My start up Numbers

[bssage]

Two weeks into the start-up process.

Household bleach (dollar store) only 13 gal used.

Water cloudy but otherwise colorless. Water temp has to be still in the low 40's due to a cold spell.

FC =129
CC =2
PH=7.4
TA = 60
CYA=75

These numbers are pretty steady for the last four days without making changes.

My thinking is pretty good numbers out of the gate (pre -season). I need to get rid of the cloudyness. And I was wondering if placing the solar cover is going to mess with my numbers? I know it was recommended not to use the solar cover last year when I was cleaning it up because it traps escaping gasses. But it was not mentioned if leaving it on would have an adverse effect on normal balance.

[BigDave]

FC=129
Would you please double check?

[bssage]

Well the directions say take my drop count time 3. OOOOppps that is step 3 count equivalent.

In that case: FC= 3.7

[BigDave]

That number makes more sense. It's also a bit low for a CYA level of 75 as per Ben's Best Guess Chart (http://www.poolsolutions.com/gd/best-guess-swimming-pool-chlorine-chart.html).

With a CC of 2, and a FC under the minimum, I'd raise the FC to shock level of 20 ppm and keep it there until the CC is under 0.5 ppm and FC drops less than 1 ppm overnight (sunset to sunrise). Run the filter 24x7 until this shock procedure is complete.

Like last year, don't use the cover with the FC at shock level. Under normal operating conditions, the cover will have a small effect on pool water chemistry that will be corrected by the regular test - adjust - test maintenance regime.

[bssage]

Thanks. Had an issue with the multi valve which I think I have corrected. So there is going to be a delay in posting new numbers. Once I get the filter and water levels back in place I will proceed with your recommendations.

Thanks

[BigDave]

U R Awesome! - don't forget it.

[bssage]

New numbers

FC=9.8
CC=0.4
CYA=56
PH=7.4

These are close but not exact to your recommendations Dave. The ambient temp is going to keep us out of the pool for probably better than a month. Should I keep trying to fine tune these numbers? Or let them ride for a bit? I do want to put the solar cover on as soon as I can to reduce delay's when the warm weather hits.


For some unknown reason. I end up testing PH twice. The first reading is almost always low around 7.0. The second reading is typically around 7.4 or slightly higher.

[BigDave]

Since you report 9.8 for FC and 0.4 for CC, I presume you are using a 25ml sample for the chlorine test. You will conserve your testing reagent by testing with a 10ml sample ( and multiple by .5 instead of .2 ). You'll burn through the drops really fast with the 25ml test.
How do you come up with 56 for CYA?

You can let it ride if you want to, as long as you keep the FC above 5 all the time and your CC is 0.5 or less and your don't lose FC overnight - you're OK for chlorine. Fine tuning is something to avoid - the goal is to get your numbers in range, not exact. You can go bananas trying to get "perfect" numbers but it's pointless to try. Anything in range is perfect.

pH is weird, do you rinse the test tube with pool water before collecting the sample?