Pool chemistry management starts with CYA, and then we manage to ranges or "ideal" #'s?

[Aquaphobic]

Lots of focus on Chlorine & pH, but we have to start with CYA. Also, I'm not clear on recommended ranges vs "ideal" ranges.
I have a lightly used plaster pool in California moderate weather (not extreme) zone with an average of about 7 hours of sun on the pool. So if my CYA target is 30-60, I need to do nothing about CYA if it's in that range [or do I manage to the "ideal" 40-50?] and manage FC to the recommended level determined by the CYA chart (I'll keep the chart with my TF-100 kit), and manage the other levels per TFP guidelines:
pH – Acidity/Basicity – 7.2 to 8.0 [HOWEVER, "Ideal" is 7.6-7.8, so I should manage to within that tighter range?]
TA – Total Alkalinity – 50 to 90ppm [but manage to the ideal 60-80?]
CH – Calcium Hardness – plaster pool 250 to 650ppm [but manage to the ideal 350-550?]
CC – Combined Chloramines – manage to <1.0

1. Any corrections or suggestions regarding the above?
2. Do I take action when outside the "ideal" range? Or I don't really need to take action until I hit the wider limits?

Thank you. Paddling my way up the TFP learning curve. So far so good.

 

[Bperry]

Welcome! There are very few things that require immediate action. Free Chlorine may be one of those things requiring diligence to maintain in range because it deletes each day. Read through the pool school articles if you havent already.

The thing to realize is that there isnt one specific target goal of tests that make “perfect” water. Targets for me in the south with tons of rain/heat will be different than you with not so much rain. So read through each of the tests and understand what it is and what happens at the top and bottom end of the ranges. The poolmath targets-ranges are kind of generic goals that seem to work for most.

One example is FC (Free Chlorine): If you have none, youll be inviting algae to infest the water. If you have too much it can be harsh on equipment and people. Its easy to figure out if theres none, but how much is too much? Thats where CYA comes in and makes you need to learn about the FC/CYA ratio. I wont go into it all here.

TFP is really about learning how to know how to test your own water and not put anything in the water if you dont understand what it does.

Heres a helpful link.

ABC's of Pool Water Chemistry

There are several items things every pool owner should know about swimming pool water. We share details on the basics of Pool Water Chemistry.

www.troublefreepool.com