Northlake, TX New Pool Build

[kimkats]

I would also look at sun screen as a cause of the skin irritation. Any new lotions since getting water in the pool?

I just want to make sure we look at all possible reasons. We want the girls to LOVE their pool and not have any problems from it.

 

[ctrav]

Thanks pooldv...I am not certain as to what the root cause is but here are my observations:

- the girls have always had sensitive skin thus my choice to get SWG
- prior to raising the FC to the 9 level vs the original target of 5 there was no noticeable skin irritation
- my pH has been consistent at 7.5 - 7.8
- there is always at least a 4-5 hour wait to swim time after adding any chems

I will lower the pH and keep it down to 7.4 and swim for a few days to see if it helps. As always I appreciate your feedback....

There is always a rush to judgment to blame chlorine for any problems seen when someone swims in a pool. Chlorine has wrongly been the villain for a long time. I won't say that it is impossible but it is incredibly unlikely that elevated chlorine is the problem. The problem may not be the pool at all for that matter, the pool is only one input. Two years ago we had some algae growing in the waterfall at the tile line so I SLAMed the pool for a week or so. We swam every day with FC at 25-28 with CYA at 70 and nobody even noticed the elevated chlorine level. We routinely spend all weekend, 6-8 hours per day, in the pool with FC between 10 and 12 if people are coming over and also no issue. We've been doing this for years.

This chart, Pool Water Chemistry, by Chemgeek shows that FC at shock level for your CYA is less harsh than a pool with 1 ppm FC and no CYA. This due to the buffering properties of CYA.

High or low PH is far more likely to irritate eyes and skin than FC.

 

[pooldv]

No need to wait 4-5 hours unless it is convenient. 15 minutes is plenty and you can brush to mix it even more if you are extra concerned.

There is probably no need to need to lower pH below 7.6. But, give 7.4 a try, it certainly won't hurt anything.

The feet are most likely from running around the pool. All of our feet hurt the first month or two in the pool, it's been fine in years since. Maybe a rinse with the hose or shower after swimming will help.

 

[ctrav]

Kim - the girls don't use sunscreen and we have not tried anything new. They do love the pool for sure...

Now my pool is down because the guy trenching the yard just cut thru the pipe carried wires and cut a hole in the water pipe running from pool to equipment...this is not a good day, not a good day at all John Coffey (as I try to keep my sense of humor)...

- - - Updated - - -

The wait is just due to timing...our routine is to hit the pool between 5-6. Good to know pH of 7.4 won't hurt anything. I was going to add MA but...

Now my pool is down because the guy trenching the yard just cut thru the pipe carried wires and cut a hole in the water pipe running from pool to equipment...this is not a good day, not a good day at all John Coffey (as I try to keep my sense of humor)...

No need to wait 4-5 hours unless it is convenient. 15 minutes is plenty and you can brush to mix it even more if you are extra concerned.

There is probably no need to need to lower pH below 7.6. But, give 7.4 a try, it certainly won't hurt anything.

The feet are most likely from running around the pool. All of our feet hurt the first month or two in the pool, it's been fine in years since. Maybe a rinse with the hose or shower after swimming will help.

 

[pooldv]

Bummer! But, it can be fixed. Be sure to add bleach and brush to maintain FC so it doesn't get algae.

 

[kimkats]

he did WHAT????

 

[SuzfromTexas]

You didn't tell the guy you had a pool in the backyard? (j/k... too soon?)

Let it be their headache!

 

[ctrav]

What an eventful day thus far...Suz they knew there was a pool but with all these water hoses laying around they thought thats how it worked
We stopped the bleeding of water coming out of the busted pipe and the pipe has been repaired. A master electrician is on the way to install a junction box in the ground for the cut wiring. Old wiring from pool will go into one end and new wiring will be run from the new junction box to the equipment. I have a hose in the pool now bringing water back up to the bottom of the overflow outlet. I will test water and add bleach as need to get my FC back up and test pH. Pool will be useable this evening...believe me I need to cool off after all this...

Here is a pic of the repaired pipe...

 

[ctrav]

All is right with the world...


New suction box for cut wires and water pipes all done! Took a lot of phone calls but I feel much better!

 

[kimkats]

you need some of this also

SO glad it is fixed!!

Kim

 

[ctrav]

Kim I have had 4

 

[SuzfromTexas]

Whew!!! At least you could end the day relieved that's over!!

Rest up, now!
Suz

 

[ctrav]

Yep Suz...I was shocked at first but my old fix it mode from work kicked in and I had it fixed. We are back on schedule and thats good. The girls knew something was wrong because the little on says "papaw you not berry happy"....I love life!

 

[SuzfromTexas]

She knew her Papaw usually doesn't look that way!!

Is that pronounced like Paw Paw? That's what my dad was called as the grandfather!

 

[kimkats]

Awwwwwwww that alone made is better I bet!

to littles!

 

[ctrav]

Good morning and looking forward to a drama free day Here are the latest numbers:
FC 3.5
pH 7.5
TA 70
CH 175
CYA 40
CSI -0.39
Temp 87

I did not add any chess yesterday so my FC went down from 9.5 to 3.5 and my CH dropped from 200 to 175. My PB will be here today and wants to go over the pool and make checks so he asked that I not add anything until he takes a look. When he is done I will wait 2 hours to see what numbers change and then I will adjust FC up to 7 and lower the pH slightly...unless someone tells me different. I am still open to a higher FC of 9 or 10 with lower pH to see how it works out!

 

[pooldv]

Numbers look good. Keep a close eye on Factors make sure it doesn't drop below 3.0000000.

 

[ctrav]

I will for sure...

 

[ctrav]

Good morning...my numbers were spot on for the most part but I have concerns on CSI and CH. more on that in a bit...
FC 9
pH 7.2
TA 70
CH 175
CYA 40
CSI -0.66
Temo 88

Should I be concerned with CSI? Is it time to work on CH by adding Calcium Chloride? PoolMath says I need 311oz of CC is that a lot? Where is the best place to get CC? How do I add it to pool? Should I add in the evening, morning or does it matter?

Thanks all....

 

[SuzfromTexas]

Good morning...my numbers were spot on for the most part but I have concerns on CSI and CH. more on that in a bit...
FC 9
pH 7.2
TA 70
CH 175
CYA 40
CSI -0.66
Temo 88

Should I be concerned with CSI? Is it time to work on CH by adding Calcium Chloride? PoolMath says I need 311oz of CC is that a lot? Where is the best place to get CC? How do I add it to pool? Should I add in the evening, morning or does it matter?

Thanks all....

Good morning, Cliff! I woke up this morning wondering how things were going.

I'm not crazy about the CSI, but let's see what others say. Maybe it is time to start going up on the CH, but again, let's ask those who have more experience.

You can get CH increaser from a pool store in all different bucket sizes. Check your PM's, you should have the Amazon link for CH increaser. You can get it at Home Depot, but I'm not sure what sizes they have available. I have a picture of the 5lb size on my phone. I'll text that to you. That size will be more expensive since you need more.

BTW: For the 311 oz, what was your target for the CH? When I first added CH increaser, I had to add 444oz of increaser! (I'm even shocked by THAT).

Let's see what the experts say, but it seems to me it would be better to break down a large amount into stages. They can tell us if it's a good idea and how long to take to build up to a new target. That will also make sure you don't overshoot your target. I don't think you would. From your testing, does it seem like the # of gallons you're plugging into PoolMath are working for the results you are getting? I haven't heard anything from you about that, so I'm assuming that's your gallon # is working.

How are the girls and the skin issue?

Suz