New Pool: Test Numbers

[AGP18by33]

We just got done filling our 18'x33'x52" oval pool.
I tested the water when it was about 1/2 full and showed normal pH,
and no Chlorine, also no CYA, TA was 30, and Hardness was around 300.

After it was filled to the mid-skimmer line as instructed, we ran the pump and I poured 1 gallon of Ultra Bleach in front of the return slowly. I tested about 2 hours later and here are my numbers: This is an HTH 5 way dropper test kit.
CL: 2 (normal per instructions)
pH: 7.2 (also normal per instructions)
CYA: 0
TA: 60ppm
Hardness: Greater than 800 (higher than the max on the instructions)

My water looks very clear and I can see all the little designs on the floor (dispite all the bumps and wrinkles).
Under water however is somewhat cloudy. I was able to see the other side of the pool under water from one end but now its a bit cloudy. Not sure why but I am sure that is normal from adding a gallon of bleach. I went into the pool ~1 hour later after the bleach.

Regarding the numbers... I believe them to be ok for only adding 1 Gallon of Bleach. Correct me if I am wrong. I understand the CYA issue regarding the usage of floating puck holders and we don't plan on using them unless someone here suggests to.

I have 6 more jugs of Ultra Bleach (3 QT size each) and 2 boxes of 20 Mule Team Borax, and a large box of A & H Baking Soda.

I am not sure when I will need this but I do have it in case.

Thanks,
Rhon

[aylad]

Hi Rhon,

Do you know how many gallons your pool holds?

You'll want to keep your Cl between 1 and 3 for now. Go to WalMart/Lowe's/HomeDepot/Pool store and get some CYA (aka stabilizer or conditioner). Follow label instructions to get your pool to about 20 ppm, but when you add it, either put in the skimmer and don't backwash for a week, or put it in an old tube sock and suspend it in front of a return. Either way, don't re-test for about a week, but when it does start showing up in your test results, then you can adjust your Cl level according to the best guess table.

A white haze under water is not a normal reaction to adding a gallon of bleach, unless you added the new Clorox that has the added whitening ingredients, or some other additives.

I also suspect your hardness numbers aren't quite right--unless you added calcium in some form or another, the hardness has no reason to jump like that...but if you did add some calcium (pool stores are notorious for having people add large amounts of calcium to vinyl pools when they don't need it), it might explain the underwater cloudiness.

I would stay away from the pucks in your pool--your pH is low enough, and the pucks tend to drag it down rather quickly. You can add a little baking soda if you want, your alk needs to be in the 80-120 range. I would shoot for about 90 to begin with.

Janet