Unable to maintain chlorine levels - help

[mknauss]

Your choice. As Dom said, downside is wasted chlorine a being a bit harsh on your pool equipment for a day or two. If you do not plan to swim for a few day, do the elevated FC.

 

[sas90]

a big thanks to everyone that helped me through the SLAM process!
Pool chemistry:
PH - somewhere between 7.5-7.8 (using the Taylor k-1000 sure check). is there a test that provides a more specific result, i.e. within .1?
CYA - 40, it was 50 pre-SLAM (several inches of rain as well as some water replacement due to backwash during the SLAM process).
FC - 6 (chlorine/CYA chart target 5-7, minimum 3)
Question #1 - If i plan to use household bleach to maintain my target FC, how long do i need to run my pump? i've read various posts on the forum along with pool school recommendations and it seems to vary greatly from a minimum of 30 minutes when adding chlorine to 4hrs (normal pool) or up to 9 or 10 hrs (i.e. 1 hr for every 10 degrees of temp). it seems i will just need to determine what's best for mine?
Question #2 - when's the best time to test pool chemistry and add bleach (if needed)?
Question #3 - If using household bleach, does the pool need to have been circulating to test the pool chemistry? for ex, the above FC test result was taken this morning (pump had been off for about 12 hrs).
thanks again for all the help!

 

[mknauss]

The drop based pH test is what it is. Be sure to put a white background behind it when reading it. You can try 4 drops instead of 5 to see if the colors are better for you. Also, TFTestkits.net sell a pH meter. You just need to remember to calibrate it.

From a chemical standpoint, you only need to run your pump about 30 minutes after addition. You then run the pump long enough to clean the water and skim.
Start at 4 hours and see how it does.

Most on the forum using liquid chlorine test and add in the evening. That way your highest FC is over night acting only on organics with out UV burn off.

It is best to have the pool circulating prior to test, but I just take my sample from the same place about 12 inches below surface. But I have a SWCG, so I test in the AM just before it starts adding chlorine to my water. You would test with the pump running as you will be adding liquid chlorine and the pump needs to be on for that.

Take care.

 

[sas90]

thanks again - you've been extremely helpful these past couple weeks!