CYA very low, however I use trichlor

[nicole12]

Just opened up the pool, I have a 18' round ag pool. I just put about 12" of water into the pool. I tested the CYA and it's lower than 30. I use bleach to shock but a floater to chlorinate regularly and usually I have a high CYA level and keep my chlorine levels around 10pm.

My ? is should I raise the CYA with stabilizer since I use trichlor pucks and eventually the pucks will do that for me.

Also I've read many threads and there are different thoughs on what chemical to adjust first. I just shocked and then I'm going to concentrate on Alk and then PH because I know Alk can affect PH...is that correct?

[nicole12]

My results using Ben's test kit:

FC 9ppm
CC .5
PH 6.8
Alk 60
CYA <30

Also is it safe to add the Borax, baking soda and bleach through the skimmer...I know not at the same time :-)

[prh129]

I would suggest you raise your pH first - it may be lower than 6.8 since that is usually the lowest reading on the scale. Low pH can damage the liner. Once you get the pH up then you bring the alkalinity up. I believe 80 to 125 is the recommended range for alkalinity so you're not far off.

As far as the CYA, the higher it gets, the higher the chlorine level you will need so if possible, try to keep it between 30 and 50. The tri-chlor will raise CYA so you shouldn't need to add any more at this point but keep an eye on it to get an idea of how fast it is going up.

Yes, you can add all of those through the skimmer. I usually add the bleach in front of the return jet but others on the forum add it thorugh the skimmer.

Peter

[Watermom]

Actually, you can add the bleach into the skimmer while the pump is running. And, it also won't hurt to add bleach, baking soda, and Borax one right after the other. I do it all the time, doesn't hurt a thing.