TF-100 testing FC, CC, and TC clarification for PoolMath

[mprzybylski]

Hello,
I just did startup on my pool yesterday and am trying to balance my chemicals correctly. I'm using the TF-100 in conjunction with the PoolMath app and I'm a bit confused as to what I'm testing and how I should be putting it in. When I use the K-1000 tube to test, it says I'm testing TC by looking at the level on the tube, but when I go to put it into PoolMath it's asking for FC and CC. I see there is another test using the reagents separately to test FC and CC (Chlorine Drop Test in the directions) so should I be using that instead? If so, what is the tube test for then and where would I record that?

Secondly, if I should be running the Chlorine Drop Test instead (which says to run weekly or as needed), should I be doing this test every day until I get everything balanced and then I can move to weekly?

I'm a bit overwhelmed right now so pardon my ignorance. Appreciate any help you can offer.

 

[mprzybylski]

Adding that this is my updated PoolMath log but I recorded the tube test as FC which is probably not correct, right? I have not run the Chlorine Drop Test yet. Should I do that and re-record the logs as FC and CC from those results?

 

[mknauss]

The K1000 test is a quick check. For you, being new, do the drop test. Only enter into Poolmath the drop test data for now.

 

[mknauss]

Adding that this is my updated PoolMath log but I recorded the tube test as FC which is probably not correct, right? I have not run the Chlorine Drop Test yet. Should I do that and re-record the logs as FC and CC from those results?

See above. It is not likely you have CC. So if the water is clear and algae free, there is no reason to do the CC portion of the test, typically.

 

[setsailsoon]

mp,

These are great questions at exactly the right time... so many don't ask questions like this then pool goes wrong and then you need help getting it back to a TFP pool. Keep asking any questions and Marty will get you in like Flynn! Before you know it you'll be on autopilot.

Chris

 

[mprzybylski]

@mknauss Ah, thank you. I ran the test for FC and came up with 5.5 and adjusted my logs. Looks like I'm high on chlorine now :\. I couldn't even run the CC test because when I bought my kit the R-003 reagent wasn't available and I just noticed a note in the kit that said they will ship it when it is, so without that I can't run a CC test it looks like.

 

[mknauss]

Sounds good. I would not call a FC of 5.5 high, but hopefully sufficient. Appears you are just adding CYA.

No worries on the CC. TFTestkits has had some challenges this summer.

 

[mprzybylski]

@mknauss Yep, I added CYA this morning but I wasn't planning on testing for it until tomorrow. Does that sound reasonable?

I also just added some soda ash to get the pH up.

My kids are DYING to go swimming after school today. Is it safe for them to do so based on my latest logs?

 

[mknauss]

Once the CYA is fully dissolved from the sock, test it 24+ hours later.

In your climate and fill water, you never need soda ash. Your ph and TA will always be rising. No harm right now but no need for it going forward.

Let them swim! They can help get the CYA dissolved out of the sock. Just tell them to not get it into their eyes.

 

[mprzybylski]

@mknauss Awesome! I put the CYA in the skimmer (it has a net in it) and it dissolved rather quickly this morning then I put the second batch (shown in my logs) and that dissolved rather quickly as well.

Looks like we're finally swimming today!! Appreciate your help, Marty.

One last question on the calcium hardness: PoolMath is telling me I need to add 23lbs to reach a target of 450. Is this correct?

 

[mknauss]

One last question on the calcium hardness: PoolMath is telling me I need to add 23lbs to reach a target of 450. Is this correct?

No. Your pool needs no calcium added to it. Your fill water will raise your CH quick enough.
Do you have a whole house water softener? Hooking up the pool water fill line to a water softener is a very good idea in your area.

 

[mprzybylski]

Ah, ok. Yes, I do have a whole house water softener and a whole house filtration system. Sounds like I don't need to add anything else for the time being. I'll run my tests again tomorrow to see where I'm at after adding everything today. Thanks again!

 

[mknauss]

Since this sounds like a new pool, I assume you have 30 days until the salt is added. So be sure to add liquid chlorine every day. Keep your pH in the 7's. It will be rising very fast.

 

[mprzybylski]

Yep, pool just filled on Sunday so I've been trying to balance the chemicals the past two days (I thought my startup person was going to do that for me but... they didn't, kind of useless). I've been on this site for the past 30 hours sucking up as much as I can and I'm now where I am in this thread

Correct that the SWG has not yet been added, I'm waiting until start of September to do that as per instructions from the PebbleTec company (and this site, and everything I've read in regards to the topic) so I'm treating the pool as a non-SWG pool for the time being.

 

[mprzybylski]

@mknauss Just ran my tests for today (logs here) and added chemicals as suggested by PoolMath. From your viewpoint, should I be adding anything else at this point?

Additionally, that 20oz was the last I had of dry cyanuric acid that a neighbor gave to me to get me started. I went to a few stores yesterday but could not find any more. Where is the best place to buy this stuff and how much should I be buying/spending? I know Leslie's has the liquid form but its like $40 which seems a bit excessive...

 

[mknauss]

The stabilizer you have added should get you close to 50 ppm CYA. So I would not add anymore for now.
You need to not let your FC fall that low. Your target level for 50 CYA is 6-8 ppm FC. So add chlorine to get to 10 ppm FC and see if when you test the next day you are above 5 ppm FC.

 

[mprzybylski]

Got it, will do. How long after I add chlorine should I test again to see where I'm at before adding more to get up to 10 FC?

 

[mknauss]

It might be instructive to test after an hour or so to see what you get. Normally this is not necessary but while you are learning your pool it might help.

 

[mprzybylski]

Makes sense, and yeah, definitely still learning, so I should probably be testing more often during this time. Thanks again for all the help, its been invaluable to me.

 

[Nikilyn]

Aren’t you so glad you have all this wonderful help? PoolMath is invaluable! I couldn’t imagine trying to figure it out without it.