Newly started SW pool/initial test results

[Poolecw]

Hi guys,
Our newly constructed pool was filled last week and our pool builder added salt and chemicals on Saturday (6/06/20). He was supposed to come back Monday to go over how to maintain the pool, equipment, chemistry, etc. However, he hasn't come by yet. No problem though, I have my TF-100, TF-1766, and you guys, so who needs him?

Here is what he added on Saturday:
720 lbs pool salt (24k gal pool)
2 lbs Shock-it 73
4 lbs Stabilizer (with instructions to add 2 lbs more after the 4 lbs has dissolved, which I did yesterday)
1 bottle of Quad-30 Algaecide

Here are my test results as of 6/09

TruClear SWG @ 80%; VS pump at 2200 rpms
FC = 7.0
CC = 0.5
pH = 7.8
TA = 170
CYA = 5 (this is a guess as I can completely fill the test tube up and still see the black dot)
CH = 150
Salt = 10,400

I realize that FC and TA are high and that CYA is extremely low. I"m thinking that the salt level is really high as well.

I'm looking for guidance on what to work on first.

Thanks!

 

[Dtkokay]

I would check the documentation on your SWG for the recommended salt levels, which you should be able to find on the Jandy web site. I have a Jandy Aquapure SWG, and the max recommended salt level is 4,000. If yours is the same, then you would need to drain around 2/3 of your pool water.

BUT I have a feeling you didn't do the salt test correctly. If your pool is truly 24K gallons, then 720 lbs of salt should have put you in the correct salt range. Can you double check the test instructions and do the test again? Did you use a 10 ml sample or a 25 ml sample of water?

Otherwise, I think your numbers are fine except you should get your CYA up to 30. The FC at 7 is more than you need but not a problem, once you get a little more CYA in there.

 

[PoolNewb2020]

If your PB added salt and then you added more, then that number could be right, but I would test again. Is your cell on and producing chlorine?

As for the CYA, 6lbs should put you at 30ppm. How did you add it to the pool, sock method or dumped into the skimmer? If you dumped it into the skimmer, then your CYA is trapped in the filter and will take a while to dissolve and show up on the test, provided you have not backwashed it.

 

[Poolecw]

Sorry guys, I gave a bad salt reading. The correct number is 4200. I must have used the wrong multiplier.

 

[Poolecw]

If your PB added salt and then you added more, then that number could be right, but I would test again. Is your cell on and producing chlorine?

As for the CYA, 6lbs should put you at 30ppm. How did you add it to the pool, sock method or dumped into the skimmer? If you dumped it into the skimmer, then your CYA is trapped in the filter and will take a while to dissolve and show up on the test, provided you have not backwashed it.

Sock method was used in the skimmer. A total of 6 lbs have been added. I assume you suggest six pounds additional based on current readings?

 

[Dtkokay]

Sorry guys, I gave a bad salt reading. The correct number is 4200. I must have used the wrong multiplier.

Good! That’s a much better answer than having to drain most of your water. I would still check the recommended salt levels for your SWG though, because 4200 might be a little above that level. Not sure if it’s worth draining if the limit is 4000, but it’s good to at least know the upper range.

 

[PoolNewb2020]

Sock method was used in the skimmer. A total of 6 lbs have been added. I assume you suggest six pounds additional based on current readings?

No, what I meant was that the 6lb you already added, should show up on your test as around 30ppm. You tested basically 0 since you could see the dot.
I would recommend re-doing the test following these steps CYA – Cyanuric Acid Test
Test it several times to make sure you have a proper reading.

 

[Poolecw]

No, what I meant was that the 6lb you already added, should show up on your test as around 30ppm. You tested basically 0 since you could see the dot.
I would recommend re-doing the test following these steps CYA – Cyanuric Acid Test
Test it several times to make sure you have a proper reading.

I have run the test several times and keep getting the same results. My test kit is about a year old. I wonder if that has anything to do with it.

 

[mguzzy]

The CYA reagent is supposed to be one of the more stable ones.. But you never know. It does take a day or two for the CYA to register as it is very slow to dissolve especially compared to the more liquid stuff (MA and LC). I think the Jandy's like to be in the high end of the salt ranges, but don't quote me on that. Double check your SWG manufactures recommendations. If you get a lot of summer rain it wont be that high for long. Its a new pool. it will take a while for the chems to stabilize. It won't happen in the first hour ... in the meantime go swimming!

 

[PoolNewb2020]

That's weird, you added CYA on Saturday so that should be plenty of time to dissolve everything and mix it up especially since the sock method was used. I would still wait few more days and re-test. CYA doesn't just go away fast like this. I dread to say it, but maybe bring a sample to your local pool store and have them test for CYA. Just don't buy anything they suggest.

 

[tillmac62]

The sock method is putting the CYA in a sock and suspending the sock in front of a return. Your pool guy put it in the skimmer. Your CYA is "low" because it is in your filter, slowly dissolving. It might take up to a week for it all to dissolve. If you backflush the filter, you will lose any CYA that hasn't dissolved yet.

 

[Poolecw]

The sock method is putting the CYA in a sock and suspending the sock in front of a return. Your pool guy put it in the skimmer. Your CYA is "low" because it is in your filter, slowly dissolving. It might take up to a week for it all to dissolve. If you backflush the filter, you will lose any CYA that hasn't dissolved yet.

Mystery solved. Thanks for pointing that out. I'll be sure not to backwash for a week.