Shocked the pool, now what?

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A

Aneley

Member
Jul 18, 2023
15
Bryn Mawr, PA
Pool Size
19455
Surface
Plaster
Hello to the wonderful people of this forum! I posted here last week about my super low chlorine, high pH, low CYA, etc levels last week and got super helpful advice. I just moved into a new house that has a salt water pool, and this is my first ever attempt at caring for a pool. I was recommended to shock the pool, which I did. Now just trying to get an idea of my next steps to getting this pool to safe swimming levels.

I retested and now here are my numbers:
Chlorine: 5ppm
pH: 8.2+
Free Chlorine: 10 ppm
Combined chlorine: 1 ppm
Total chlorine: 11 ppm
Calcium Hardness: 450 ppm
Total Alkalinity: 110
CYA: 20ppm (may be lower)
Salt test: 4000 ppm

Chlorine seems to be a little high now, but I'm just glad it's no longer super low. I have a 10 lb bag of dry CYA and will use pool math to figure out how much to put in to increase CYA levels. However, I was told I shouldn't just dump it in at the risk of damaging the surfaces of the pool. Should I mix it with some warm water and then dump it in?

I am also in the process of getting muriatic acid in order to lower the pool's pH, so that's in the works next as well.

Is there anything else I should do next? Do I buy salt for the salt water pool? Not sure how that works. Also, how often should my filter be running? It seems to be set to run constantly right now. I'm in PA and have a 19500 gallon salt water pool. I've read it should only run 8-10 hrs? And should I set it for day or night time? Out of curiosity, should I keep it running in the winter to prevent pipes from freezing?

Thanks again so much!!!
 
Sounds like you're receiving some "local" advice, and I can assure you it's not all accurate, so let's go over some things below.
- At TFP we don't' "shock". If there is no algae, simply maintain the proper FC level according to the FC/CYA Levels/
- Your FC is not high at all. In fact, go back to the FC/CYA Levels to confirm based on your current and/or projected CYA level.
- Yes, bring the pH down to 7.8 or below ASAP. Use the PoolMath APP to help you with dosage amounts.
- A Combined Chlorine level is 1.0 is slightly elevated and something to watch (excessive organics). Be sure the pool is not covered to allow the sun to oxidize them. If that number doesn't go down in the next day or two let us know.
- Definitely get the CYA up to at least 50-60 for the remainer of your season. Use the "sock method" to add stabilizer.
- Pump run time is all about mixing chemicals, keeping the SWG running, and skimming the water's surface. I'll post more info below.
 
For the CYA ...

Adding CYA:
To increase CYA via granular stabilizer, place the required amount as calculated by the PoolMath APP into a white sock and place in the poolside skimmer basket. For those concerned about suction flow to the pump, suspending the sock near a return jet or from a floating device will also suffice. Best never to allow undissolved granules to rest directly against the pool surface. After about 30 minutes of soaking, squeeze the sock continuously to help it dissipate. Once dissolved, consider your CYA adjusted to that programmed (target) level. CYA test readings should show a rise in 24-48 hours, however some pools may experience a longer delay to fully register. Best to confirm final CYA in about 5-7 days before adding any more stabilizer/conditioner.
 
Glad to help. If you have any questions let us know.

Before too long you'll be looking at this page.

www.troublefreepool.com

Closing an In Ground Pool

Winterizing a pool is essential for keeping your in-ground pool protected during cold-weather months. This Pool Repair guide will show you how to do it.
www.troublefreepool.com www.troublefreepool.com
 
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