4 tests, 4 different results-help!

[poolbee]

Took water to builder for testing:
FC 3.5
CC 0.1
pH 7.8
Cal 110
Alk 0 !!!(with stabilizer correction)
CYA 40
salt 3,000(used a device of some sort)

pool chain store:
FC 3
CC 0
pH 8.0
Cal 150
Alk 120
salt 4,800 !!!!!!(used salt test strip)

other pool builder

salt 3200-3300(they did salt strip test twice)
Alk 85
Cal 140

PS234s(me)
FC 5
CC 0
pH 7.8
Alk 100
Cal 170
CYA 45
salt 3200

My numbers are repeatable and have been pretty steady the past 2 weeks.

I realize I need to adjust my pH and that my calcium needs to be higher. My pool builder store sold me a bag of Cal Chloride 77% by "Flake" It has directions on it for melting ice and other uses but no pool directions.
Is this stuff Ok for the pool or should I get cal chloride specifically for the pool. I am having bad rust problems on the ladder and light. Could this be from the low calcium or bad bolts? The pool is only 1 month old.

My pool builder store also told me to add 35 lbs of baking soda. How do I know that since their numbers are so off from the rest? I realize again I need to up the Alk but by how much? No one else correct for CYA. Could it really be 0?

I was told by everyone to leave the CYA alone since my FC is fine and the lower the CYA the better. I have a SWG-AutoPilot, which recommends 60-80, but everyone said leave it. I was told CYA is banned in California. True?

My pool builder used a meter of some sort to do all the tests, chain store and other builder used drop tests and salt strip. I am assuming(hoping) the chain store guy misread the strip

Now my pool is clean and clear-and rusting.

Also, my builder gave me a computer printout with directions to add cal to water in pool. Tech hand wrote directions to mix Cal chlor in a bucket with water and then add to pool. Other pool builder and cal chlor bag say NEVER pre mix. I should assume tha manufacturer is correct? I have no confidence in my builder or the chain store right now.

What is the proper way and sequence to fix these problems?
I have a vinyl pool; watertemp 84.

Thanks so much.

[duraleigh]

Trust your test over everyone's

1. You don't need calcium in a vinyl pool...return it.

2. I'd leave the Alk alone....80-120 is ideal

3. I wouldn't be in a rush to lower pH....7.8 is high side of acceptable but still acceptable. It may come down on it's own. (probably not with the SWG but I'd let it go to 8.0 then add muriatic to bring it down to about 7.4)

4. I'd listen to SWG maker concerning CYA 60-80ppm

5. Sounds like you got steel bolts instead of stainless. Builder should replace if that's true.

Your pool is in much better shape than you think. How does your water look?

[poolbee]

My pool is crystal clear. I was told the low Cal can make my vinyl liner brittle and also cause deterioration of pool metals. I have no idea if that is true or not, but I have read that as well. My main concern for the "outside" testing was the salt level-my AutoPilot and my tests were off quite a bit. Now I get this thrown at me and the lower calcium makes me wonder if that could be a cause for the rusting.

[waste]

Poolbee, please take a few minutes and go check out the "China Shop" at the bottom of the topic lists, there are a couple there that have answers to a couple of your questions. (Dave, #4 - I wouldn't :) ) If you have any questions about your SWCG, go to the SWG section and if you can't find the answer you are looking for, ask Poolsean, he knows the systems and works for autopilot. Calcium only prevents rust if the water is way out of ballance (by putting a protective coating on the metal), I doubt that that's the problem (as I said in your other post, I think the 'plating' process went wrong on the one bolt, and I've seen it on the faceplate screws a number of times). Duraleigh is right to trust your own tests over anyone elses, once you become comfortable with doing the tests. With any luck I've helped you - Waste

[waterbear]

Poolbee, please take a few minutes and go check out the "China Shop" at the bottom of the topic lists, there are a couple there that have answers to a couple of your questions. (Dave, #4 - I wouldn't :) )
But I would! ....maybe we should hit the china shop again!:D
If you have any questions about your SWCG, go to the SWG section and if you can't find the answer you are looking for, ask Poolsean, he knows the systems and works for autopilot. Calcium only prevents rust if the water is way out of ballance (by putting a protective coating on the metal), I doubt that that's the problem (as I said in your other post, I think the 'plating' process went wrong on the one bolt, and I've seen it on the faceplate screws a number of times). Duraleigh is right to trust your own tests over anyone elses, once you become comfortable with doing the tests. With any luck I've helped you - Waste
Good call on the plating!

[waste]

Evan, it's in my rant in the 'china shop' ie, question asked and answered :)

[waterbear]

Evan, it's in my rant in the 'china shop' ie, question asked and answered :)
I know, just funnin' with ya!:D