New to TFP - High CYA & algae spots

[Abicio]

Hi there! I am new to TFP and completed Pool School while waiting for my TF-Pro Test Kit to arrive. It came in yesterday. This pool is new to me (1.5 months) and had been maintained by the previous owner. Prior to being directed to TFP, I was using Leslie's testing and chlorine tabs and shock.

Here are my results:

pH = 7.5​

Calcium = 575​

Alkalinity = 160​

CYA = 160​

FC = 0​

There was obvious algae when I took possession of the pool and keeping it chlorinated has been a beast. I recently switched to liquid chlorine (12.5%). It is now slightly cloudy and fighting tiny algae spots forming. FC of 0 no wonder, yikes! I suspected the high CYA from Leslie's test results and already have an RO treatment scheduled for the 26th.

I was wondering if the group could help me decide what to do until the RO? I'm worried it'll go haywire in the meantime. I'm in AZ, so the water is toasty at 92F.

I also would like the switch to a VS pump and add a SWCG. A local pool install company quoted $5K, but I was considering DIY. I do most of my own home and auto repairs. It's a solid maybe. I haven't spec'ed out equipment, but the quote provided was a 3HP Intelliflo VSF and 40K GAL INTELLICHLOR system. Does timing of this upgrade help or harm me at this point?

Thank you

 

[nobody291]

You're on the path to sanity by finding TFP...welcome!

I was wondering if the group could help me decide what to do until the RO?

For now, just focus on keeping chlorine in the water...between the algae, other organics that might be there, and the intense sun, it might be challenging. But, you should be able to make it to the 26th when you can test using your test kit post-RO.

I also would like the switch to a VS pump and add a SWCG. A local pool install company quoted $5K, but I was considering DIY.

You can definitely do it DIY, plenty of people here have. Spend some of your spare time here reading people's experiences (a link to mine is below) and thinking about the specifics. If your pool is 6200 gallons, you'll have no trouble finding lots of good SWG options (just be sure to get one good for at least 2x or 3x your pool capacity).

Does timing of this upgrade help or harm me at this point?

Neither. Once you get your RO treatment, do a complete set of tests and see where you're at. You'll want to start a SLAM pretty quick to eliminate any remaining algae or other undesirables.

 

[HermanTX]

Welcome to TFP.
So the results above are your own test results? Did you do the dilution test for CYA to get 160ppm?
The main thing to do until your exchange the water is to maintain FC at the 15 to 18 ppm level.

With a 6200 gal pool you only need the IC20 but it is ok to go bigger but it will just be higher cost
The intellifo VSF is a good pump. Do you have any automation? It is not needed but just want clarification.
Installing a new pump and SWCG is not that hard. Many people on this forum have done it. Post a picture of your current pool equipment from different angles.

 

[Abicio]

Thank you nobody291. I'm excited to hit the point of pool sanity. I'll focus on chlorine and be prepared for a SLAM. I'll dive into DIY options for equipment and take a look at your post. Thanks again.

Hi HermanTX. Thank you. The test results were my own. I did have to do the CYA dilution to arrive at 160ppm. Ok great, I'll focus on chlorine. I do not have any automation. There is only a timer on the pump. Oh, I also have the pop ups. I should add that to my signature. Here are the photos:

 

[nobody291]

This might be obvious and I've never done an RO treatment, but it would be nice to sharp-shoot it so that you still have the "right" amount of CYA and/or CH in the water when it finishes. You'll want at least a CYA of 30 and CH of 250. If either goes below, you'll want/need to increase them afterward.

 

[Abicio]

This might be obvious and I've never done an RO treatment, but it would be nice to sharp-shoot it so that you still have the "right" amount of CYA and/or CH in the water when it finishes. You'll want at least a CYA of 30 and CH of 250. If either goes below, you'll want/need to increase them afterward.

That would be pretty wicked. I’ll ask if it’s possible.

 

[V___25]

FWIW, if you're handy you can definitely do your own SWG and VS pump. There are tons of people here who will help you along the way if you need it.