TA 310??

[FinsToTheLeft]

Hello everyone,

We’ve had a great experience with our new pool this summer, but since we moved into the 100°+ temps, it’s hard to keep the chlorine where it needs to be. But I feel like I solved that by just running my SWG an extra hour or so. But yesterday, we had algae. No denying it. I brushed down the whole pool and checked the chlorine level, and it was a little on the low side, but definitely still had some. Just now, I checked all the levels (I have the TFP kit), and everything looks great EXCEPT the TA was 310! Is that even possible? I did wipe off the tip with a damp cloth in between each drop. My heart sank every time I had to put ANOTHER drop in. What does this mean? And what do I do about the algae?

Thank you in advance!

 

[mknauss]

I believe Austin area can have high TA water. Just manage your pH by lowering it to 7.2 when it reaches 7.8. The TA will fall.
What is your CH?

With algae, you follow the SLAM Process.

 

[FinsToTheLeft]

Honestly, I haven’t been testing for CH. but I will now. I was afraid someone was going to suggest SLAM. How does that pool get to the point where it needs SLAM’d if the numbers are where they are supposed to be?...Just for my knowledge.

Just tested: CH is 325.

 

[mknauss]

You have algae. That automatically means SLAM.

At some point your water dropped below minimum FC. Or you have not been brushing the walls or floor and algae took root. Hit it now and hopefully it will go quick.

Watch for scale in your SWCG. High TA with your CH can create scale in a SWCG.

 

[FinsToTheLeft]

You have algae. That automatically means SLAM.

At some point your water dropped below minimum FC. Or you have not been brushing the walls or floor and algae took root. Hit it now and hopefully it will go quick.

Watch for scale in your SWCG. High TA with your CH can create scale in a SWCG.

Will do! Thank you very much!

 

[JamesW]

I would question the TA reading. Are you using the correct volume and multiplier?

What is the fill water TA?

When was the last TA reading?

 

[FinsToTheLeft]

I would question the TA reading. Are you using the correct volume and multiplier?

What is the fill water TA?

When was the last TA reading?

Yes, I double-checked the vial and multiplied my drops by 10.

Pool water TA: 150 7/23/19
Pool water TA: 310 8/25/19
Pool water TA: 210 8/26/19
Fill water TA: 180 8/26/19

So it dropped 100 overnight? I’m so confused.

Anyhow, I’m in the process of bringing my Ph down to 7.2 so I can start SLAMg.

Thank you

 

[Texas Splash]

So it dropped 100 overnight? I’m so confused.

I would be as well. It doesn't make sense for TA to change so drastically unless some major water was changed or chemicals added. Assuming you did the typical drop sequence 2ea of #7, 5ea of #8, then #9 drops until barbie pink x 10. Are you using a magnetic speedstir to help mix?

 

[FinsToTheLeft]

I would be as well. It doesn't make sense for TA to change so drastically unless some major water was changed or chemicals added. Assuming you did the typical drop sequence 2ea of #7, 5ea of #8, then #9 drops until barbie pink x 10. Are you using a magnetic speedstir to help mix?

Yes, that exact procedure, including the damp cloth. No, just the blue plastic spoon. However, my laminated instructions say “red” as opposed to Barbie pink. I’m sure it would have taken even more drops to get to pink.

 

[mknauss]

No, just the blue plastic spoon.

Do not use that except to measure the R0870 powder for the FC testing. That may be disrupting your test results.