Testing kits question - new pool fill

[kimkats]

Add half the amount, let the pump run for 30 mins. Retest and go from there. You are still learning so it is a good idea to go slow so you can learn how your water reacts to everything.

DO take over your pool care. Don't say anything to the PB though. Just do what you need to do after they do nothing. They will not notice you are doing anything so it is all good.

 

[PoolStored]

Always to pH adjustment in .4 increments.

 

[JC707]

Thanks all! The 0.4 acid increment adjustment, is that per day or ok to wait a bit then add more that same day?

 

[Newdude]

After a half hour or so of circulation it's good for another test/add.

 

[JC707]

I adjusted pump to run on high to mix chlorine around...is there a set time to run pump on high for good mixing of chemicals before putting speed back to regular?

 

[JC707]

Going to add muratic acid this evening after work. Goggles I have, no respirator needed per the TFP guide.

Now should I use those thick rubber gloves or not needed? Thanks!

 

[JC707]

I added half gallon pool liquid chlorine yesterday evening...per pool math app will raise FC by 2.3.

Tested just now before going back to work and Its unchanged from last night's test of 0.5-1ppm.

I'm using the yellow dropper test, believe it's called OTO test?

 

[Newdude]

is there a set time to run pump on high for good mixing of chemicals before putting speed back to regular?

Low speed is fine and accomplish the mixing just fine. If it makes you feel better, bump it for 15 mins.

Now should I use those thick rubber gloves or not needed?

Nah. It's not nearly as scary as its perceived to be. A splash or two of pool water will get it off you if you splatter any. Many times I couldn't be bothered to kneel down again and casually finished whatever I was doing before heading inside to wash with soap.

I'm using the yellow dropper test, believe it's called OTO test?

That's for spot checks 'if chlorone is present'. Preferably, it's so yellow that you are sure you have enough FC to stay above min until next time. But it's not accurate, and only tests TC, so a '6' may be a 4+2 (etc), if you can even tell its a 6.

Use the powder test for dosing. I dose above target and fall back into it, if I fall at all. There's very little wiggle room between low target and min, and lots of wiggle room between high target and SLAM.

 

[BDY]

Don’t forget that chlorine will be used in the sun. If you added in the evening and now just again you would have likely used 2-3ppm during the day already.

 

[Newdude]

Also, for the MA, pour the bottle low. Put the bottom in the water even and it all but eliminates any splashing.

Remember that the fumes are a good thing and let you know you're doing it wrong, hence the no respirator reccomendation. If you catch a whiff, pour with your left if you were using your right. (Or vice versa). Or turn 90 degrees and pour to your side.

Obviously you want to minimize huffing fumes, but don't panic if you catch a whiff and simply adjust yourself up wind.

 

[JC707]

Awesome thank you! I got some practice with the chlorine gallon jug and won't lie, some splashed up on me. I was trying to perfect the technique before moving on to the big boy acid jug.

 

[Newdude]

got some practice with the chlorine gallon jug and won't lie, some splashed up on me.

Same thing. Pour low. I poured waist high like a clown for YEARS.

 

[BDY]

Remember you are standing over a giant water bath….rinse off hands and such after and worst case if it really splashes (jug breaks etc) go for a swim

Seriously - i rinse hands, cup and jig in pool after….

 

[JC707]

Chlorine and muratic acid...what was the general rule of thumb again...never mix for sure but I read I can add them in the same day but space it out? Had the post bookmarked but can't find it now.

 

[BDY]

Space out 15 min

 

[Newdude]

I'm pretty sure we went over it, but you're learning so much and stuff goes in one eye and out the other. So let's rehash your daily loss as you're a temporary jug lugger.




Minimum is not an OK level. It's a defcon 1, all hands on deck event. The season starts with low daily loss (short days, low sun angle) and gradually increases until the mid point of the year, when it slooooooowly decreases for the rest of the season. You might lose 1 or 2 early/late, and 4 or even 5 mid season in sunny CA. So your target changes based upon recent observance. Tomorrow is pretty much going to be like today and so on.

So. Take minimum for your CYA and add the recent daily loss to it. Then add 2 ppm for unplanned events to happen like a big storm, or a particularly high UV day. That's your target no matter when you're doing it. Let's say your CYA is 30. Minimum is 2, and you've noticed losing 4ppm daily. 6 is your bare minimum when you dose, and you really want to aim for 8 because the universe likes to toy with us.

Once the SWG is running, same thing. It will fluctuate a little and it's your job to tell it to produce enough FC to keep you free and clear from minimum at its low point of the day.

 

[JC707]

Alright home from work and working on all this.

Thanks for the info new dude!

I found an email from the PB's Chem start up guy...and what he tested last Friday: FC, PH, and TA. Doesn't say what he added.

At this point I'm doing it all. He tested FC last Friday at 0.2. And I saw when I got home he added 1 tri puck.

I tested FC at 0 today! Did the drop test with the powder and also comparator block test. Went ahead and completed all my tests and going to add chemicals today.

For calcium, I can just sprinkle over top of surface deep end and call it a day? I also plan to add muratic acid, CYA (I didn't get to add the other day unfortunately), and Calcium. Chlorine just went into the pool...1 gallons worth with my Pool math app shows will bump to 4.0+ of FC. I will test this after 30 minutes?

Also is all of these too much to add in an evening guys? Maybe I should break it up into this evening and tomorrow morning?

Thanks!

 

[mknauss]

What did you test for CH? What is your water source for make up water due to evaporation? Test the CH and TA of that water.

You can broadcast the calcium chloride (if you need it). But brush the area very well. Any thing that gets to the plaster can cause a scale spot.

You can add all the other items as you wish.

Be very sure the chem guy knows you have added CYA and Calcium. They likely will be adding it without testing.

 

[JC707]

CH tested at 100. My autofill is hooked up to the sprinkler valves out towards the front of the home. I will go test that now as we added a hose bib as well where I can pull water from and test CH / TA.

Yeah I was dreading talking to that guy about what I add, he's not very friendly but I will let him know.

 

[mknauss]

Your location is Bay Area. Do you get Hetch Hetchy water?