Weird startup

[lnorris]

Ok, so 2 weeks ago we pulled the security cover back and welcomed a nice pond. We closed per instructions but it doesn't seem to matter here in Oklahoma where you can get 90 degree days in January followed by 6 inches of snow.

Anyway, I took initial readings and got:

PH 7
CC and FC 0 (of course)
Alk 70
CYA < 5ppm

I kicked up the Alk and then the PH and poured in some Poly.. Then last weekend we pull the cover back again to no change. So I decided to shock it. Since CYA was down, and the Chloro-brite I decided to use that.

Did 2 lbs of Chloro-brite and turned on the filters. Never did get a CL reading. Went back and bought some more and ended up putting 5 bag (lbs) in to get a 15 FC last night.

Wake up this morning and it's dropped a little (12 FC) so I put in another bag.

This evening I come home and measure and I get 15 FC.. It's been in the sun so I'm confused that it hasn't dropped and the pool is still a pond. I then go through and measure everything and I get.

FC 15
CC 1
Alk 90
PH 7.5
CYA 80 !!!!!!!

I'm using the FAS/DPD method to measure FC. When I use the regular method with dilution I'm getting 9 TC..

I try to keep CYA around 30 but had no idea it would rise that fast. So am I stuck draining/refilling? Anyone else have a clue what just happened?

[CarlD]

You are using Di-Chlor--that's what Chlor-Brite is. You are using massive amounts and that's releasing the CYA that's shot up in your pool.

It's not strange at all--it's rather expected. The ONLY way you will get the CYA down is to drain and refill.

But if you have a FAS-DPD test kit there's no reason you MUST lower CYA. Switch to bleach and run your FC up to 20ppm until your pool clears. Then maintain your FC in the 5 - 10 ppm range for normal swimming.

Each time you backwash and add water your CYA will come down a little. You CAN lower it all at once by dumping half your water, but you don't HAVE to do that.

[lnorris]

Well I knew CYA would go up, just didn't expect it to go up that much and so quickly. I used Bleach last year but ran through a LOT of bottles and then had to add CYA, figured this would be an easy two for one...

You live, you learn..

Still stumped about the difference in CL readings but I figure the FAS method is more accurate so...

[ChuckD]

Well I knew CYA would go up, just didn't expect it to go up that much and so quickly. I used Bleach last year but ran through a LOT of bottles and then had to add CYA, figured this would be an easy two for one...

You live, you learn..

Still stumped about the difference in CL readings but I figure the FAS method is more accurate so...

Lived that movie, I've still got 30+ empty Clorox bottles strung together on a rope in my shed. I know I'll have a use for them someday.

Then I discovered my local Mom 'n Pop pool store was selling 12% chlorine in 3 and 6 gallon bottles. Makes life much easier and it works out to be cheaper. Call around. Just be sure to adjust your calcs for the increased CL concentration.

Chuck

[lnorris]

I just crush them and put them into the recycling. I do imagine the neighbors wonder what I do with it all though.

I have called everyone here local and no one carries it 10-12% CL. I'll do it again this year though. I know Leslie's carries it in some areas but not here.

Well thanks for the help. I'm currently draining 1/3 of it and will refill tomorrow with the help of mother nature hopefully. That should at least get me down a little bit. Guess this year I'm the "example of what NOT to do"...

Thanks again.