View Full Version : First test of season...what to do?
TfromNC
05-06-2006, 03:06 PM
I just opened my 12x24 IG vinyl pool today. It is clear. Here are my initial test results using my PS233:
FC= .5
CC= 0
TC= .5
PH= 7.5
ALK= 50
CYA= 0
Temp Approx= 60-65
What should I adjust first? And how much should I use? Thanks in advance for suggestions.
Terry
Watermom
05-06-2006, 04:56 PM
We need to know the volume of the pool. Then we can advise you how much bleach to add to get some chlorine in the pool. Your ph is fine, but the alk is a little low. You can add some baking soda to raise it. Try a half a box at a time added slowly in the skimmer while the pump is running. Wait a few hours to let it circulate, then retest and redose til you get it between 80-125. You're gonna need some cya in there or you won't be able to hold a chlorine reading. It is sometimes called conditioner or stabilizer. Check the ingredients. It should say either cyanuric acid or isocyanuric acid. Add enough per the label directions to get to an initial reading of about 30. It may tell you to broadcast it across the pool, but don't. Instead, add it to the skimmer. It takes awhile to dissolve in the filter, so don't retest for it, add more or backwash for about a week to make sure it has time to fully dissolve. You can probably buy it at Walmart, Lowe's or Home Depot. If not, you may have to get it at a pool store. In the meantime, it is going to be hard to keep a chlorine reading in your pool. You'll need to test and add bleach morning and evening to maintain a reading. After you start getting a cya reading, you'll be able to just test your water and dose it with bleach in the evenings. With a cya reading of 30, try and keep your chlorine reading between 3-6 all the time. If you will supply your volume, somebody here can tell you how much bleach you'll need to add to your pool.
TfromNC
05-07-2006, 11:21 AM
My bleach calculator says my volume is at 9720 gallons. The pool is 12x24 rectange IG 3' to 6' depth. I already bought the CYA. I wanted to wait to get some feedback before I added it to the pool. I will get some bleach and baking soda to have it on hand.
Watermom
05-07-2006, 12:42 PM
In a pool this size, each quart of 6% bleach will raise your cl by about 1.5ppm.
Go ahead and add some cya to the skimmer. Add enough per label directions to get to a reading of 30. Then, don't retest for it, add more or backwash for a week to give it plenty of time to dissolve.