questions on chemicals

[tarungogia]

Hello

New to forum and have a noob question. Trying to get started on DIY maintenance of my pool.
How do I identify what kind of pool I have. I read about vinyl , plaster or fiber glass. I went to pinch a penny to get water tested and showed the picture he said it is diamond brite which was not an option I found when I was reading. Will appreciate any help on this. Here is a picture of the pool.

 

[kimkats]

Hi and welcome to TFP!!

That is a VERY pretty pool! It is a plaster pool. There are many kinds/brands of plaster. One of them is Diamond Brite. It really does not matter what kind of plaster it is as they are cared for the same. Here is a link to our pool care ABCs of Pool Water Chemistry

The KEY to proper pool care is having your own water test kit. Here are they ones we use: Test Kits Compared The one that I think is the best bang for the buck is the TF-100. You can look in my siggy below for where to buy it from.

I know the pool store will test your water for free BUT is it really free when you walk out of the store with your arms full and wallet empty? Look at my siggy again to see the Recommended Chemicals link. You will see the stuff we use in our pools can be bought at Target, Walmart, Lowes, etc. How cool is that??? AND it is much cheaper!!

If you take a couple of pictures of your equipment we can help you ID it as well!

Kim

 

[tarungogia]

Thanks @kimkats. Yes, i have been reading on TFP for the last day on recommended levels and chemicals.
I ordered a test kit (TFT-100) based on recommendation. Will arrive in few days (mid next week). Was wondering if i can start addressing some of the balance issues while i wait for the kit.

Here are the readings that pinch a penny provided based on sample of water.

FC 1.0ppm (I added liquid chlorine yesterday after sunset to the pool and let pump run for few hours. )
TA 50ppm
pH 8.0
CA 130
Stabilizer 30

Questions

1. Is there a particular order i should try to add chemicals to address it and how long should i wait before i add the next chemical. i don't have the kit yet (for next 4 days) to test every time i add a chemical.

2. for TA - i read in the article to add baking soda, will try to get it from Walmart or big box store. will that increase pH further since pH is already high.

3. For CA - Based on what i read on the link, i will try to get it from big box store.

4. Do I need to do anything about the stabilizer ? should i get 3 inch stabilized chlorinating tablets and add it to float feeder ?

5. I didn't see a CYA reading on the sheet that shop gave it to me. i guess i should wait for the kit to arrive.

Thanks

Tarun

 

[kimkats]

There are only two that do not play well together-muriatic acid and chlorine/bleach. Make sure the pump is on and wait about 15 mins between adding these two. Every thing else it does not matter.

I say wait for your test kit as your levels are not that far off. A little tweaking here and there and it will be fine once the kit gets there.

Kim

 

[Leebo]

First off, WELCOME TO TFP!!!

I too would sit on things as nothing is screaming. Wait till you get your own kit and then we’ll help you optimize your levels. The CH is a bit low and pH is a bit high, but neither I suspect will cause your pool to fall apart in the next few days until the kit arrives.

 

[tarungogia]

Thanks @kimkats and @Leebo. I will post back results once I receive the kit.