I had a difficult time giving this thread a name. Attached is a condensed spreadsheet of only testing that was done with the TF-100 test kit for my pool. I have followed the instructions to a T. The kit stays inside and water bottle goes from pool to inside home after water has thoroughly mixed for at least 30 minutes before testing. Testing is always done in a.m. prior to any additions unless otherwise noted. The temperatures are based on the forecasted weekly results based on http://www.weather.com
Any PH changes (down only) is because I added either dry acid and now switched to muriatic acid. This happens every 3-5 days as needed (which you may not see on sheet). Daily, I use the Taylor K-1000 to make sure I have TC and to check PH. Every 3-5 days, I must add 10 oz. of muriatic acid to lower PH. This tracking has made me understand my pool's behavior. CYA was also increased in the beginning of the year (with liquid conditioner). I know that I should have used the sock approach, but figured the $$$ saved here was worth spending on the liquid stuff.
What I am trying to get a feel of this why my CH has slowly been decreasing over time. Is this normal? There has been very little water replacement with City water (maybe 5 times at 6" each time). Guessing about 300 gallons each time. The remainder is from rainfall. Raised my PH only once with 1/2 box of Borax. Have added liquid stabilizer, muriatic acid and of course 12.5% liquid chlorine.
I target additions of 3 ppm daily and then have to skip a day here and there if levels are too high. In the beginning, my % was off as bleach was of a lower concentration than I thought. The pool consumes about 2 to 2.5 ppm on average day. I even go back weekly and figure out the average loss per day. This is simple as you take beginning TC, subtract from ending TC and divide by 7 days. This provides you the average daily consumption. No other chemicals were need. I am guessing $350 for a total of 5 months will be the final cost this year.
Slowly, my TA has been decreasing and hopefully this will stabilize the rising issue with the PH. This also could be due to the rotating 360 degree heads, which create a lot of surface water movement and may just be normal. Once my TA comes down to about 80, then I will go from there. I have no issues adding 10 oz. of muriatic acid every few days. It is embedded in my brain. Each and every time I look at the water, a smile comes to my face. That crystal clear. BTW, my liner IS NOT bleached as I have said good bye to the pool store very early on. Ironically, I have not come across one pool this year that the liner was not either bleached or heavily stained. Not a trace or spot of algae.
Please remember that the spreadsheet has a lot of hidden columns and rows. I have not spent more than a few minutes daily taking care of the pool. Liquid chlorine has been added at least 5 of 7 days. I can fine tune the additions, but it is so much easier to remove 64 oz. from one gallon and add to another gallon. If I am over a few ppm on average, I believe that is fine and no harm can be done.
Any PH changes (down only) is because I added either dry acid and now switched to muriatic acid. This happens every 3-5 days as needed (which you may not see on sheet). Daily, I use the Taylor K-1000 to make sure I have TC and to check PH. Every 3-5 days, I must add 10 oz. of muriatic acid to lower PH. This tracking has made me understand my pool's behavior. CYA was also increased in the beginning of the year (with liquid conditioner). I know that I should have used the sock approach, but figured the $$$ saved here was worth spending on the liquid stuff.
What I am trying to get a feel of this why my CH has slowly been decreasing over time. Is this normal? There has been very little water replacement with City water (maybe 5 times at 6" each time). Guessing about 300 gallons each time. The remainder is from rainfall. Raised my PH only once with 1/2 box of Borax. Have added liquid stabilizer, muriatic acid and of course 12.5% liquid chlorine.
I target additions of 3 ppm daily and then have to skip a day here and there if levels are too high. In the beginning, my % was off as bleach was of a lower concentration than I thought. The pool consumes about 2 to 2.5 ppm on average day. I even go back weekly and figure out the average loss per day. This is simple as you take beginning TC, subtract from ending TC and divide by 7 days. This provides you the average daily consumption. No other chemicals were need. I am guessing $350 for a total of 5 months will be the final cost this year.
Slowly, my TA has been decreasing and hopefully this will stabilize the rising issue with the PH. This also could be due to the rotating 360 degree heads, which create a lot of surface water movement and may just be normal. Once my TA comes down to about 80, then I will go from there. I have no issues adding 10 oz. of muriatic acid every few days. It is embedded in my brain. Each and every time I look at the water, a smile comes to my face. That crystal clear. BTW, my liner IS NOT bleached as I have said good bye to the pool store very early on. Ironically, I have not come across one pool this year that the liner was not either bleached or heavily stained. Not a trace or spot of algae.
Please remember that the spreadsheet has a lot of hidden columns and rows. I have not spent more than a few minutes daily taking care of the pool. Liquid chlorine has been added at least 5 of 7 days. I can fine tune the additions, but it is so much easier to remove 64 oz. from one gallon and add to another gallon. If I am over a few ppm on average, I believe that is fine and no harm can be done.
