What to do first with low levels

[elmothecat]

Hi All. First time poster. Will share as many details as I can.

28,000 SWG gunite pool completed earlier this summer. Started using TF-Pro test kit and am learning a lot. I have read a lot of the articles on here but am not sure where to start. I have the pool math app. Water is clear, no issues to the naked eye.

Here are the readings I got today:

FC 1
CYA 35
TA 110
pH 8.2
CH 175
Salt 2800

We added 1/2 gal of MA to bring down the pH. (probably need more)
We put the SWG up to 100% but from what I am reading, the generator may not be able to increase the FC quickly enough, and if the CYA is this low, the FC may not hold anyway?

What to do we do next, in order of importance?

TIA!

 

[Getitrite]

Welcome to TFP! Until the Staff gets to you I suggest adding 1 gallon of Liquid Chlorine to get your Free Chlorine up immediately. And add about 5ppm per day until you get further help. Consider your CYA 40 (round up the test results, there is no in between).

 

[JJ_Tex]

+1 on the liquid chlorine to get your FC up to around 4 or 5, then let the swcg maintain.

Chlorine is your #1 priority, but good call on the MA to lower your pH. You should also add some calcium to get those in range heading into winter.

Since you are in PA, I would not mess with CYA until next season.

You can also do an OCLT once you get your FC up, just to make sure you do not have any algae brewing.

 

[elmothecat]

+1 on the liquid chlorine to get your FC up to around 4 or 5, then let the swcg maintain.

Chlorine is your #1 priority, but good call on the MA to lower your pH. You should also add some calcium to get those in range heading into winter.

Since you are in PA, I would not mess with CYA until next season.

You can also do an OCLT once you get your FC up, just to make sure you do not have any algae brewing.

Ok thank you! I can get LC tomorrow bc I don't have any on hand. I do have regular household bleach and chlorine tabs and could add those tonight- which would be better in this case?

 

[JJ_Tex]

Normal household bleach or tabs would work too. For the bleach, just make sure it isn't scented, splashless, or Clorox brand. If none of those apply then go for it as the only difference in bleach and liquid chlorine is the concentration an regular household bleach is around 6% strength vs 10% for most liquid chlorine.

The tabs would also be fine to use since your CYA is a bit low. The continual use of tabs without testing for CYA is not recommended, but you should be fine to use them.