First Test - Help

[JimSentry]

Ok I put 60 drops in for FC/CC test. The sample stayed a bright pink.

The TC test the sample stayed a medium orange

PH - 7.0-7.2
ALK - 0
CYA - 120

The water is crystal clear, not a sign of algae.

16x32 IG vinyl - 19,200 gallons, full sun

Is it OK to swim in?

Thanks

[duraleigh]

Well, if your test method is correct, you've got 30ppm+ of Cl. What have you been testing with prior to the PS234 and how much Cl did it tell you was in your pool?

Recheck your Alk test methods....I don't think that's correct.

Have you not been swimming to this point?

With that VERY high CYA, you're gonna' need to hold your Cl up in the 8-15 range but, if it's 30+ now, it would be helpful to know how it got that high.

[JimSentry]

We just re-opened the pool this year. It's been closed for about 4 while we were doing some major remodeling, but I've kept the pump running and continued to fill the chlorinator with 3inch tabs when I remembered.

I also added water when necessary.

I'll retest for Alk and let you know.

[JimSentry]

Just redid the Alk test. I think I did not add the green.

Anyway after the green the sample turned a light blue, then it took 17 drops to get it to yellow.

So I have a 170 Alk reading. What does that mean?

Thanks

[duraleigh]

Hi, Jim,

Alk of 170 is a little high but no big deal.

Your biggest issue, IMHO, is that really high CYA. You can reduce it by draining half your pool and refilling. It would make your pool easier to manage but that's your call.

Secondly, you must've been really "slamming" the pucks in there to get your Cl that high. I would suggest that you not use pucks EVER for the rest of the Summer. Your chlorine will need to be provided by bleach. Keep your Cl level in that 8-15 range I mentioned and you should be okay.

Swim whenever you like.

When you get a little more comfortable managing and testing your water, read the sticky on how to lower alkalinity in that forum.