Yay!!!New pool!!!

[jo3ponies]

Choosing between A/C and a pool I chose pool. (who knew I'd be a water baby in my 60s?) Tried every way possible to get softened water to fill it but no way so water is from our (hard) water well. After previous attempts to keep old, smaller pools swimmable my husband gave up so I'm taking over with a bigger pool (20' x 48" round) and YOU. Hoping we're going to have a very successful relationship, do what my hubs couldn't, and you will make my summer everything I hope it will be....you just don't understand how important it is to cool off and get my water exercises in. Thank you....

[Watermom]

Do you have the pool up and running yet? What all have you added to the water? Do you have a drops-based test kit?

Welcome to the Pool Forum!

[jo3ponies]

1/2 full and will finish filling today. I have a 3 way test kit and all was 0 except ph was 7.2. Have only put about 5 cups of concentrated (Clorox from Sam's) bleach. My well water is known to be very hard (calcium) and I tried every way possible to truck water in but wasn't able to do that in my area. Lost last year's pool to a tornado so got a little bigger one this year and since my hubs gave up on trying to keep it swimmable last year I am taking over this year (with your help, of course). I got the bigger pool so I could do water exercises and cool off in between gardening and storm cleanup in the Oklahoma heat....going to be 101 today....cool front moving through. I'm told by local pool people that is isn't possible to maintain a pool with hard water. The only advice they gave was "drain the pool and fill with softened water". When I told them that was just not possible they said they had no advice for me other than that. Is it possible to maintain a pool filled with hard water? Or am I doomed? Not swimming is not an option....I'll get in it if it looks like pond scum if that's my only choice....but I hope it isn't.

[Watermom]

Order a good test kit. The one we recommend is the Taylor K2006 or 2006C (better buy). Not available locally but you can get it through this link:> http://pool9.net/tk/

Since this is a freshly filled pool, the perfect way for you to start up is with our Super Simple Startup Recipe:> http://pool9.net/ssr/

You can deal with hard water assuming it isn't ridiculously hard. You will want to keep your pH and TA on the low end, though.

Read the links I posted above and then let us know if you have more questions.

(Until your registration is completed, you won't be able to follow links or see the rest of the forum while you are logged in. So, copy the links and paste them into a browser window after you log out.)

[jo3ponies]

Darn...it won't even work when I copy and paste it! I'm ready to order it when it's ready to let me. Will see if I can access the SSS link. I sure don't want to mess this up so I hope you hurry and get me completed. Just figuring out how to use forums. I am also ready to register as a subscriber if that will help get the info better.

[Watermom]

Were you logged out when you copied and pasted the link? It should work.
If you are interested in becoming a subscriber, it does make your posts get priority attention especially when we get busy.

[PoolDoc]

You're membership has been updated, so you shouldn't have any problems with access now.

Regarding the high calcium -- I wouldn't worry about it -- it may not be a problem at all. Go ahead and get the K2006 -- they are essential with well water. And follow the list below:

1. Use ONLY borax to raise the pH, if it's low. Never use soda ash (pH UP).

2. Do NOT ever add calcium to your pool -- even if a pool store tells you it's essential.

3. Do NOT add baking soda (alkalinity increaser) to the pool unless WE tell you to do so.

4. Read the muriatic acid page (http://pool9.net/ma/) and make sure you're ready to use MA to lower the pH as needed.

5. ONLY use bleach, dichlor or trichlor to chlorinate.

6. If you have a salt system that came with your pool, turn it off. Until you have learned to fully manage your chemistry, running a SWCG on pool water with very high calcium will just break it.

7. Do NOT use calcium hypochlorite shock, ever. (Ironically, depending on your filter, it may be possible to use cal hypo to BOTH chlorinate AND lower your calcium -- but even here, I'm the only one who can tell you how. So for now, no cal hypo).

8. If you don't have one, get an OTO / phenol red drops kit from Walmart. Get an HTH 6-way, if available. Get a cheapo model if not. Test your pool and post the results. Keep your pH low-ish (7.0 - 7.4)

9. Do NOT buy and use any clarifier, floc, or products to help with calcium. Usually, they end up making things worse, not better.

10. Order the K2006 . . . and watch the videos. As soon as you get the kit, test the pool and post results.

[Watermom]

To clarify PoolDoc's step #8 ---- if you get the HTH 6-Way kit, you don't need the OTO/phenol red kit because the 6-Way kit has an OTO kit in it. Do NOT get the 6-Way test strips. Only the 6-Way drops-based kit.

[PoolDoc]

Thx, WM.

[jo3ponies]

I've got the Borax and bleach and did the fill up process according to the 7 day Simple Startup. I added bleach and Borax according to their instruction the first evening of pool was completely filled. I had seen a bit of algae and a water bug so I added extra bleach and Borax according to the instructions in the 7 day SS. Will take my first test (3 way drops I had previously purchased) in the morning and let you know what I find. Went to Sam's for Dichlor but they loaded up Chlorine Tablets instead. Will return and get the stabilized Chlorine tomorrow. (Darn it). Ordering K2006 tomorrow also. (Hope it isn't too expensive. Was shocked that the plain Chlorine Tabs were $80!!!) AAAAwwwk! Can I afford this? I'll find a way....Do they still make those little swim caps we used to wear in PE?

[PoolDoc]

Trichlor is stabilized, but it's not what the SSR specifies.

However, you *can* use it, if you like, and it's actually cheaper per unit of chlorine added. But you'll need more borax (trichlor is acidic). Keep in mind, the SSR was developed for pools smaller than yours. Also, if you use trichlor, you'll need to get some floaters, from Walmart, etc. You can put 2 - 5 tabs in them, and let them float around the pool.

Since you're getting the K2006, the trichlor would be an acceptable way to go -- but it's a little more complex than the dichlor approach in the SSR. With trichlor, the formula will be trichlor + borax + bleach to shock or boost chlorine levels, since there's no quick way to add the trichlor.

[jo3ponies]

Okay, yes the dichlor was listed as a "must have" under the Intex Pool Care Plan in the same article. So right now I have the plain 99.9% 3" chlorine tablet (40lb), 5 gallons of concentrated Clorox liquid, and Borax. Is it necessary for me to exchange my Chorine tabs for dichlor or just go with what I've got for now? This morning readings with the 3 way drops: Chlorine .5-1, Ph 7.9. Looks like I still need more chlorine.

[PoolDoc]

As I noted above, you can use the trichlor, but you'll need the floaters and more borax. The trichlor will be cheaper, overall, and probably better for a larger pool.

[jo3ponies]

I'll try to find the trichlor but I'm rural so don't make the drive to larger town often. I do have the 40lbs of 3" chlorine tablets and will can use them (instead of returning to the store) if that is advisable. Is there any way they would work? Haven't seen any "trichlor" in any of the suppliers available to me.

Tried subscribing but if paypal is the only option I will not be able to do that. Is there any other payment method? I have all major credit cards or can mail check, cash or MO.

[BigDave]

Tabs are almost always trichlor. Please check the label to confirm.

[PoolDoc]

Tried subscribing but if paypal is the only option I will not be able to do that. Is there any other payment method? I have all major credit cards or can mail check, cash or MO.

PayPal will take your credit card. Thanks for asking.

[jo3ponies]

Thanks, Ben. Good to know. Just saved me a trip to town. I have started floating my tablets and am stocked up on Borax so I'm good for now. Will add some Borax along with the tablets, circulate the water today and do a test in the morning to see where we are. (I have a few water bugs in there that I'm hoping will leave town when I get more chlorination in there....or will I have to do something else to get rid of them? Don't know where they come from but need them out before I get in!)

[BigDave]

Eww bugs. Watermom won't like that. We need a way to mark posts "Not Safe For Watermom".

Do you have a lake, pond or stream nearby? Some water bugs can fly and will migrate, otherwise once there's no food (algae) they should go away.

[Watermom]

Eww bugs is right! It's funny that you should mention that,Dave. There are actually threads here on the forum where Ben has posted some pretty disgusting pictures where he has put alerts "Watermom, don't look!"

[PoolDoc]

That's "pretty fascinating pictures", W-M.

Not my fault you are 'curiosity-challenged'. ;)

[Watermom]

I admit it. I am definitely not a "creepy crawly critter" kind of girl!

[jo3ponies]

Lakes, ponds and streams are abundant here! Sorry, Watermom! I think they're gross, too. And they BITE! Not the kind of exercise I was counting on! Anyway, we are enjoying some unseasonably cool weather here and it gives me a chance to get everything hunky-dorey before things heat back up next week so I can swim. I can't wait! Who knew I'd discover that I loved the water in my 60s???? Thank you for all the support and quick replies...I'm feeling more confident already.

[jo3ponies]

Sorry. I really hated to post that but they're in the pool and qualifies as a pool question. Hopefully they'll be gone soon. I am a true country girl and love the outdoors....except for the creepy crawlers.....and, I know, they're everywhere!!!

[BigDave]

It might help to keep any lights in or on the pool off so as to avoid being attractive at night.

[PoolDoc]

Right! And, remember REFLECTIONS of lights, count as lights. Bugs will fly towards the 'moon' in the pool, not that you can fix that one!

[May76]

I get a ton of bugs in my pool, have to clean them out every day. We have an actual streetlight as a security light in our backyard though. Shines right down on the pool at night. Guess we are pretty much stuck with the bugs unless we tell the utility co to shut the light off... :/

[BigDave]

@May76: can you cover the pool at night? 22' is a lot of cover to handle every day.

[PoolDoc]

Another option -- admittedly a bit of a handy-man trick -- is to make and mount a screen under the light, that would shadow the pool.

[May76]

Weellll we've only actually used the cover once so far(anticipated rainstorm) which took both my husband and I...honestly I'd rather scoop out a ton of bugs every day then go thru that every night lol. :D

[May76]

Hmmm...might try looking into something like that, thanks!

[Watermom]

This what I use to cover my pool. Admittedly, there is no real convenient way to handle that big of a piece of vinyl, but this is easier than anything else I have used previously.

www.solarroller.com

[May76]

Thanks, I'll have to look into it more, but anything has to be better than trying to help my husband put a cover on. Talk about away to get aggravated at each other lol!

[jo3ponies]

I don't have a light near the pool but being rural I get a few of those, too. I don't mind those and clean them out with no trouble. The bugs I don't like are the ones that want to take up residence in my pool....water bugs. They are too fast to catch with the net and they bite you when you're swimming. Hoping the they are gone before the weather warms back up.

[jo3ponies]

Know what you mean....I pull my pool cover over from the inside and float it across (my round pool) on floaties, then step out and pull it the rest of the way and tie it down. Makes it easier for one person and I don't have to ask for help. I just make sure I leave it where I can reach it without getting out of the pool.

[jo3ponies]

New day....new reading...new problems. I tested this morning and my Chlorine is low, 1 on the test vial. Ph is 8.5...way too high. Water is clear and inviting but I don't know if it's safe to swim at this time. What should I do next? The temps are back in the 100s and I'm ready to swim!

Over the weekend I got tired of waiting for those silly 3" tablets to dissolve and poured some bottled Clorox in (2) to raise chorine levels and shock the water bugs.

[BigDave]

Did you get the K-2006?
1ppm FC is probably too low and you should get some more bleach in there as soon as you can.
Please post a full set of reading from your K-2006 - maybe skip CH.

[jo3ponies]

Haven't gotten the K-2006 as yet but am using the 3-way (drops) test kit for right now. Sorry. I'm rural and don't make the drive to the big stores often. Will add more bleach for now and get the test kit as soon as possible. Thank you. Is it safe to swim? When I make the trip to get test kit is there anything else I should get at the same time? (since my trips are few and far between it helps to plan ahead).

[BigDave]

The K-2006 has to be ordered - you won't find it in a store.

I don't remember how it worked out with the tabs / dischlor from Sam's.

have you put any stabilizer / trichlor / dichlor in the pool? How much?

1ppm FC won't last long at CYA levels low enough that 1ppm FC is safe for swimming.

[Watermom]

You won't be able to buy the test kit in a store. Must be ordered online only. You can find it through this link:> http://pool9.net/tk/

You will also need to buy some muriatic acid to lower your pH. Read this:> http://pool9.net/muriatic/

[jo3ponies]

Okay, watermom. Just made my first purchase on Amazon.....frightening. Estimate is 3-5 days (although there is usually an extra day or 2 since I'm rural). I added 2 Clorox gallons to pool but did not add Borax with it this time. As you probably read...my ph is 8.5 this morning, it's going to be 101 deg today and I'm dying for a swim. I'm having a friend pick me up some muriatic acid today so will have that to add by this evening to bring that ph into the right range. Awwck, the pool is so crystal clear and inviting that I want to just jump in now! Is high ph harmful?

[jo3ponies]

Have ordered the K-2006 and it will arrive 7/25-7/30. Tabs are 99.9% tabs so what do I get for stabilizer and where do I get it? FC....I'm assuming (since I'm new to all this) that that is Free Chlorine and have no idea what the CYA levels are so I don't know if you're telling me Yes, it's safe for swimming or No, it's not. I'm sorry I haven't learned all the lingo yet. I've been reading as many previous posts as possible to learn as fast as I can. Please bear with me. I will have Muriatic acid by this evening and need to know how much to add for a 20' round x 48" deep vinyl pool, to lower the ph. Water is still crystal clear and very inviting and I can't wait (since temps are in the 100s today) to get in there.

[BigDave]

Have you used any of the tabs? How many.

I don't know how you get pH of 8.5 - does your test kit go that high? Is that the top of the kit?

[jo3ponies]

Nope, it doesn't. I was reading the thing wrong. Just took a (with my glasses on) test after adding 2 gallons of Clorox this morning and got ph 7.8 and Cl 2. It was at the top earlier this morning at (or above) 8.2. Sorry for the incorrect test results...I know that doesn't help you help me and will be more mindful in the future.

I put a tab in every day for the past 3 days and they didn't dissolve enough to change the readings. They are the 99% tabs from Sam's. The test results were still very low so that's when I poured the 2 gallons of Clorox in this morning.

[Watermom]

Also, just be aware that when your chlorine is above 5ppm, your pH results will be invalid. (Above 10ppm with a Taylor kit.) To get an accurate reading with high chlorine you can take equals parts of pool water and distilled water and mix together and then run the pH test in the normal way with that sample.

[BigDave]

OK, so, you have very little CYA so chlorine about 2 should be ok. pH between 7 and 8 is OK. Enjoy your pool. Keep chlorine in there with bleach until the trichlor has supplied enough CYA to keep chlorine in the pool.

[jo3ponies]

Thank you both so much. Ready to jump in! It is crystal clear and the temp is 101 so I'm in there!

[PoolDoc]

Enjoy!

[jo3ponies]

Got my k-2006 today. Wow! This is what I've got:

TA-200 ppm
FC- .2
CC- no CC
ph- 7.8
Calcium Hardness- 600ppm
CYA- 30ppm ( or below, full vial never got cloudy)

Water still looks clear though I haven't added anything in 2 days (waiting on k-2006 to arrive)
How do I correct some of those awful test results and maintain?

[PoolDoc]

1. Add a dose of bleach ASAP to avoid problems.

2. You have low chlorine and no CYA; use dichlor to chlorinate.

3. You can use the SSR => http://pool9.net/ssr/

4. But your water is at risk for scale or sudden formation of a milky calcium precipate, so . . .

5. Read the muriatic acid page => http://pool9.net/ma/, get some acid, and lower your pH to near 7.0 . . . and then KEEP it there.

[jo3ponies]

A dose as in 1 1/2 cups? Doesn't seem like enough but okay. And I'm off to Sam's to get the Poolbrand Shock with stabilizer (which I thought I was getting when I bought the chlorine tabs but not the same thing) I've got Muriatic acid and have read the instructions so will give it a dose of that in the morning, too. Thanks, I'll get on it.