Got the pool running. Now what?

[donovan.lambright]

I have an Intex EasySet 15' x 48" pool. As some of you know, I had a rough time earlier this summer with one of my kids suffering skin irritation. After a lot of discussion here (http://www.poolforum.com/pf2/showthread.php?16961-Question-about-shock-and-chlorine&highlight=chlorine+and+shock), I ended up draining the pool and started over using nothing but basic chemicals or pool products that clearly state their ingredients.

The good news is that we've been in the version 2 pool for about 30 hours now and my daughter's skin irritation has not come back. :D Things are basically under control and it's time to start thinking about long-term maintenance.

I have the Taylor K-2600 and my current readings are:
FC 2.4 ppm
CC 0 ppm
PH 7.6
TA 270 ppm
CH 220 ppm
CYA <30 ppm

Fill water readings are:
TA 280 ppm
CH 200 ppm

I added some Muriatic acid this morning and expect the PH to come down to 7.4 shortly.

So far, I have used the following in the pool:
Bleach (just when I was opening the pool)
99% trichlor tabs for ongoing chlorination (dispensed through a floater)
Muriatic Acid

I have Borax on hand but have not needed to use it. Quite the opposite, my struggle has been to keep the PH down. No matter what I do, it keeps creeping up. I'm going through a lot of Muriatic acid, which doesn't worry me too much as it's so cheap. Still, I would say that is the only real issue with the pool now.

Based on my reading on this forum, I suspect that the high TA is what makes the PH keep moving up. I'm trying to decide if it's worthwhile to try and lower the TA. Also I'm debating on dropping the trichlor and moving to the PoolBrand dichlor shock you have recommended. The cheapskate in me wants to keep using the tabs I have on hand.

So what do you all think? Anything else I should be worrying about?

As always, thanks for all your help.

Donovan

[aylad]

Chances are the kids splashing in the pool is what is causing your pH rise--but the trichlor tabs should be helping to hold that in check. Can you direct your return so that it doesn't ripple the water? Any form of aeration will help the pH rise.

I think you'll be fighting a losing battle to try to lower the TA, because the TA of your fill water is so high--everytime you top off the pool, you're going to be raising it right back up again--I think I would leave it alone.

What makes you want to drop the trichlor and switch to dichlor? You can do either one--they both add chlorine, add CYA (the dichlor adds it quicker than the trichlor), and lower pH. Why don't you go ahead and use up the trichlor that you have, and then make that decision later?

Glad your pool is back in business, and that you are able to enjoy it this season!!

Janet

[donovan.lambright]

I didn't realize there was a link between activity and pH going up. Good to know. As long as it's not indicative of a problem, I'll stop worrying about it. Like I said, muriatic acid is cheap. My return does ripple the water. I'll have to see about supporting the return hose so it's not hanging down and forcing the return jet to point up. Might be able to top it off and raise the water surface.

I'll stop worrying about the TA, as long as it's not causing trouble.

The only reason I'm considering the dichlor is to add CYA quicker. If you don't see a problem with the trichlor, I'll keep using it up.

Thanks! The kids (and my wife) are really happy that it all worked out. I think they were in the pool (along with some other neighborhood kids) for about 4 hours yesterday. The water is crystal clear and has been great in the 95% humidity we've been having for the last week.

Donovan

[Watermom]

Glad things are going well and your daughter is no longer having problems. Have fun!

[aylad]

Great job--now enjoy that pool! :cool:

Janet

[donovan.lambright]

Thanks again!