Received the TF-100 Test Kit today and it arrived hot to the touch? Should I be worried

[Newdude]

Just wanted to know how the app works prior to committing to a monthly sub fee.

It's for the year.

 

[lastevns]

Trust the fas dpd result
The oto is more of a “do i have any chlorine or not?” Kinda test.
If the cya dot disappeared between 50& 60 you round up & call it 60ppm & chlorinate to target fc accordingly FC/CYA Levels
So currently your fc is low- add enough liquid chlorine/bleach to reach the high target of 9ppm on the chart. Use PoolMath to determine how much that is based on your strength & pool volume.

For The ta try again wiping the tip with a damp paper towel between drops & see what u get.
You don’t have to do this every test just the 1st time usually.
Adjusting your ta to be “in range” is not really necessary - as u add acid to lower & maintain ph the ta will lower overtime. A ta of 220 isn’t unheard of.
High ta isn’t hurting anything- its the last parameter to adjust & it’s only necessary to adjust it if you find your ph rise is too fast & too frequent.
You do need an accurate measurement of it though as the amount of acid used to lower ph is calculated with it in PoolMath.

Decided NOT to try to lower the TA for now as the pool is about to be drained, the pavers replaced flush with the leveled earth and the pool refilled. But, once refilled I will have to baseline all my numbers again. So, at that point, since my PH has consistently stayed at 7.8, I will probably have to try the methods suggested here to lower both PH and TA and then bring the PH back up.

You didn’t list your ch - it’s a good # to know even though
Low ch is fine with vinyl lined pools but high ch can cause scaling in all pools.

I do have higher CH. I've done just the one test of this number but it is about 250. I notice that when the pool water gets on my cover (the cover has air holes that allow some water to come through, the water evaporates in the sun and leaves a white outline. So, this may become an issue with the vinyl lining, over time. I guess I will have to handle this issue as it come up once the refill is completed. This can all get a bit overwhelming. But boy would I like to avoid algae and scale.

How does the water look? Is it crystal clear? Have u had an algae issue? This determines your next steps.

 

[Mdragger88]

As far as the calcium scale goes just do your best to take advantage of calcium free rain water. I wouldn’t sweat ta & ch too much. As u lower ph, ta will lower. Keeping ph under control prevents scale.
U have some room on the ch. worst case scenario is drain & refill if things get crazy

 

[Mdragger88]

Yeah, I discovered I could make an addition of the PH. And, I want to support the site, no question. Just wanted to know how the app works prior to committing to a monthly sub fee. But, I have commitment issues. I might be the only woman I know who is just fine having a BF rather than a husband. For me, if the delicate balance works, don't adjust it.

Its $8 per year not monthly

 

[lastevns]

As far as the calcium scale goes just do your best to take advantage of calcium free rain water.

I wish. We are in a five-year drought that thretens to cause water rationing. To even have a pool in this area is fairly irresponsible of me. But, my family is from cold-weather country originally and I think it's in my DNA to hate heat. So, I'm trying to be semi responsible but still survive in this overheated desert.

I wouldn’t sweat ta & ch too much. As u lower ph, ta will lower. Keeping ph under control prevents scale.

My PH tends to fluctuate between 7.8 and 8.0. I'm not certain why but both are still considered within 'range' according to pool math.

U have some room on the ch. worst case scenario is drain & refill if things get crazy

I will be draining and refilling (again, getting the guilts due to the drought) , because I effed up with pavers. I'll do it some time between now and July 4. So, going to refrain from dealing with PH/TA/CH until the refill. Once I know the reinstall and refill are good, I'll re-establish baseline numbers and work from there. Thanks for the input though. I was worried that the CH might affect my pump/filter. But, the pool has only been up since the last day of May. So, hopefully, no damage yet.

 

[Mdragger88]

Just keep the fc, cya, & ph in check & you’ll be fine - enjoy your pool