Safe to Swim?

[Mcas]

First pool here, only 4 days old but I think I have the water dialed, though I am still in the break in period for plaster. Wanted to know if I am safe to jump in the pool tonight.

FC 3.5
PH 7.6
TA 100
CH 210
CYA 55

Concerned my FC might be a bit high for my CYA. Guidelines for pool break in want the CYA to not exceed 50 for the 4th-28th day, so i'm a tad above that.

Thoughts on if I can jump in?

THANKS IN ADVANCE!

 

[Texas Splash]

I see no reason why you can't swim, but it's not the CYA that concerns me so much as the low FC. If you look at the [FC/CYA][/FC/CYA], you'll see your FC is actually quite low for your current CYA (round-up to 60). I'd get some regular bleach in there ASAP to prevent an algae breakout. You don't want algae in new plaster if you can help it. Other than that …. swim!

 

[Mcas]

Thanks! One question I have is the sheet I have been following said the chlorine should be 1.5 to 3.0 PPM, but says nothing about the relationship with CYA. Assuming I won't do damage to the new plaster with a higher FC, I will add more bleach to increase it per the chart to at least 5. Does that sound OK?

Thanks!

 

[Texas Splash]

The reference you were provided sounds like standard pool level recommendations by all builders & installers. For many, many years, those levels have been pushed without accounting for the FC/CYA relationship. As CYA increases, so must FC as they work together not only for sanitation, but to keep the water algae free. Some organizations are starting to recognize that relationship which was founded years ago by TFP experts. If you mention that relationship to your builder, they may just give you that odd look.

But here at TFP, we manage our CYA and FC according to that chart. Beware! Your CYA is already close to 60. You do not want it any higher right now for a non-salt pool. If you have chlorine tabs in use, remove them ASAP. They increase CYA (stabilizer). Stick to just regular bleach or pool chlorine (same thing). Make sure to save/read those Vital Links below in my signature as well. You''ll use them often.

 

[Mcas]

Thanks a ton! I absolutely don't use and won't use any tabs. I just added more 10% bleach, and will keep CYA below that. This site and great people like you are AWESOME!

Gracias!