Intex Ultra Frame 18 x 48 Pool

[slick6]

I've got my pool full. I've been circulating water for about 5.5 hrs. I added 7 doses of bleach while filling. Pool capacity is 6423 gals. I just got my first set of readings and was seeking advice for what to do next. Here are my readings:
CL: No color change
pH: 7.8
Alkalinity: 160
Hardness: 40
I have the SWCG, but have not not added salt, I was hoping to get better readings. I'm looking for advice on what I should do for the evening.

[Watermom]

I'm sorry you didn't get a reply this evening, but I hope you added bleach. If not, do so in the a.m. Are you going to use the Super Simple Startup Recipe? It is an ideal way to start up a freshly filled pool. Info here:> http://pool9.net/ssr/

You'll want to wait a bit to start the SWCG. Better to get the water balanced first. Your SWCG manual should tell you what CYA level you need for the unit to operate properly. If you use dichlor for awhile, you will be adding CYA and chlorine at the same time. Once your CYA level is built up to where you need it to be, then you can turn on the SWCG.

[slick6]

Yes I did use the SSSR. I added 4 doses of bleach, 20 Mule, and CYA this evening. Going to check the numbers again in the morning.

[Watermom]

How much CYA did you add? How did you add it?

Borax raises Ph. So, with a pH of 7.8, you shouldn't have added the Borax.

[slick6]

I added 4 doses of CYA. According to recipe the Borax and CYA is 1 to 1. Right?

[Watermom]

4 doses of chlorine or 4 doses of CYA? What was the product name and ingredients of what you added?

You only add the 1 to 1 doses of Borax if you are using dichlor because it is acidic and will drive the pH down. The Borax is to counteract this drop in pH.

I'm not sure that you understand the recipe. There are directions there for using bleach for a few days until you can buy the needed Dichlor. At that point, you stop using bleach and use dichlor until your CYA (stabilizer) is around 50ppm. Then, stop the dichor and switch back to bleach.

[slick6]

i used the CYA recommended from Sam's Club. Pool Brand I think. The one recommended on the recipe. I'll get another reading this afternoon. Post it here if that is ok

[Watermom]

That isn't CYA. It is Dichlor which is chlorine with CYA in it.

Test your pH again this evening before you add more dichlor. If your pH is above 7.3 or so, don't add Borax.

[slick6]

Here are my current readings:
Cl-5
Br-10
pH-7.5
Alk-200
Hard-90
How should I proceed this evening ?
Thanks
I have not added salt yet. I didn't test CYA because my understanding is that it takes a few days.

[Watermom]

You can ignore the bromine side of your tester; this is a chlorine pool.

Your OTO chlorine tester can only read up to 5ppm of chlorine. Use the color chart at this link to see what you think the reading actually is:>
http://pool9.net/oto-chart/

[slick6]

According to that chart I think it would be between 6 & 9 best I can remember. I check it this afternoon before coming to work. It was pretty close to the 5 may have been a little darker than the 5. Any advice on what I should do tonight.

[Watermom]

I think you are fine tonight. :)

[slick6]

Ok it's been 6 days since initial fill. I started the SWCG yesterday. I took samples before it started for today. Here are my readings:
Cl 1-2
pH 8.8
Alk 140
Hard 40
CYA Black dot not disappearing with full tube.
Any advice on how to proceed.
Thanks

[Watermom]

You need to check your SWCG manual and see what the requirement is for the CYA and raise it to that level for your unit to function properly.

Your pH is way too high. Use some muriatic acid to lower it some. Please read this first:> http://pool9.net/muriatic/

[slick6]

A dose of dichlor would help CYA correct ?

[Watermom]

Yes. For every 10ppm of chlorine that dichlor adds, it also increases the CYA by about 9ppm.