Pool only 1/2 full

[newtopools]

My 33' pool is 1/2 way full and the electric should be hooked up in a couple of hours. I have gotten in a couple of times, although I haven't added any chemicals yet. I tested the water and here is what I have at present. (Wallmart test kit) Also, I noticed a slimmy feeling on the bottom and a slight stinky smell.

ph-bellow 6.8 (which is as low as my test reads)
alk-2x10=20
hardness or Cal. Carb-2x50=100ppm

Should I put some try clore tabs in a stocking close to where I'm running my hose in the pool?

My electic will be on shortly but the water is still quite low. Can I run the pump with the automatic vacume to get the water filtered a little bit. Thanks for any help. Sharon

[tundraSQ]

Are you 24 hours from runnign the filter or 3 days? If you are less than three days i wuld just wait and add chlorox and borax once the filter is running. Could the slimy stinky stuff be attributed to the new liner? Does the water look clear?

[duraleigh]

If you'll get in the pool to stir it up, I would put in a box of Borax to get your pH up. I would also put in a small jug of Clorox for sanitation.

Get a bunch of folks in there with you to stir it all up. Sounds like a PARTY!!:D

[newtopools]

Yes it is a new liner. Should I put a whole box of borax? My box is 76 oz. And one gallon of bleach?

[tundraSQ]

Yes it is a new liner. Should I put a whole box of borax? My box is 76 oz. And one gallon of bleach?

that seems about right...maybe 2 gallons of bleach and 1/2" box borax to start and then retest before adding the rest of the borax...just obviuosly be carefull whith the bleach....have it dumped into the side opposite of where you are standing to begin with for obvious reasons:D

[CarlD]

Borax? If the slime is due to algae, yes (and it probably is). But alkalines typically feel slimy, so the pH may be high and borax would be WRONG! Test the pH first.

Notice how if you get bleach on your fingers (ph=11) they feel slimy--before you quickly wash it off!

[tundraSQ]

Borax? If the slime is due to algae, yes (and it probably is). But alkalines typically feel slimy, so the pH may be high and borax would be WRONG! Test the pH first.

Notice how if you get bleach on your fingers (ph=11) they feel slimy--before you quickly wash it off!


she said it was 6.8...might be good to retest though after the bleach was in.

[newtopools]

Day 2 pool is still about 1/2 way full. Looks great. I have put in 1 box of borax and 1 jug of bleach. Here are my Walmart test kit #'s.

ph-7.6
fc-3.0
cc-3.0
alk-60ppm
no hardness present
I haven't added any stabelizer

I have only recently finished adding all the chemicals and I tested about 20 minutes after getting in there and splashing real good. My water looks perfect.

Sharon

[duraleigh]

Hi, Sharon,

Nice work! You're off to a good start.

As soon as you get enough water to start circulating thru the filter, I'd get the stabilizer in. Up until then, you'll probably need that small jug of Clorox each evening.

Test your pH as it fills....it'll probably drift back down a little.

[newtopools]

It seems to be taking forever to get this pool filled. I hope I didn't make a bad decision to get the biggest pool I could. I'm starting to hear ones say that you have to constantly put in alot of water because alot will evaporate. Does anyone have any understanding about this? Thanks, Sharon

[tundraSQ]

It seems to be taking forever to get this pool filled. I hope I didn't make a bad decision to get the biggest pool I could. I'm starting to hear ones say that you have to constantly put in alot of water because alot will evaporate. Does anyone have any understanding about this? Thanks, Sharon

check your flow rate( fill a 5 gallon water jug and see how long that takes) my well pumps out 6 gallons a minute so I opted to have the fire department fill my 30' pool..over 20 tankers full:eek: ...and I don't feel the LEAST bit sorry for you...up here in Vermont I have been in my pool once....and there is no sun in the future. But I COULD run a hose down to you for all the water I am pumping out of my poool from the rain.:D :D

[EricF]

Sharon,

Don't start worrying about problems that have not occurred yet. I have the feeling you will love your pool. I know it is anxiety producing when you are just starting out. If you stick with the advice on this board you will be fine.

EricF

[newtopools]

Here in Florida it is hot hot hot! We have been fighting wild fires. Perfect weather for a swim. We seem to be averaging once a month rains. Well I appreciate having somewhere to vent. I'm so excited and anxiouse. I'm just going to take a deep breath and wait. Thanks, Sharon

ps Fire Dept. wont deliver any water because of all the fires, they have to be prepared.

[Tpope]

Fire Depts around here have been told they will be fined and possibly prosecuted for filling pools as they don't purchase the water to do so.....Kinda hokey but I do understand the thought around here with the droughts.....

[newtopools]

If my alkalynity is 50 ppm should I try to raise it. I used the bleach calculator and I came up with adding 10 pd. 12 oz. Does that sound right? Sharon ps my pool holds 25,700 gal.

[day1]

When I first filled mine, I put stabilizer in 2 panty hoses and hung into pool away from the side/bottom, ie. from stair rail or floating device. I have a liner AG. That way the stabilizer starts getting in the water without having to wait until water level is all the way to skimmer (if you want to add it in the skimmer). My CYA level was up quicker and needed alot less Cl during the first 2 weeks of start up.

[Phillbo]

Do you have your neighbors hoses running in the pool as well ;)

[newtopools]

Ok, Im fixing to go do the stabilizer with the hose now. My neighbors are all quite far away. It is getting up there. About 18 inches to go. Thanks, Sharon