oasis. Here's what I would do while waiting for the test kit to arrive:
1 - Using the PoolMath APP's "Effects of Adding" section, add 5-6 ppm of liquid chlorine. Then for each day until the test kit arrives, add another 4 ppm.
2 - Add enough muriatic acid to lower the pH from 8.1 to 7.6.

That's all for now. Once you get the kit, you can be assured to have accurate results and a good game plan moving forward. Hope that helps. Enjoy the weekend.

 

[Texas Splash]

No more pucks. Save them for later (ie.. vacations). You can add the liquid chlorine now by pouring slowly near the return jets with water moving well. About 5 - 10 minutes later you can do the same with the muriatic acid with water moving well.

 

[albrightc25]

Hey Splash! Sounds like a plan, thanks! Will report back with results . Sounds like I need to go acquire some liquid chlorine at Walmart

 

[albrightc25]

Update:
- Liquid Chlorine acquired!
- Chlorine puck floatie removed from pool
- Added 1.5 Gal LC (about 5.5ppm according to PoolMath)
- Added 3 cups muriatic acid

Test kit shows Monday delivery - should I have Leslie's test 1 more time over the weekend, or just wait until Monday?

 

[mknauss]

just wait until Monday?

That will work. Your test kit.

 

[cdadams1223]

Test kit shows Monday delivery - should I have Leslie's test 1 more time over the weekend, or just wait until Monday?

Since I’ve had my TF-Pro Salt kit I haven’t darkened Leslie’s door…not even once. I buy my LC at Walmart, salt at Lowe’s, and MA either at Lowe’s or Home Depot.

Congrats on the pool by the way and when your kit arrives post up your results, including combined chlorine or CC.

 

[BDY]

Welcome! This forum is great! It takes a bit like learning to ride a bike to get on the TFP method but once on it it’s mental muscle memory…

 

[albrightc25]

Congrats on the pool by the way and when your kit arrives post up your results, including combined chlorine or CC.

Thanks a bunch! I will definitely post test results next week

The Walmart LC seems like the cheapest around me at the moment....good to know that Lowe's and Home Depot have MA - will keep those on my supply list!

Welcome! This forum is great! It takes a bit like learning to ride a bike to get on the TFP method but once on it it’s mental muscle memory…

I honestly think I will really enjoy the routine of it - I like to nerd out on this kind of stuff

 

[BDY]

Ps - for being in TX, seriously consider a SWG if it’s doable for you and if you have a variable pump

Salt Water Chlorine Generators

Salt Water Generators are designed to produce small amounts of chlorine continuously. This is perfect for day to day use and reduces work for the homeowner.

www.troublefreepool.com

 

[cdadams1223]

Ps - for being in TX, seriously consider a SWG if it’s doable for you and if you have a variable pump

Salt Water Chlorine Generators

Salt Water Generators are designed to produce small amounts of chlorine continuously. This is perfect for day to day use and reduces work for the homeowner.

www.troublefreepool.com

I can attest to this as well. Albright, I'm not too far from you...I'm in Forney just 20 minutes east of Dallas. We know how hot this Texas sun is LOL! It will absolutely zap your FC if your CYA levels are not up to par. The benefit of a saltwater generator (SWG) is it turns pool salt into available or free chlorine, reducing your need to add liquid chlorine (LC). I occasionally have to add LC because my SWG does the brunt of the work. If you have any questions just ask away.

 

[albrightc25]

Got it, makes sense - I think in the near term I will be needing to replace the concrete pads under the current equipment, so maybe that would be a good time to consider installing a SWG into the setup

 

[albrightc25]

TF Pro kit arrived! Holy moly it's so nice!

Here's tonight's test results:

FC: 3.5
CC: 0
pH: 7.7
TA: 90
CH: 275
CYA: 30
CSI: 0.17
Temp: 90F

TA, CH, and CYA are outside the ideal range, but overall ok. Is there any remediation to do? Safe to swim?

 

[cdadams1223]

TF Pro kit arrived! Holy moly it's so nice!

Here's tonight's test results:

FC: 3.5
CC: 0
pH: 7.7
TA: 90
CH: 275
CYA: 30
CSI: 0.17
Temp: 90F

TA, CH, and CYA are outside the ideal range, but overall ok. Is there any remediation to do? Safe to swim?

Safe to swim? Yes. Being in Texas though I'd keep my FC up close to 6ppm to be safe. Per the FC/CYA Levels your ABSOLUTE minimum is 2. Don't ever toy with it close to 2. That means things start growing LOL! Keep it up close to 6 as mentioned. You're safe to swim at 40% of your CYA (SLAM level) which is a FC of 12ppm. And yes, for a plaster pool, your CH is a little low. Also, I'd go ahead and get your CYA up between 60-80 with in this Texas heat. You'll have to make sure your FC levels jive with that CYA level though. Jump in and have fun!

 

[cdadams1223]

I meant to add this earlier but if you feel like you've received good advice on this forum please feel free to support TFP with a donation. These guys/gals hooked me up when I first came aboard and you have to option of being a bronze, silver, or gold supporter. Become a TFP Supporter

 

[SoCalTFP]

First it might not be a bad idea for an OCLT test just to validate no algae/organics. I don’t see any reason to think you do but if you needed to SLAM it’s easier at 30 CYA.

Then bump up CYA to 60. Split up the doses since it requires draining if you overshoot it. Then maintain FC near the top end based on CYA. The sock method is recommended, I’m lazy and dump in the skimmer basket with no negatives though.

Everything else looks good! Just keep testing and dosing everything as needed, Poolmath makes everything simple when your chemistry is good.

 

[albrightc25]

First it might not be a bad idea for an OCLT test just to validate no algae/organics. I don’t see any reason to think you do but if you needed to SLAM it’s easier at 30 CYA.

Just did this test over last night, I think all looks good. Recorded a ~1ppm drop in FC between 8:30pm and 7:30am.

The plan today is to start raising the CYA, going to target 45 to make sure I don't overshoot. Dry Stabilizer in a sock in the skimmer basket is the recommended method, correct?

 

[BDY]

They recommend hanging the sock in front of a return and then squishing it out every few hours. Only hang in skimmer if pump is running continuously and/or a small amount