omg I did it.

[carnivalday]

My pool will be done in a week or so. To say Im nervous is an understatement. Ive posted, I think, all the information in my signature that shows what the pool is. (I forgot to put Florida). Was going to have a pool service take over from the start, but I just found out Im too far out for their service. So (gulp) I think I will go it alone. Ive watched a few Youtube videos, and they all seem to say that its easy to maintain. I hope so. I feel like once the pool guys go (great great crew, by the way...did awesome work) Ill be on my own and wont even know what questions to ask! I guess my question is, is there a basic Pool Maintenance for Dummies that starts out very basic and simple? Im sure once I have the basics I can go on to more details, but I dont even know the basics. Ive wanted a pool my entire life, and just decided to do it...we only live once, right? Please be kind...Im so excited to have my pool, but so nervous that Ive bitten off more than I can chew.

 

[Texas Splash]

Yes! You're in the right place for simple homeowner chemical help. Before your pool is done, make sure to do the following:
1 - Have a TF-100 test kit on order, on its way. You want it on day 1. The alternative is the Taylor K-2006C. See Test Kits Compared
2 - After you have the right test kit, or while you are waiting for it to arrive, read/save the following links:

Extended Test Kit Directions Archives

www.troublefreepool.com

ABCs of Pool Water Chemistry

Recommended Pool Chemicals

Which should I buy? TFP's recommended pool chemicals are cheap, easy, and won't unbalance your pool water.

www.troublefreepool.com

What Are My Ideal Pool Levels?

Use our tool to find ideal chemical levels for any swimming pool. Check TFP recommended levels on pH, free chlorine, cyanuric acid, and more.

www.troublefreepool.com

How to Chlorinate Your Pool

Before chlorinating your pool, you should know these simple tips. Learn the best way to add chlorine to your pool.

www.troublefreepool.com

The Free Chlorine and Cyanuric Acid Relationship

Managing your cyanuric acid and Free Chlorine levels is key to stabilizing your pool. Learn how these two items affect each other.

www.troublefreepool.com

Maintenance and Cleaning of Pool Filters

Maintaining your swimming pool filter system is important. Learn how to clean and maintain your pool filter at low cost & enjoy a Trouble Free Pool.

www.troublefreepool.com

Start-up New Plaster

The first few months are the most criticle for a newly plastered pool. We're here to share best practices to ensure the plaster will last for many years.

www.troublefreepool.com

Water Balance for SWGs

Saltwater pools are becoming more and more popular. We discuss How salt generators work and water balance tips for SWGs to run them.

www.troublefreepool.com

PoolMath tool - practice using it often.

Before you panic ... it's not that bad! Relax, take your time, and read ... then re-read those pages.

One more BIG note ... well water. That typically means iron which comes with potential staining. If you can get fresh water trucked in, do it. If you can't be prepared to use a good "sequestrant" to keep the iron in a soluble solution and help prevent staining. e'll help you more with that later if needed. But start with those and let us know how we can help.

 

[carnivalday]

Oh you are wonderful (huge sigh of relief). That is exactly what I needed, to be pointed in the right direction. I will get right on that and will order that test kit today. I am going to spend a lot of time reading here and learning. I probably shouldnt have jumped right in with building a pool, but I did, and there it is. And I so love it. Its already filled with water, well water, but we have really good well water (spring fed); but I will keep an eye on those issues. Again, thank you so much!

 

[Texas Splash]

Oh, one last ting ... when you order your TF-100, if you can ..... you might consider the Speedstir. It makes reagent mixing soooooo much nicer and more efficient. You can see it in use on YouTube as well (below). Those who have one say they'll never go without one. I know I can't imagine never having it.

 

[carnivalday]

Thank you for that. My head is spinning over all these chemicals. So with a salt pool you just dump the salt in the pool?? Why was I thinking that there was a container like a water softener. So I need chlorine as well as salt? Will the test results tell me how much chemicals I need to add, or will I just have to add and re-test until Im within the correct range?

 

[Texas Splash]

So with a salt pool you just dump the salt in the pool?? Why was I thinking that there was a container like a water softener. So I need chlorine as well as salt?

For new pool, generally you won't add salt or run the SWG for the first 30 says while the plaster is curing. With your Diamond Brite finish, your builder will let you know if that changes. But until the SWG is operational, you just use liquid pool chlorine (or regular bleach) to increase/maintain the proper FC level. That's where the FC/CYA Levels becomes so important - to prevent algae.

You just reminded me though .... since you will be a salt pool, you'll want to have a Taylor K-1766 Salt Test Kit as well. I know ... it seems to add-up right? But it lasts a long time.

For chemical amounts, we use the PoolMath tool or APP (left menu). By entering your pool info (type, size, etc) then entering your current levels test results (from the TF-100) and your desired/goal numbers, the PoolMath tool or APP will tell you how much to add. Those links I gave you above will keep your straight. It will just take you a few times to read them before it sticks, but it will. With the TF-00, you'll be a pro in no time.

 

[carnivalday]

I just printed out the ABCs of Chemistry. Finally an article basic enough for me to understand. I have a feeling once I have that understood, the rest will be easy to understand.

 

[carnivalday]

Texas Splash, I cant thank you enough. Thanks for the info on the salt kit, too. I think Ive calmed down a bit! Ha! Looks like this weekend Ill be going to Pool University.

 

[kimkats]

You got this! You found TFP so you have it made!!! Good job!!

You can and should post ANYTHING you are not sure about or if you just want a gut check! We understand and have been there!!!

 

[carnivalday]

Hi kimkats, Im sure you dont remember but I posted here about a year and a half ago about thinking about getting a pool. Well, I went and done did it! I probably should have learned more about what I was doing before putting it in, but since Ive retired theres no excuse in not taking the time to learn it. I appreciate this forum so very much!

 

[kimkats]

I looked at your past posts to see what you had been up to LOL You are fine and will do a great job taking care of your new "baby"!! We will be here along the way to help with any growing pains!

 

[Leebo]

I just printed out the ABCs of Chemistry. Finally an article basic enough for me to understand. I have a feeling once I have that understood, the rest will be easy to understand.

You don't know how excited this comment makes me feel! You totally made my day as this is the main purpose of this entire article. Thank you greatly. You're in amazing hands with Texas Splash and Kim, don't be worried at all as they'll keep you rolling. ??

 

[FlaPoolGuy]

And there's the occasional "I've had a pool for the past 6 months" kind of guy to provide the "that just happened to me" reassurance... Not that I know anyone who would fit that bill or anything...

 

[carnivalday]

Im a bit calmer today...ha! I think I had a little panic attack yesterday realizing that I was going to be taking care of this baby myself. I looked at the pump, which my builder set to run, and thought "Ill never learn how to program this thing if I have to". Lots of new equipment to learn from someone who doesnt know how to open the hood on my truck. Finished filling the pool yesterday; builder told me to run the water to just up to half the tile. Well, wouldnt you know not only did I turn the hose the wrong way and opened it instead of closed it, but it rained a good bit overnight, so the pool overflowed. I panicked again...and went looking for a bucket so I could bail out the pool. Texted pool builder, told him I was a very bad person, did I ruin the pool? He called me, told me how to attach a hose to a spigot on the pump system and drain it that way. I went out and looked for it...wow, it was there! I attached a hose, turned it on and drained the pool down to where it needed to be. You would have thought I just launched a rocket to the moon, I was so proud that I found that spigot! So thats one thing I learned!

 

[Texas Splash]

Pool care, chemically, mechanically, or otherwise, is just a bit of trial and error. But in no way is it out of your hands. A nice thing about this forum is there are plenty of people watching and can share their experience to assist, Chemically, all the links above will guide you. Just stick close to them to understand it all and practice the PoolMath tool or APP. Whenever you encounter something like yesterday, if your builder isn't available, we are.

Now I know you have quite a few links above, but here are two others that are very convenient:
- At the bottom of this web page you'll find Wiki pages: Further Reading
- On the left menu under Pool School>View ALL you'll find: Table of Contents - Trouble Free Pool

Each of those are very convenient to help you find something as well.

Have a great weekend.

 

[kimkats]

And there's the occasional "I've had a pool for the past 6 months" kind of guy to provide the "that just happened to me" reassurance... Not that I know anyone who would fit that bill or anything...

This is just the kind of person we need and love! Someone who is willing to step up and lean a helping hand with the "OH I now this as I have been through it!!" voice!

"Ill never learn how to program this thing if I have to"

Oh yeah you can!! We can AND will help you learn everything about your pool and equipment!

So lets start with your pump running-take a picture of it and the controls. Start a folder on your computer to put notes about how to do this and that.

Once you master your pump we will work on caring for your filter. I don't want to overload you so will do it one item at a time.

In the Wiki links you will find a link to "storm pool care". That will come in handy for you here in FL with our rains and such.

Kim

 

[Msch99]

The good news is that you can’t do anything “wrong” that someone here hasn’t already done or helped fix.

Like you I lucked out and found TFP when starting out...haven’t had a green pool in two years. ?

Stick with these folks and you will be swimming in a crystal clear pool!

 

[Lilypad]

A nice thing about this forum is there are plenty of people watching and can share their experience to assist

This is absolutely the case! If you run into problems, don't think it will be hours before someone jumps in and replies to you. Check back often. Many, many times there are responses minutes after the original post. Not a perfect world, so it can vary, but the TFP community is quick to help!

 

[carnivalday]

You guys brought tears to my eyes this morning. I am so grateful for all your support; Ive wanted a pool all my life. Ive scrimped and saved and worked since I was 20. When I moved to FL in 1999 and bought a little piece of property and put a single wide trailer on it, it never ever occurred to me that Id want a pool. It probably didnt really hit me until the hurricanes came thru several years back. I lost power (no surprise there) for nearly a week (Im in the nether regions of my big county, so Im last in line. I stuck it out at home, since I have critters. My neighbor, who splits time between FL and up north, was up north at the time. I texted her and asked her if she would mind if I went over and jumped in her pool; it was over 90 all week, and I was about at wits end. She said "sure, as much as you want". Well, that was the beginning of my addiction. I stayed in her pool for about 3 hours, and the light bulb went off. I had to have one. Retirement was coming up in a few years, and I had to get finances in order. I went scorched earth in saving money, and finally made it last year. I just "jumped in" as they say and got it started. Oh I had friends say I would never get my money back. I just laughed. Its not about getting money back, its about living in my vacation home. Ill be in that pool every single day that its warm enough. And days that its not, Ill sit around the pool sipping coffee, enjoying the water. Thanks so much for being here; I know we're of like minds.

 

[kimkats]

So where is our pictures??? I would LOVE to see this pool that has brought you such joy and you have worked and saved for!

Critters??? What kind??

Kim