Testing kits question - new pool fill

[JC707]

Well we are at the end of the road, pebble in today, acid wash and fill tomorrow.

I just purchased the TF-100 kit recommended as I understand salt won't be added for 30 days.

My question is did I waste money and should have just got the TF-pro Salt kit from the start even though for first 30 days I won't have a salt water pool?

Thanks!

 

[mknauss]

The TFPRo Salt has the salinity test kit plus a nice case and the SmartStir. The TF100 is great, you will need to add a salinity kit plus a SmartStir.

 

[Newdude]

My question is did I waste money and should have just got the TF-pro Salt kit from the start

Yes. But nobody ever wants to hear it when they see the prices.

The $48 smart stir is a must have for most of us, included in the TFpro, making up much of the price difference. The rest goes to the fancy case which is also worth every penny IMO. The tacklebox TF100 functions the same for testing, but the bottles are a constant annoyance to position right and fumble for the right one next tune.

Either the TF100 salt or TFpro salt adds the $30 K1766, for only $20 more, making them even better values than the Taylor 2006 and 2006c, plus k1766s.

 

[JC707]

Should I add any of the following add-ons in screen shot? Tfkits is canceling my TF-100 order and I am reordering the pro salt kit.

 

[mknauss]

None are needed. The TFPro Salt on its own is all you need.

 

[Newdude]

The SLAM option is also great for newbs who will be testing more than usual while learning.

 

[JC707]

Thanks all. Test Kit has shipped!

I've been scouring the forum and see different info around...can anyone confirm the following for this year 2023 and what are the best items to use/if any new consenus has been established? I see my local home depot sells everything:

1. Muratic acid - dry or liquid?

2. CYA - granules or liquid?

I waited too long and feel really overwhelmed right now, now that the pebble was just completed today.

I know the PB will come to do their chemical balancing + pool school. I want to say for the first 30 days but I need to confirm.

I'll run out this weekend to get items for myself and be ready to rock.

 

[mknauss]

1. Muratic acid - granules or liquid?

2. CYA - granules or liquid?

Muriatic acid is liquid. Try to find 31.45%. Do NOT use dry acid.
CYA granules are 1/4 the price of liquid. Amazon (PoolMate) or Home Depot/Walmart are good sources.

If the PB manages chemistry for first 30 days, still monitor with your kit. Many of them have no clue on proper water chemistry management.

 

[JC707]

Pool is acid washed and being filled up!

PB said once full can jump in but I did a search on here and some had some Pebble tech pages saying no Pool use in beginning.

I also saw the acid guys in full on respirators plus a spot they missed they poured some acid on and it sizzled up! Stupid question but is it even safe to go in? Lol

 

[JC707]

Start up guy is here from PB. Turning on pump and adding a few chemicals. I printed out the start up instructions from Pebble tech and what he said he is doing today lines up with Pebbletechs instructions.

Only difference is he said he is added a few tabs of chlorine to slowly dissolve. He isn't adding a ton/bulk of chlorine as he doesn't want to stain pebble but said he does this on all pools or else it will start to turn cloudy.

Pebbletechs instructions clearly state to not add any chlorine for 2 days, wondering if I should go and remove the tabs he puts in.

I don't want to do anything that voids my warranty with builder tho. Thinking of just letting him do his thing and stop stressing over it all.

 

[JC707]

Is there a way on how to measure out Muratic acid straight from the Gallon jug accurately?

I'd like to minimize handling and see this way is recommended but not exactly sure how to best do it.

Our PB is providing first 30 days chemical start up. Pool chem guy came out first day to start pump and add sequester and chlorine pucks, not sure what else he did.

2nd day I expected him back out to adjust PH/CH/etc but he didnt come. I tested it with my new TF test kit and it was pretty in line so wasnt too upset at no show.

3rd day no show - I am heading to store after work to get Muratic acid and CH riser and do this myself unless he shows up.

Thanks all.

 

[mknauss]

With your volume pool, no real need to measure. You will be adding at least 16oz each time. Just guesstimate.

 

[Newdude]

Is there a way on how to measure out Muratic acid straight from the Gallon jug accurately?

A few weeks in you'll be able to gauge it well enough to just pour. It only needs to be close as it's being diluted in 14k gallons (for you, at least). This goes for any chems you'll need to add. Say you need 5lbs of a 10 lb bag of CYA and you guesstimated 4 or 6 lbs instead, it's all good. Be sure of the amount of anything you need though. Don't guesstimate that.

If you want to aid the learning process, mark the first few jugs with a sharpie at reasonable levels for the amount you'll be using.

 

[JC707]

Thanks guys! Feeling overwhelmed but slowly will get the hang out it.

I need to update my pool signature - we moved and built our new pool with what I measured at the water meter as approx 22,000 gallons. This includes the raised spa....do I include that water volume too?

PB estimate was approx 18,500 gals...can their estimate really be that much lower than me using the water meter while filling pool?

 

[Newdude]

do I include that water volume too?

Yes as you'll mix them.

Like the dosing, the volume doesn't need to perfect, because adding 1 full gallon of 10% chlorine (etc) to 22k or 21k gallons won't change the price of beer. Between rain/fill and evaporation, it's never dead on anyway.

But no need to make it off even further by not counting the spa.

 

[woodyp]

I use an old glass jar marked in 4 ounce increments to do acid around my above ground pool. Seems that a plastic container is recommended for in grounds with a hard apron.

 

[pjt]

Is there a way on how to measure out Muratic acid straight from the Gallon jug accurately?

For 12 ounces, I visualize filling a soda can. 12 ounces is also ~1/10th of a gallon jug. With a little experience, you'll get good at pouring out the right amount. You can always add more if you undershoot.

 

[JC707]

Thanks all!

My PB rep just replied after I asked where the heck is your Chem start up guy! Lol

She said he comes once per week...I didn't mention the Pebble tech PDF start up guide I had that shows it should be balanced /adjusted 3 days in a row!

I'm going to adjust the chemistry myself...he won't be here until Monday next week.

Unless you guys think I should leave it as is, just don't want to cause any warranty issues if they know I played with water chemistry.

 

[JC707]

For 12 ounces, I visualize filling a soda can. 12 ounces is also ~1/10th of a gallon jug. With a little experience, you'll get good at pouring out the right amount. You can always add more if you undershoot.

Ahh that's a great visualizer pjt thanks! And 1/10 of gallon jug, I am looking at the muratic acid jug now and going to mark lines until I get the hang of it all.

Heading down to Sam's club to get one of those outdoor storage lockable bins for chemicals now.

 

[mknauss]

Heading down to Sam's club to get one of those outdoor storage lockable bins for chemicals now.

Chemical Storage and Safety - Further Reading

www.troublefreepool.com