Low TA would causw the pH to crash, not rise. I think there's two things going on:
1. Since you're reading pH as above 8.2, you have no idea how high above 8.2 it is. Remember pH is a logarithmic scale not linear, so you may need a lot of acid. Do it in baby steps like you are and it will come down.
2. In the first picture of the thread, why are there bubbles in the pool? Is that the return jet breaking the water's surface? If so, you're aerating the pool, and that is driving the pH up. Point the return jets down so you don't get the frothing.
You can speed up the pH lowering process by testing the pH 1/2 hour after adding the MA, if it needs more adjusting go ahead and add another dose of acid.
Jackpot. pH=7.5, SLAMing starts tomorrow.
One question about the SLAM: If my CYA is truly 0, how worried do I have to be about adding too much bleach? Should I add some stabilizer first to bring my CYA up to at least a measurable level?
Well I tested the pH during lunch and it is still the same, > 8.2.
I ran the pump 5 hours total yesterday and it's been running since 7am CDT this morning. I went ahead and added half (10oz) of the suggested amount (20oz) of MA and I will test again when I get home from work. If it's still high, I will add the remaining 10oz. Any other suggestions? Is the pH just not holding due to the low TA?
On another note, instead of starting a new thread, can anyone ID the equipment needed for a backwash? I think this is the hose, but can anyone ID the other two pieces?
If your CYA is zero, I would add enough stabilizer to get to a CYA level of 30. That will help your SLAM process from burn off from the sun. Don't bother testing for it, just assume it's there as it can take up to week to fully register on a test.
It is a powder but it does go in a sock in the skimmer. Yes, it gives you enough CYA to SLAM. Just assume you calculated your dosage of CYA correctly and don't bother to test for it until you finish the SLAM.normal CYA is a solid and is just placed in a sock in the skimmer. Will that method give me enough CYA right off the bat to start the SLAM?
Keep SLAMMING away at it. If the chlorine drops, bring it back up! You have a very nice pool! Can't wait to see it sparkle!
I think it's also worth mentioning that it's probably a good idea to over shoot your FC shock target a bit, but no higher than mustard shock level. FC will drop from 10 almost immediately with an active algae bloom. This will prevent you from going under shock level as fast if you're not there to monitor and add more chlorine.