Total and Free Chlorine both at 5? AND CYA constantly at 0

[HeidiP]

From what I can tell my SWG was cranked up a bit too long after we hit 0-1 - now we're at 5, which is high for our SWG goal of 1-3, and I've dialed it back, but my TC and FC are both 5.

We are under trees, so there's always SOMETHING organic in the pool, although I scoop and vacuum mercilessly.

Had to deal with high pH today, and got that settled, but now I'm looking for confirmation - TC-FC = CC - and 0 is good/does not require shock - right? I actually just can't believe that I'm lucky enough not to have had to SLAM yet since we filled the pool July 3.

My other weird ongoing issue is despite putting in stabilizer a while back, I'm constantly at 0 for stabilizer. Should I be trying to maintain it higher? I have ongoing clear water, am meticulous about scooping and vacuuming, and I have learned to backwash regularly. My stabilizer just won't stay up - am I making my SWG burn out fast by not keeping its levels up better? 20-80 is my recommended level - and it's generally straight up 0 - even when tested at pool store...

Pool shaded by trees/in partial sun. We have a cover we often use when not in there. Generally 78-82 normally and heat to about 87 for a blissful soak with the kids.

Any input helps thanks! I did the pool math and can't figure out if I need to do anything.

 

[AftonJeeper]

It's time to do some more reading in pool school. Here is a link to the recommended levels. You should bring CYA up to at least 70 but aim for 50 and work your way up from there. [FC/CYA][/FC/CYA]

Yes you are burning out your salt cell quicker than you normally would if your CYA was at suggested levels.

You would do yourself a huge favor to get a proper test kit. Guessing with strips and the pool store can be costly.

ABCs of Pool Water Chemistry

 

[mknauss]

nature 2 water purifier - to install next year since we started midseason.

Our best advice is to NOT install that -- I assume it is the Copper thing - you really do not want that.

How much stabilizer did you add? You need 30 ppm in the water before you can reliably test for it.

To get a proper test kit in Canada is a challenge. You can buy a K2006 through Lowry & Associates in Newmarket, Ontario (905-836-0505) or [email protected].

Or, and much less expensive, you can order a TF100 through TFTestkits.net and use a mail service/drop at a US border town (Watertown, NY for you). You then drive there and pick it up. May have to pay GST but not duty when you bring it back to Canada.

Take care.

 

[HeidiP]

Thank you all. I will be ordering this week then and getting someone to drive to the US for it for me - I'm due in 3 weeks and my insurance won't cover me if I am out of province! :/

Unfortunate, since I LOVE my cross border trips. We have a UPS store that holds parcels for $5USD. Will up my stabilizer and get ordering!

And I will get reading too. I am hoping I have many happy swimming days before this Canadian season closes. So jealous of my southern friends here who get to run their pools year-round.

 

[HeidiP]

This is the system that came with my pool. My sales lady told me that since my install was in July, not to bother installing this until next season - because they get replaced each year and it'd be too expensive/not worth it. Apparently the difference is that instead of having a chlorine level of 5, it brings us to a 2. Still trying to figure out what other advantages - and whether I should use next season or just bypass. It says it has a "no stain guarantee" but we know that can mean nothing depending on how many hoops need jumping through.

https://www.zodiacpoolsystems.ca/en-ca/products/mineral-purifiers/pool/nature2-purifier

 

[mknauss]

Do not install it. As one of our Mods says "all Magic and no Rabbit".

You need to follow [FC/CYA][/FC/CYA]. The pool store and magic machine manufacturers do not follow the science behind the FC / CYA relationship.

Take care.

 

[HeidiP]

Thank you! Will get my CYA back up. I have a bunch of it in the garage so at least it's a freebie. For now!