What to put on new fill

Jump to latest Follow Reply
S

Strackmomof3

Member
Aug 21, 2023
9
Central Arkansas
Pool Size
25000
Surface
Vinyl
Chlorine
Salt Water Generator
Hi all! First time pool owner, so take it easy on me. A friend introduced me to TFP a couple of weeks ago, so I’ve been reading and watching since then. They are dropping liner any time now and want to make sure I’m ready. I’ve ordered the TF-100 salt test, but not sure I’ll get it in time.

I think my pool is about 25k gallons best I’ve figured, but would love for someone Tom confirm. We basically have a 16x36 with 8’ deep end including an 8’ hopper. Our shallow end is 3’ deep and 10’ long. Plus we have a tanning ledge which is 16x10 and will have around 14” or water.

Based on 25k gal, to start me off, do I need 17 40lb bags of salt and 16lb of stabilizer? And pour some (how much?) liquid bleach in at first until the chlorinater starts working (I picked up a couple gallons of pool chlorine that has 10%)? Is this correct? Do I need to do anything other than this until I can test it? I also purchase some borax and baking soda to have on hand.

Thanks so much for any guidance!!!
 
More like 14# of stabilizer but not all at once - do 1/2 then test 24 hours later.
Use the sock method to add it (put it in a sock 🧦, tie the end, hang infront of a running return away from the pool wall, squeeze the sock)
You may need to purchase 16# worth as it is usually sold in 4# increments.
IMG_7487.png

Is this a vinyl or plaster pool?
Vinyl you can add salt immediately but for plaster you have a 30 day waiting period.
There are also specific startup procedures for plaster pools that should be followed.
What swcg do you have?
Some have different ideal salt levels than others.
To reach 3000 ppm (which is an average target) you’d need 16 40# bags (you can buy a couple extra just incase)
The same logic applies to salt as cya - only add 1/2 or 2/3 of your target - let circulate 24 hours then test
You don’t want to overshoot cya or salt or you will then need to replace some water
The swcg should be off the entire time you’re adding/adjusting the salt level until 24hrs after the final addition-this can take several days.
IMG_7488.jpeg
For liquid chlorine- add 5ppm worth ASAP & each day until you get your kit in. (1.25 gal if using 10% strength)
Then once you can test, follow the
FC/CYA Levels & keep fc in target 🎯 range (use the liquid chlorine option until your swg is running)
Use PoolMath to calculate additions.
You also need some muriatic acid on hand for lowering ph so put that on the shopping list. Usually comes in a 2gal pack.
You will likely not need the baking soda or borax unless you just want some to keep in the laundry room incase.
Please fill out your signature with all your equipment & details- it helps us give you accurate advice.
 
  • Like
Reactions: HermanTX
Welcome to TFP.

To get an accurate volume, take note of your water meter before you start to fill. Just snap a picture. Then take another when it is filled and subtract the difference to get a more accurate volume. You can also subtract 80 gals per person Per day for such usage as showers, washing machine, dishwasher, etc.

Download the PoolMath app and that will guide you on how much salt and other chemicals are needed. It is a great tool for a pool owner.

Take a bottle of your tap water to a pool store to have it tested. That will tell you what you are starting with with regard to TA and CH.
Do not buy anything at the pool store because stabilizer, salt, chlorine, MA is much cheaper at Walmart or Home Depot.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Mdragger88
Mdragger88 said:
More like 14# of stabilizer but not all at once - do 1/2 then test 24 hours later.
Use the sock method to add it (put it in a sock 🧦, tie the end, hang infront of a running return away from the pool wall, squeeze the sock)
You may need to purchase 16# worth as it is usually sold in 4# increments.
View attachment 525412

Is this a vinyl or plaster pool?
Vinyl you can add salt immediately but for plaster you have a 30 day waiting period.
There are also specific startup procedures for plaster pools that should be followed.
What swcg do you have?
Some have different ideal salt levels than others.
To reach 3000 ppm (which is an average target) you’d need 16 40# bags (you can buy a couple extra just incase)
The same logic applies to salt as cya - only add 1/2 or 2/3 of your target - let circulate 24 hours then test
You don’t want to overshoot cya or salt or you will then need to replace some water
The swcg should be off the entire time you’re adding/adjusting the salt level until 24hrs after the final addition-this can take several days.
View attachment 525413
For liquid chlorine- add 5ppm worth ASAP & each day until you get your kit in. (1.25 gal if using 10% strength)
Then once you can test, follow the
FC/CYA Levels & keep fc in target 🎯 range (use the liquid chlorine option until your swg is running)
Use PoolMath to calculate additions.
You also need some muriatic acid on hand for lowering ph so put that on the shopping list. Usually comes in a 2gal pack.
You will likely not need the baking soda or borax unless you just want some to keep in the laundry room incase.
Please fill out your signature with all your equipment & details- it helps us give you accurate advice.
Click to expand...
I appreciate your help! We have a vinyl liner.
We have a Hayward AQR100 chlorine generator. I thought I read somewhere in TFP where it suggests to have about 200ppm over the ideal when you start up, but I might be mistaken. My owners manual says 3200ppm is ideal which I think is also what tfp guidelines said. I’ll note we need the chlorine generator to be off until we get the salt worked out.

I’ll also try to figure out how to add info to my signature :)
 
  • Like
Reactions: Mdragger88
HermanTX said:
Welcome to TFP.

To get an accurate volume, take note of your water meter before you start to fill. Just snap a picture. Then take another when it is filled and subtract the difference to get a more accurate volume. You can also subtract 80 gals per person Per day for such usage as showers, washing machine, dishwasher, etc.

Download the PoolMath app and that will guide you on how much salt and other chemicals are needed. It is a great tool for a pool owner.

Take a bottle of your tap water to a pool store to have it tested. That will tell you what you are starting with with regard to TA and CH.
Do not buy anything at the pool store because stabilizer, salt, chlorine, MA is much cheaper at Walmart or Home Depot.
Click to expand...
Thanks for the info! App is downloaded! I have a test kit on the way; if it doesn’t get here before we fill I’ll take sample to pool store. I think maybe the only main thing I haven’t purchased any of is muriatic acid. Hopefully I have the rest that’s. Needed ready to go.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Thread Status
Hello , This thread has been inactive for over 60 days. New postings here are unlikely to be seen or responded to by other members. For better visibility, consider Starting A New Thread.
Top Bottom
Back
Jump to latest Follow Reply