Hello to all. 10,000 gallon gunite pool. Have never taken the leap into self-management for chemistry, have relied on pool store testing. Since 2006, going to Pinch-a-Penny. Occasional instruction to add acid, alkalinity, add chlorine, etc. over the years, pool surface has pitted in areas so apparently the chemistry is not correct. Went to Leslie’s Pool Supply because something was on sale and got my water tested there about 1 month ago. Was educated about CYA, of which is very high in my pool (about 150); I have only used picks for nearly 29 years and 2 gallons liquid chlorine 1x/week to shock per previous instruction from Pinch-a-Penny. Leslie’s encouraged me to purchase a CYA reducer pouch, which I did and later learned through my friend Google that draining the pool water is the only reliable way to lower CYA. So between using the bogus? CYA reducer pouch and no longer using picks and having to drain on occasion for rain, the CYA has gone into the 140s back to the 160s and now back at 140. Aside from this, I am confused regarding the amount of Maria tic acid and alkalinity Leslie’s has had me add over the past month. Roughly 24- 28 ounces of acid and 10-12 pounds of alkalinity. I don’t understand how week after week it needs to be added in roughly the same ratio regardless of whether I have had to drain water or not. To add to my confusion, I want to Pinch-a-Penny today to buy something and had the water tested, they are CVA lung for 64 oz of acid and no alkalinity, versus 24 oz acid and 4 pounds alkalinity from same water sample from Leslie’s. Both call for Calcium hardness: 8 versus 10 pounds (so at least close). Does this never ending cycle of acid to alkalinity seen right? Shouldn’t it balance out sooner than later? (Not that I won’t need to add anything, but maybe small amounts to correct?). I’ve added nearly 30 pounds of alkalinity in roughly 1 month. Input appreciated!
Pool store testing and trouble balancing water
- Thread starter CaptainB157
- Start date
- Jul 17, 2019
- 4,069
- Pool Size
- 13000
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Pentair Intellichlor IC-40
Your post is exactly why we do not trust pool store testing. They are unreliable in their testing and their main goal is to sell you their products, even if they are bogus. The only thing consistent with a pool store is that you will walk out of there confused with a lighter wallet.
If you want to take care of your pool yourself, get a good test kit so you can truly take care of your pool yourself without all of the noise coming from the pool store.
www.troublefreepool.com
If you want to take care of your pool yourself, get a good test kit so you can truly take care of your pool yourself without all of the noise coming from the pool store.
Swimming Pool Test Kits Compared
What pool test kit should I buy? Why shouldn't I use test strips? Our recommended test kits will pay for themselves in no time!
www.troublefreepool.com
- Jan 7, 2012
- 2,122
- Pool Size
- 21000
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Pentair Intellichlor IC-60
As you've proven to yourself, pool store methods don't work and are often counterproductive. Start here:
www.troublefreepool.com
www.troublefreepool.com
Pool Care Basics Archives
Your one-stop shop for all things TFP to include: ABCs of Water Chemistry, Recommended Chemicals/Levels, Test Kits, Troubleshooting, and much more!
www.troublefreepool.com
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
- Sep 23, 2015
- 2,012
- Pool Size
- 20000
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Astral Viron V25
They have you on the acid/alkalinity round-a-bout. Acid reduces alkalinity then adding alkalinity in excess drives up the pH so you need more acid more often and you’re back to square one. I bet they know you wallet by it’s first name. I’ve added bicarb (alkalinity increaser) once in 15 years and that was only due to an extreme rain event. There is enough alkalinity in our tap water to cover most pools needs as long as you don’t force your pH down too low.
Get a decent test kit with the magnetic stirrer and when you start testing pH just manage your pH in a reasonable range (7.6 - 7.8) and your alkalinity will find its happy place.
an1vrsy
Bronze Supporter
- Jul 10, 2018
- 1,238
- Pool Size
- 26000
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Pentair Intellichlor IC-60
You are in FL, I hope you and your family are alright.
Once you get your own test kit, test your pool’s fill water for pH, TA and CH. Those numbers can help you as you balance the pool water. Unless you need something specific from a pool store, i.e. liquid chlorine, muriatic acid or a specific part for your pool equipment, avoid pool stores. Buy your part but you don’t need them to test your water. That’s what your own kit is for.
Once you get your own test kit, test your pool’s fill water for pH, TA and CH. Those numbers can help you as you balance the pool water. Unless you need something specific from a pool store, i.e. liquid chlorine, muriatic acid or a specific part for your pool equipment, avoid pool stores. Buy your part but you don’t need them to test your water. That’s what your own kit is for.
Made out ok during the hurricane. Located on the east coast, hit us as a Cat 1. Several tornados did the majority of damage. Appreciate the advice!
Planning on following up with your advice. Looking at Test Kits now. Thanks!Your post is exactly why we do not trust pool store testing. They are unreliable in their testing and their main goal is to sell you their products, even if they are bogus. The only thing consistent with a pool store is that you will walk out of there confused with a lighter wallet.
If you want to take care of your pool yourself, get a good test kit so you can truly take care of your pool yourself without all of the noise coming from the pool store.
Swimming Pool Test Kits Compared
What pool test kit should I buy? Why shouldn't I use test strips? Our recommended test kits will pay for themselves in no time!
Round about for sure! Looking at test kits now…thank you
Thank you!As you've proven to yourself, pool store methods don't work and are often counterproductive. Start here:
Pool Care Basics Archives
Your one-stop shop for all things TFP to include: ABCs of Water Chemistry, Recommended Chemicals/Levels, Test Kits, Troubleshooting, and much more!
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.
Thank you! Looking into tests kits now. Appreciate the links.Your post is exactly why we do not trust pool store testing. They are unreliable in their testing and their main goal is to sell you their products, even if they are bogus. The only thing consistent with a pool store is that you will walk out of there confused with a lighter wallet.
If you want to take care of your pool yourself, get a good test kit so you can truly take care of your pool yourself without all of the noise coming from the pool store.
Swimming Pool Test Kits Compared
What pool test kit should I buy? Why shouldn't I use test strips? Our recommended test kits will pay for themselves in no time!