First Test (Holy Cow)

[thelma]

I'm getting ready to open the pool for the first time probably this weekend or next. Here's my first test numbers. I used a taylor FAS-DPD (new) test and last years DPD to double check. Holy Cow

12-13000 Gallons (Manufacturer says it's 10102, but I've calculated 12, 960)
1. FC-0
2. CC-0
3. PH 6.8
4. ALK 10 ? (turned red on first drop)
5. CYA-0
Water's clear.

I'm stumped! I closed the pool with HIGH CYA 100 or more. I shocked it to the proper level using the Best Guess Chart. My PH and ALK were perfect. It's like the water when the pool was first filled......or maybe something's wrong behind the scenes?

What should I do first??? Help! :)

[itstoohot]

What's your water temperature? I've heard that CYA does not properly register in tests until the water temp is above a certain temp (can't recall what that is though, maybe 60-65?).

[Watermom]

Just for peace of mind, Iwould recheck my numbers if I were you. If these are right, then the most critical thing you need to work on is getting the ph up above 7.0. Readings below that are acidic and can damage your pool. (I'm assuming its an AG pool?) Aim for a ph between 7.4-7.6 although anywhere betweeen 7.2-7.8 is OK. Also get some bleach in there. You can work on ph and chlorine at the same time. You'll also want your alk between 80-125 and baking soda will raise it.

I've not heard that the cya test is ineffective below a certain temp.(?) But you'll need to get some in there. Some people suggest using dichlor to chlorinate with when you also need to add cya but I would just use bleach. Especially since your ph is low. Dichlor is acidic. Hope this helps.

[thelma]

Thank you both for the first bit of help!

My temp is 66 degrees.
The pool is a liner on-ground pool.

My first plan is to start working on the PH and chlorine. Once that's moving up, I'm going to throw a stableized chlorine bac-pac into my unused Frog unit. That's how I started up with the builder last year and it worked fine. The only difference is once I get some CYA in there............the Frog goes back to being a pretty white thing under the pool. :D

You'll probably being hearing from me about the ALK next!
Thelma

[thelma]

Here's some second test numbers.....Now I'm stumped. I used a taylor FAS-DPD (new) test and last years DPD to double check. Holy Cow

12-13000 Gallons (Manufacturer says it's 10102, but I've calculated 12, 960)
1. FC-10
2. CC-0
3. PH 7.5
4. ALK 50 ? (it was zero last time)
5. CYA-turned cloudy at 100! (it was zero last time)

Does the high chlorine mess up the ALK and CYA tests? I'm concerned.

Thanks for any help.

[thelma]

Forgot to mention.....all I added was Borax, Bleach and turned on the pump and filter. Thank god the waters clear and beautiful.