Getting the pool going, need some help

[stanley]

I have a pool that is about 15,000 gallons and is a salt water pool.

Test results

Chl - nearly 0
Ph - 8.2
CYA - 33
TA - 140-150
CH - 360

I use the tf-100

I tested the salt using the test strip (which is past its use by date...) and it said it was 3800 and some change, but the control unit shows 2600 which is low(to much ot to get to the pool store).

How much of what do I need to get these numbers right? Is there a chart some where that goes with the TF-100 that tells you what to do with the numbers you get? I saved the book that came with an old kit, but I don't think it works for this one.

Thanks for any and all help.

=]

[CarlD]

OK:

First, you need to get your pH down to the 7.2-7.8 range. You should add muriatic acid to do that. You can get Muriatic at pool stores, hardware stores, even Home Depot or Lowes.

Start by adding one cup to a five gallon bucket of water. Wear gloves, eye protection and long clothing and don't breathe the fumes! Then add the mix to your return stream. If your pump is 2 speed, put it on high.

Wait an hour or two and check your pH again. If it's still not "there" repeat the process but use less acid if need be. You'll find your T/A drops to or near the normal range when your pH is back in the right range.

Once the pH is right, move on to the chlorine. Add bleach or liquid chlorine to bring your FC up to the 3-6ppm range, but only if your CC stays at 0. If it's elevated, add bleach to raise FC to 15ppm--shocking it.

Get all that straightened out first, then worry about your salt.

Meanwhile, there's a drop test for salt available from Taylor and from Leslies's On-line and maybe others. I suggest you get it as strips are notoriously hard to read accurately. I'm not the expert on SWGs but I'd trust the machine's salt test before the strips.

I think that gets you where you want to be. I don't know much about the TF-100 except that it's a FAS-DPD service test kit similar to the Taylor K-2006. If you don't have the manual or documentation, you should request a copy from the maker of the test kit.

[stanley]

Thanks! I will get on that asap.