TA Test...

[Zip S.]

I just ran the TA test. Immediately had an issue. Put first 2 drops in. Swirled.. Added the green 5 drops next. Taylor Test Kit says test sample should be green now.
It's RED immediately! Tried it twice. Figured I'd just stop and ask...or it would take the whole bottle of the 3rd drops......Any ideas here?

 

[mknauss]

From the Extended Test Directions - Pool School:

If the sample turns red, pink, or yellow, you are done, your TA is zero, and your PH is very very low (4.5 or lower).

 

[mknauss]

Let us hope you do not have a heater.

 

[Fast7]

Hello
Did you read Extended Test Kit Directions for TA?
It seems your TA is 0 and you have very low pH as well.

 

[Richard320]

Double check the numbers on the bottles. You want to be using R-007, R-008 and R-009.

I once dropped half a bottle of R-009 trying to get my CH test to turn colors. These things happen.

If it's the right bottles, look at your pH test. It better be yellow.

 

[Donldson]

This is kind of a big deal, you are going to want to get some baking soda in there very quickly.

 

[Zip S.]

Ok...yes ph is very yellow.
Yes using correct bottles. Didn't even bother with the 3rd one..
No....no heater.
Ok I can get baking soda in promptly. And that will....pull up ph and....affect the TA how?
Yes I read everything....more than twice. Still not grasping it all.
Never was very good in chemistry in school either. Everything has so many other things that effect it...I don't see how it all goes together yet. Thanks. Will get on B Soda promptly.

 

[mknauss]

Work your TA up. The ph will come up some too. Aim for TA of 70 ppm. Assume you have 0 now and target 30. Keep adding and testing based on that until you get 30 ppm. Test pH then. Then add and test to get to 70 ppm.

If pH still under 6.8, we can discuss adding borax.

 

[Zip S.]

I'm on it. So...TA will come up with B Soda alone?

 

[Zip S.]

And how long do I need to wait to see if first batch of BS has worked at all? 1 hour? Till morn? 5 min?

 

[Richard320]

I'm on it. So...TA will come up with B Soda alone?

Yes. After you add it, brush it around and let things mix good for half an hour. It's like stirring cream and sugar in your coffee, just huge.

 

[mknauss]

After all this - determine how your pH and TA dropped like that. Do you use trichlor to chlorinate?

 

[Zip S.]

No...liquid chlorine to shock....

 

[Zip S.]

Oh...and then yes...Tri Chloe tabs in the tube at pump...

 

[mknauss]

No...liquid chlorine to shock....

Something caused this condition.

 

[mknauss]

Oh...and then yes...Tri Chloe tabs in the tube at pump...

That does it. You really should not use those for daily maintenance.
Read How to Chlorinate Your Pool - Trouble Free Pool

 

[Zip S.]

Going back out to stir now....

 

[Zip S.]

Oh great. The last 2 years the pool guy has taken care if water. Now its all mine. That's what he had here in a big tub...so I got the same... What should I be using?

 

[mknauss]

Liquid chlorine, bleach, chlorinating liquid, liquid pool shock, etc.

 

[mknauss]

Have you tested your CYA? You may need to do a large water exchange to lower that. You want your CYA around 50 ppm.