Swimming with high CYA and Chlorine

[ccelle]

Hi Everyone,

This is my first time posting here. I have already read through Pool School to learn the basics. I have been on a quest these past few weeks to get my water balanced correctly. I had been using the Clorox XtraBlue shock and tabs up until recently when I realized that they were contributing to my high CYA levels. I will be using liquid chlorine for the rest of the season. My plan is to drain it this fall when it cools down.

These are my results as of yesterday:

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Location: Phoenix, AZ
Build Type: Plaster
Volume: 22000 gallons
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Latest Test Result Summary:
FC: 1.0 (22 hours ago)
pH: 7.6 (22 hours ago)
TA: 100 (22 hours ago)
CYA: 100 (22 hours ago)

Phosphates: 2000+
TDS: 3000+
==========================================

Yesterday, after the testing, I followed the directions from PoolMath and added close to 3lbs of TurboShock to bring my levels up to 11. Today the Chlorine level 10+ (dark yellow) based on my test kit and test strips (neither one goes any higher). Based on the TFP "Chlorine & CYA" chart, this is where I need to be. I know if my CYA were in proper range then my current chlorine levels would make it unsafe to swim. Given that my CYA is 100, is it safe to swim at these chlorine levels? I just want to make it to the end of the season since my kids are stuck at home.

Thanks

 

[mknauss]

Given that my CYA is 100, is it safe to swim at these chlorine levels?

Yes - if you trust your test data.

You need a proper test kit. I suggest the TF100. A proper test kit is needed to get the accurate water chemistry results needed to follow the TFP protocols.

 

[ccelle]

Hi

My CYA level is currently 100. PoolMath says I need to keep my chlorine level at 11ppm.

48hrs ago I put 3 bags of TurboShock in since my chlorine was ZERO. It shot up to 10+ that day but now it is at ZERO again.

I’m trying to figure out a cost-effective way to keep my pool open for 2 more months since the kids are stuck at home. PoolMath says I need to add 2lbs, 9oz of TurboShock ($12+ per dose) or 1.3 gallons of 10% liquid chlorine ($6+ per dose) to get my chlorine level up to 11. This would make using liquid chlorine more cost-effective but I would think TurboShock would be quite a bit more potent than the 10% chlorine thus requiring less product compared to the liquid chlorine. Am I looking at this all wrong?

I have TurboShock cal-hypo 78% ($4.49) and liquid chlorine at 10% ($4.49). How many gallons of liquid chlorine would it take to equal a 1lb bag of TurboShock?

It seems the money adds up fast, either way, I look at it. I plan on draining it this fall but what should I do if I have to shut it down early due to the high cost of chlorine?

What would you guys recommend I do?

 

[mknauss]

That cal hypo adds calcium. I bet your CH level is already high as your fill water is high in calcium.

Use PoolMath. You need your pool volume. Then use Effects of Adding Chemicals.

 

[mknauss]

22000 gallons.
1 lb of 73% cal hypo adds 3.9 ppm FC.
1 gallon of 10% liquid chlorine adds 4.5 ppm FC

 

[ccelle]

Hi mknauss,

I accidentally posted my last response in this thread. It was meant to be a new question but using my phone messed things up.

 

[mknauss]

Hi mknauss,

I accidentally posted my last response in this thread. It was meant to be a new question but using my phone messed things up.

I moved your post to this thread. No need for a new thread.

 

[ccelle]

22000 gallons.
1 lb of 73% cal hypo adds 3.9 ppm FC.
1 gallon of 10% liquid chlorine adds 4.5 ppm FC

Ok, That makes sense. I'm still learning! So either way, it looks expensive to keep adding chlorine every day for the next two months? Do you have any advice on how to shut down my pool now so I can drain it in the fall?

 

[mguzzy]

What kind of pool do you have? can you put your equipment in your signature? There a log of ways to drain and refill your pool In your area at this time of year I would consider one of the no drain water exchange methods.

Draining - Further Reading

www.troublefreepool.com

 

[Jeff J.]

Ok, That makes sense. I'm still learning! So either way, it looks expensive to keep adding chlorine every day for the next two months? Do you have any advice on how to shut down my pool now so I can drain it in the fall?

I don't know if I missed it, but what test kit are you using? You won't know what to do without accurate numbers.

 

[mknauss]

Do you have any advice on how to shut down my pool now so I can drain it in the fall?

Not possible. You either keep it chlorinated or you let it go green and fight mosquitos.
Once you get a proper test kit you will know what your levels are. Right now, you are guessing.

 

[ccelle]

What kind of pool do you have? can you put your equipment in your signature? There a log of ways to drain and refill your pool In your area at this time of year I would consider one of the no drain water exchange methods.

Draining - Further Reading

www.troublefreepool.com

Hi, I have a 22k gallon plaster pool, Triton II - TR60 filter and a 1HP motor.

I just looked into reverse osmosis but it cost about $700 which is way more than I care to spend right now with everything going on. It will cost $120 to refill it when I'm ready.

Do you have any other suggestions?

Thanks

 

[mknauss]

Whether you drain or not, your pool will consume right at 1 gallon of 10% liquid chlorine per day. That is about 4 ppm FC per day. That is in line with what is expected at this time of year. Draining and reducing your CYA level would make keeping the pool water algae free and much more comfortable to swim in much easier.

 

[ccelle]

Whether you drain or not, your pool will consume right at 1 gallon of 10% liquid chlorine per day. That is about 4 ppm FC per day. That is in line with what is expected at this time of year. Draining and reducing your CYA level would make keeping the pool water algae free and much more comfortable to swim in much easier.

If my CYA was in the 30 range, would I still expect to use a gallon a day?

 

[mknauss]

Probably more. In Phoenix, your CYA this time of year should be 50 or 60 ppm.