Taking over pool responsibilities and overwhelmed!

[tntbutler]

I live in south Louisiana, no shade over my old gunite pool that I had replastered about three years ago. Recently took over pool care and I’m lost! I use test strips and nothing makes since. Also, I have a chlorinator that I put tabs in and a dolphin to help clean. I’m pretty sure the first thing I need is a good test kit? Which one?

Clorox Test Strips indicated the following:
Total hardness- 250ish
TC-10
FC- 10
PH-7.8 maybe, weird color
TA-120
Stabilizer-100-150, another weird color
Water temp is 82, clear for the most part, tile at the waterline has some scale along with a few small stains on the deep end.
Ok TFP, bring it on! lol.

 

[PoolStored]

Here are the test kit recommendations. Link-->Test Kits Compared

After having used each one of them, I'd recommend this kit. Link-->TF-Pro

When you get the kit, post up a full set of numbers and we'll get you dialed in...

 

[tntbutler]

Here are the test kit recommendations. Link-->Test Kits Compared

After having used each one of them, I'd recommend this kit. Link-->TF-Pro

When you get the kit, post up a full set of numbers and we'll get you dialed in...

Perfect! Thank you!

 

[johnny2k]

And of course start logging your results with PoolMath app. It will help you get a feel for chemicals and the test results over time.

 

[Newdude]

Stabilizer-100-150, another weird color

Just look at that line on the bottle. We need to know CYA to a 10 in order to set the appropriate FC levels.



If the CYA is 100+, you need to drain to lower it and again, it's imperative to have a reasonably close # to target from.

I broke down the test kit differences in the thread below:

Looking to buy a test kit, need advice...

I am looking to buy a test kit. My pool details are provided below: 13,500 Gallons Pebble Finish Jandy 2.7 HP VS FloPro Jandy 200 Sqft Cartridge Filter Jandy TruClear SWG Jandy 103k BTU VersaTemp Heater K-2006C-SALT Test Kit (Planned). I have researched this topic briefly and am interested in...

www.troublefreepool.com

We need good data for good advice.

And Welcome to TFP !!!!

 

[PoolStored]

If your CYA is 90 or greater. Do the test and #8 here:

CYA - Cyanuric Acid Test

Cyanuric acid (CYA) is the chemical name for the product commonly called “pool water stabilizer” … Read more…

www.troublefreepool.com

 

[tntbutler]

Perfect! Thank you!

Just got my test kit!!!! So nervous..lol

 

[tntbutler]

 

[Newdude]

So nervous..lol

Take any one test and gather the supplies. You don't even need to have a clue what R-0013 (etc) is, just get it ready if it says that test needs it.

Then, each step is stoopid simple when followed one at a time. Zoom out to the whole card, and BOOM, rocket science. Zoom back in and it's 'fill vial to 10ml' and 'stir'. Lol. It's stoopid simple.

 

[kimkats]

Well done on taking over the care of your pool. It will look the best it every had once we help you get it dialed in!

Here is a link for doing the tests. I do have to warn you to NOT have anything in your mouth when you read it as you might spew it LOL

So you are new to testing

Ladies and Gentlemen, boys and girls, AH-64 Apache attack helicopters…… It’s that time of year again with an influx of newbs either getting a late start or coming to us trying to undo what hasn’t been working. First of all, I’d like to welcome you all. You’re gonna love it here. We will...

www.troublefreepool.com

 

[tntbutler]

Here are the test kit recommendations. Link-->Test Kits Compared

After having used each one of them, I'd recommend this kit. Link-->TF-Pro

When you get the kit, post up a full set of numbers and we'll get you dialed in...

 

[tntbutler]

Did my pool test using K2006C and results r logged in pool app. CYS level is high, so I’m draining pool. Def a lot of pool etching! Instead of acid washing or replastering, can I just keep pool chems at acceptable level?

 

[PoolStored]

Post a full set of results, and/or enable sharing with TFP in pool math app. post pictures of the "etching" What do YOU mean by etching?

I would not "drain." Use the no drain water exchange here:

Draining - Further Reading

www.troublefreepool.com

 

[tntbutler]

Post a full set of results, and/or enable sharing with TFP in pool math app. post pictures of the "etching" What do YOU mean by etching?

I would not "drain." Use the no drain water exchange here:

Draining - Further Reading

www.troublefreepool.com

Ummm, swirls and pits in the plaster??

 

[PoolStored]

Re-do the CYA test, starting at #8 here:

CYA - Cyanuric Acid Test

Cyanuric acid (CYA) is the chemical name for the product commonly called “pool water stabilizer” … Read more…

www.troublefreepool.com

This will help us figure out how much water to exchange...

 

[tntbutler]

Ummm, swirls and pits in the plaster??View attachment 614213View attachment 614214

Never had issues with algae

 

[tntbutler]

Re-do the CYA test, starting at #8 here:

CYA - Cyanuric Acid Test

Cyanuric acid (CYA) is the chemical name for the product commonly called “pool water stabilizer” … Read more…

www.troublefreepool.com

This will help us figure out how much water to exchange...

Did u see pictures? Is that what u would consider etching?? If so, because of low CH due to lack of proper water balance or replaster job done three and half years ago??

 

[tntbutler]

Drained almost all water except for small amount on deep end. Almost filled back up. I use city water, pool is in sun most of the day and use sand filter. Water is now awful green color…
Once completely filled, should I turn on pump then test water for everything again, or backwash? Not sure what order to go in…Test kit K2006C..before drain my cya was 100 and CH was 190(have lots of etching), and used pucks in chlorinator.
I bought liquid chlorine to restart process.

 

[PoolStored]

Post a picture of the water so we can see.

First priority is to get the water mixed. Throw the dolphin in the pool now, turn on the pump when you can. Let's get that water mixed.
I'd put in 3ppm of liquid chlorine as soon as you get the pump running. Pour over a return.
Assuming that you turned the pump on this morning and put dolphin in, I would test everything late afternoon.
Given the amount that you drained, I would get some dry chlorine stabilizer. Any brand is fine. You will need at least 30ppm CYA in the water.
Assuming the awful green is algae, be prepared to SLAM. Link-->SLAM Process

 

[tntbutler]

Post a picture of the water so we can see.

First priority is to get the water mixed. Throw the dolphin in the pool now, turn on the pump when you can. Let's get that water mixed.
I'd put in 3ppm of liquid chlorine as soon as you get the pump running. Pour over a return.
Assuming that you turned the pump on this morning and put dolphin in, I would test everything late afternoon.
Given the amount that you drained, I would get some dry chlorine stabilizer. Any brand is fine. You will need at least 30ppm CYA in the water.
Assuming the awful green is algae, be prepared to SLAM. Link-->SLAM Process

One picture is shallow and one is deep.