Intex Owner 15' x 48" overwhelmed

[ATC_NH]

I have been reading this forum as much as I possibly can... The wealth of information is amazing.

I have the 16" intex sand filter with SWCG generator...

I have abandoned use of the SWCG until I can get all my levels in check and balanced.

My sole source of chlorine has been from bleach.

I was using the HTH 6 way until I received my Taylor K-2006 yesterday. Boy, the reagents in the HTH must have been old. Results are much different with the Taylor kit.

I ran the tests twice to confirm the results.

Here are my numbers:

FC - 0.8
CC - .2
PH - 7.2
TA - 60
CH - 80
CYA < 30 (I expected the CYA to be low, I drained 1/3 of the water to remove the small 1 1/4 intex connectors and replace with the 1 1/2)

----------

I am looking for a recommended course of action. The water is crystal clear. I could "shock" by adding more bleach, but I believe the water is out of balance.

Thanks

Ryan

[Watermom]

Your numbers don't look bad except you need to get some chlorine in there. Since your CYA is also low, you may want to use dichlor for a short time as it will add CYA and chlorine at the same time. If you prefer to just use bleach, you can just add some CYA separately. You'll want a CYA reading of 40-50. Your pH is ok at 7.2 but if it goes any lower, you'll want to use some 20 Mule Team Borax to bump it up. Keep pH between 7.2-7.8. Alk and CH are fine.

Take a look at this thread. It may be helpful for you.

http://www.poolforum.com/pf2/showthread.php?17055-Super-simple-pool-chemistry-recipe-for-Intex-type-pools-start-up-amp-routine-care.

[ATC_NH]

Watermom,

Thanks.

I was getting a little overwhelmed reading all the info that comes with the taylor test kit.

I was getting a little to wrapped up with getting the water "balance".

I plan to "shock" the pool with bleach, to bring up the FC and burn off the CC if I understand what I have been reading correctly.

Do they make a liquid for CYA? I have the powder which I have been putting in a sock and then suspending in front of the return. The powder takes a long time to dissolve.

Also, where in a store like walmart would I find the borax? I know they make a laundry soap, but I don't believe that is what I am looking for.

Thanks

[Watermom]

They do make a liquid CYA but it is quite expensive. I always just buy the granular.

You can find Borax in the laundry aisle at Walmart. 20 Mule Team Borax is what you are looking for. (It is in the laundry aisle but is not soap.)