Digger's Pool

[Digger]

EDIT by Watermom: Instead of having you tack your questions onto somebody else's thread, I moved your posts into your own thread. That will make it easier to help rather than trying to help with two pools within one thread. Welcome to the forum, by the way! Below are the posts you made in the other thread:



I am a new subscriber, please accept my apologies if I am in the wrong area, here. I have been serving, taking notes, researching posts on here, and trying to figure things out. I have had a Baq. pool for 14 years, same old story, will not get into all the money we wasted, it makes me sick. Anyhow this is where I am, right now. I bought a HTH kit at Wal-Mart for $20, but not sure if that is going to work for testing our pool. We opened it late, and just started dumping bleach in. The baq. is out of the pool, it is starting to clear in the deep end. But we basically are fuddled as to what we are doing. PH appears to be fine. I took samples in to Pool Store, who got rich on us for years, sorry, wasn't going to go there, my readings today were: TC 1.1, PH- 7.6, Alkalinity- 96, Calcium: 188, FC- 0. They had me put in 4 lbs. of Alkalinity ( Balance Pak 100), which ingredients are: 100% Sodium hydrogen carbonate. I came home and put in the 4 lbs of that @ $10!!! Than I put 4 more bottles of 6% bleach. I left the store scared to death as to what I was doing, questioning myself all the way home?? I only spent the $10, feeling guilty, and like a bad Momma to my pool! LOL They made to feel like I was going to kill my pool! If you could of only seen their looks on their faces, like I was a lunatic. I am scared because our liner is 14 years old and has held up well, we don't have the money right now to replace. So as our 9 grandchildren are staring at "Nana's" pool and waiting patiently to swim, please tell me I am on the right path, because I am not turning back at this point. HELP!!!! Am I on the right path? What test kit will give me results that a normal person can read? Is the Wal-Mart one okay? What do I do next with no FC readings. I am wondering if my TC is suppose to be up to 15 to get a FC reading? THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart. Please help me! I have my son-in-law coming to work on it again tonight, with scrubbing and vacumming again. When do we change the sand?

[Digger]

OMGosh I am so excited to have help!! Not excited to dump water, I just read through real quick I was so excited. I can't wait to let my son-in-law read the results. I did get Borax today. THANK YOU SO MUCH!! we have a vinyl liner, 20foot by 40 ft. pool, 25,000 gallon, sorry,thought about all of that after I posted. Will read post in full now. THANKS!!!

[Digger]

Carl, how do I test the water though without going to pool store, will Wal-Mart test kit that tests 6 ways work?

[Watermom]

Hi Digger,
You are going to be so glad that you switched off of Baquacil. Is your pool still cloudy and green. (I assume it turned all sorts of pretty shades of green as you converted from baq. to chlorine!)

Now, you just need to keep hitting it with bleach until you can get the pool to hold a chlorine reading overnight and the pool clears. You don't want to change the sand until that happens.

Go and read a lot of the posts about other people's conversion stories in the baq forum and then come back here to ask whatever questions you still have. You are really going to need a good test kit. We recommend the Taylor K-2006. A good price for it can be found at the following link. The Walmart kit you mentioned will be a temporary help but without a good kit, it will be harder for you to manage your pool and we don't want you going back to the pool store. They have enough of your money already. You'll get better advice here.

By the way -- I hope you saw my note in your top post telling you why I moved your posts into a new thread.

http://www.amatoind.com/taylor-k2006-test-p-555.html

[CarlD]

If you have an OTO test kit for chlorine, preferably one that goes to 5ppm, you'll need a jug of steam distilled water (at any supermarket or discount drug chain) and a shot glass. You don't REALLY need a shot glass, but it wouldn't be the Patented CarlD Shot Glass Method without it! :p

Do a search on the Shot Glass Method.

Carl

[Digger]

Okay, so all of my posts are under Diggers Pool, right? At first I was reading about dumping the water, etc. I guess that was because I was in the middle of anothers post, sorry, I need to learn how to post! there is so much to learn, and I have a pool staring at me, smile. How does things look so far from the facts I gave you all? It is 25,000 gal. and a vinyl pool. I am so scared of hurting the liner. Also how do we know when it is safe to swim? Well, I am going for more bleach and distilled water. I ordered my Taylor test kit, and dd read some of the posts how to make do until than. So once I get this clear, and have the levels right, everything is dandy, right? Thanks again so much for putting the control into my hands, I always hated giving the control to people who were lining their pocketbooks with my money, darn-it! Thank you so MUCH!!

[Watermom]

Post new numbers tomorrow and also tell us how the water looks. We'll help you get this all figured out and get those grandkids swimming!

[Digger]

when you use this shot glass method, I am assuming I should be seeing some yellow coloring, or my cholrine levels are not near high enough, is this correct. I did the first test that you multiply by 2 and didn't even get a reading or any yellow coloring, it was basically clear. Should I just start dumping more bleach in? HELP!! I am seeing clearing of water though, gradually. Just not comfortable with the testing?

[Watermom]

If you got no yellow at all when you did the dilution method (the shot glass method), then you should try the test again, but this time just fill the test vial with pool water and test normally without multiplying anything. See if that gets you a reading. It may be that your cl level is 5 or under and that is why the shot glass method didn't work for you. You only use the dilution when your cl level is over 5.

Yes, I'm sure you need more bleach, but retest first. You want to try and keep the cl level up to around 10 without letting it drop. The more times you test each day and add enough bleach to get back to 10, the faster this will go for you. In your pool, each gallon of 6% bleach will raise the cl level by about 2.5ppm. (Remember, most bleach is sold in 3-qt. bottles not gallons. A gallon is 128 oz.) When you take the cl up to 10, that is when you will need the dilution (shot glass) method.

What test kit are you using?

By the way --- I moved this latest post of yours into this thread. Remember, keep all your posts about this problem in this thread instead of putting them in other threads. It makes it easier for us to help if everything is in one place. Whenever you want to post, just click "post reply" below the last post in the thread and that will put your new post under it.

[Digger]

Hi, thanks for the help. I am not getting any readings to amount to anything, but there appears to be some clearing. I am ready to go and dump about 10 gallons in, will that be okay, or too much at one time. Going by what is being said, I really need to get it up there to 15 and hold. So how much do I dump in at a time. We have been doing 4-5 gallons up until now. It is getting there, but not in a timely fashion. I can be patient, if that is the way to do it. Thanks, Kathy

[Watermom]

10 gallons will take your chlorine too high. You can do 5, though. That will take you to 12. I posted right at the same time you sent your last post. Scroll back up above yours and find mine and read it.

[Digger]

You are a doll baby, thanks so much. I was wondering if I should keep all in here, wasn't sure when it referred to other things. Got that now. I feel like a real duh! I GOT IT, LOL. Okay I am going to retest right now. THANK YOU SO MUCH!! In my stupid defense, I thought I was adding the water, etc. because this wasn't the right kind of test kit. I am using Wal-Mart, HTH, I guess? I ordered the Taylor recommended one for about $80, with extra refills yesterday. Okay, will go try another reading, I am guessing pretty low, now that makes sense, couldn't figure out adding the water, etc. GOT IT!! smile. How much do you rec. dumping in at a time. I have been doing in front of the two returns as someone said, is that best? Also where can you get cheaper sand, or just stick to the pool places? NOTE for others to share, I got 6% bleach one gallon at Big Lots for $1.50 a gallon.

[Watermom]

The reason for the dilution method (shot glass) is to force a test kit to read higher if your chlorine level is higher than the maximum the kit can read. It does lose some accuracy with the dilution, but is better than nothing. Glad you ordered the good kit. That will make things a lot easier for you.

You have a large volume pool at 25,000. You can go ahead and add all 5 gallons at one time, but just pour it in very slowly in front of the return jet. Bleach is denser than water and if you pour it in too fast, it will sink and can damage the liner. By pouring it very slowly, it quickly disperses into the water. After you add it, wait a couple of hours and then retest. (Your chlorine should be pretty high so this is when you'll need to use the dilution method.) Then, you can add more bleach --- however much you need to get it back up to 10-12 ppm. The more often you can do this, the faster this pool will clear and those grandbabies can swim!

I don't know where else to get sand. Maybe someone will chime in with ideas about that but you do need to get pool sand. "Play sand" like you would use in a child's sandbox will not work. Sounds like you got a good price on that bleach.

Gotta run and be a mom for a bit so off the forum for a little while. But, I'll check back in later and see how you are doing.

By the way --- no apologies needed for putting posts in other places and don't feel like a duh. This is a pretty big forum and sometimes it is a little confusing trying to decide where to post. That is one of the things the moderators do --- moving things around to help organize threads. Not a problem.

[Digger]

I did the test again and it is just slightly tinged. Yesterday the pool place had 1 with no FC? It appears the PH is okay, maybe a little high? about 7.8 or .6. I have the Kreepy cleaner running, and had it running all night. Should I pull that out so it can filter 100 %? How much should I dump in to even get a reading. I am ready to dump about 5 at a time at least, but that is what we have been doing and it is going no where, other than it burnt out the Baq.

[Digger]

Thanks so much for advice, I have a hard time following where my replies are so thanks for the guidance. I will only put 5 in like we have been doing. Thanks again. The times are always off from the posting, or are you in California, maybe? Okay, later!

[Digger]

Okay, I am going to get off here too, even though I have alot of educating to do here, smile. Got to tend to my business things too. I am going to dump, slowly, thanks for tip, 5 gallons in and retest in a few hours. Enjoy your children!

[Digger]

I checked my readings about 2:30, it was a light yellow, so read about 3?? I don't get it? I put another 5 gallons in. The water is no longer green, it is a cloudy blue. Can't see the deep end yet due to cloudiness. I never got around to posting this, smile? I checked the water again, it is still not real high, maybe pushing a 3 1/2-4 at the most? We put the Kreepy back in. Someone gave me info. on a place that has liquid chlorine that is 12% at a giood price, what about that?

[Watermom]

12% liquid chlorine is the same thing as bleach only a higher concentration. That would be fine. (But you'll put less of it in the pool.) Keep adding chlorine. Go ahead and add 7 gallons and see what that does for you. It is being used up so quickly that I doubt it will take the chlorine level high enough to be bad for your liner. Keep at it. Retest after 3 hours and add more bleach if it isn't high. Keep doing this -- testing and adding bleach every 3 hours if you can. Hopefully over the weekend, you'll finally get it clear. Are you watching your filter pressure and backwashing as needed? (Backwash whenever the filter pressure increases 8-10 psi over your clean filter pressure.)

It takes a lot of chlorine to convert a baq. pool to a chlorine one. Keep at it! And, run pump 24/7. Also watch your pH.

[Digger]

thanks for your reply, we added more, and are going to check again, here before retiring tonight. I have been checking my filter pressure, and backwashing, thanks for reminding me though. I prefer alot of information, than not enough, LOL! I have kept with it all day, and been testing and adding, we are going for the 12% tom., it seems like it will be economical. I am questioning the potency of the Big Lots bleach, hard telling where it was stored/ Thanks again, hopefully we will see more of the bottom this week-end. I feel positive about it.

[Watermom]

Good for you for your efforts to read and learn a lot about pool care this week. You are doing a great job. Let us know how things look tomorrow and what your numbers are. Especially important will be how much chlorine you lose overnight so be sure you write down what your cl reading is before going to bed so you can compare it to the early morning testing.

[Digger]

Hi, I didn't get a chance to get on here until now, but still at the pool maintanance of course! Okay, I didn't read where it said to take readings before bed and in the morning. I am eyeballing the situation here, and it is going wonderful! Each day it has gotten clearer and clearer, but losing chorline really fast apparently. Even still it is clearing up more and more. From green to hazy blue to cloudy to I CAN SEE THE BOTTOM DRAIN!!YEAH!!! Levels after adding at night are reading good in AM for the last two mornings, wondering if we are over the hump? When do we put stablizer in, which is then next question, I may have been pool store, whatever you call it again! I bought a thing of $32 Clor Save, it is Cyanuric acid. When I went for the 12% chorline he said I would need it next? I thought I didn't want to be needing it on Sunday with it being Father's Day. Maybe I can take back tom. when I have to go for more 12%. So what is next, changing the sand, or not?

[Watermom]

Hold off on the stabilizer for a bit. If your water is still cloudy you aren't quite done yet. Glad it is getting clearer each day. Keep hitting it hard with FREQUENT additions of bleach. You are getting closer!

Take a look at the pictures at the following link:

http://imageevent.com/kcleavenger/poolconversion

[Digger]

Well I thought I posted a reply here today, but don't see it, so here goes again, please forgive if repeat! Our pool is looking good, it went from greens to cloudy blue to cloudy to WE CAN SEE THE BOTTOM DRAIN!! Yeah!! I didn't read about your request for posting my readings night and day. Basically they are very low at night and I do more chlorine and in the morning about 10-15, with dropping during the day. I am wondering what we do now? I was maybe pool stored again? Saturday I went to get the chorline, we got a 5 gallon of 12.5 per cent at a rural pool store. I was talking to the owner, big mistake, I asked than about stablizer. I ended up buying a container of Cyanuric Acid. Did I do the wrong thing. What is next with us? Time to change the sand? Thanks for you help in advance!!

[Watermom]

Digger --- your other post from earlier this evening did appear. Scroll up the thread. Your post came in at 7:16 and is right there above my reply I made at 10:19! ;)

[Digger]

I need help in deciding what to do next? Trying to understand posting here? Maybe I should post somewhere else? I tested this morning and readings are almost nothing. I put the rest of the chlorine in and have to run for more. I am thinking maybe I need to put a sock with the cyanuric acid in it from reading other posts, but don't know?

EDIT by Watermom:
Digger -- I copied what you wrote in the new thread you started and am pasting it here. Please keep all your posts within this thread. It is much easier to help somebody if all the "history" and previous advice given about a situation is all in one place. Below is your other post.

I am converting from Baqucil and doing pretty good, I just need help in my next step. I have a 25,000 gallon 20x40 inground vinyl pool. I now have almost totally cystal clear water. My readings for the cholrine have been up and down, not consistant, but are they ever? It has went from many colors of green to cloudy blue and now what I would say pretty much crystal clear. The bottom drain became visible late Sat. I have not gotten my test kit yet, but will soon, I ordered the Taylor one rec. I started with 12.5% chorline on Sat. and used a 5 gallon cont. I have to go and get more here in a few hours. I did buy a container of Cyanuric Acid, hoping I was not Pool Stored again? Readings this morning were almost nothing?? PH has been good in the normal range. Should I change the sand now? I am not really sure that my levels got consistently up to 15 without dropping 1-2 ppm overnight? Does it matter when it is so clear? Please help me, I have to make the trip here in about an hour, thanks so much to all who work so hard to keep this going!!
I read alot, but still not sure if I am doing right here to post my request, so correct me if I am wrong?

[Watermom]

Hi Digger,
I would wait to change out the sand for just a bit longer. You can go ahead and hang a sock of cyanuric acid if you want. It is goint to take about 6 lbs. in total to get you to a reading of about 30. That is a lot to put in a sock. Maybe divide it and hang two socks or do one sock with 3 lbs. and when it dissolves do it again with 3 more lbs. If you will give the sock a squeeze once in awhile, it seems to dissolve faster.

Did you get a tracking number to follow your kit and if so, any estimate on when they expect to deliver it to you? I would suggest continuing to continue testing and adding the bleach like you have been for another day or two and hopefully, by then your new kit will arrive and we can get a good set of numbers. And, then, if all looks good, it will be time to change out the sand and you will officially be past this conversion. To answer your question --- yes, it matters what your readings are. Even when water looks crystal clear, sometimes something is going on that you just can't see. The overnight chlorine loss is a good indicator that something is brewing so that is why we need to know that.

Almost there!! Hope this helps.

[Digger]

Thanks so much, off to the pool store, we are on the same page, I like that. That is about what I was thinking myself. Son in law is working with me, but I am doing the educating, so he thought as long as clear, it was fine? I understand and did read that about algae growing and eating up the chorline with such fluctuations. We just cleaned out the pool light opening which had algae in it, yesterday. Light has been shot for years, another issue, but need to find glass plate cover to at least put that on. Thanks again for help. I have tracking no., expect it today or tom.

[Watermom]

Copied and pasted from the PM you sent me:

Digger wrote:

I still don't understand how to post a question, and if I am doing it correctly. Bear with me please. I really needed an answer though today, so hopefully I can get through to you? I will try to go back and post again. I will be in and out, but the grandchildren are planning on swimming today, and I want to make sure it is safe, even though I allowed it the other day, but levels appeared to be 0? (which I read in the Taylor booklet, it could be false??) Okay, first off I have crystal clear water, I don't remember the last time it looked so good? I know that doesn't mean nothing I got my test kit and used it for the first time this morning, so may have done it wrong? I read all the directions, but? When they say it will turn red, do they mean at the first hint of pink, or bright red? Same with the blue? I did the readings at light pink and light blue. Some back ground, I have been putting 12.5% liquid chlorine in, and did so late last night. I also did the two socks with cynauric acid in them. I was suppose to put in 6 lbs. I put less than that in. I did put a small amount into the skimmer also. The guy ( I know I still pay attention to some they say) at the pool store said to put it all in there. He laughed at me about putting in a sock, and said it would take forever. I don't agree, I am a patient person, it was working suffciently, and was gone this morning. Okay that is all I added. My readings are:PH: 7.5, Alkalinity: 130 PPM, that was when it was a light pink color, Calcium: light pink, 90 PPM, Cyanuric Acid, it never turned real cloudy, and the black dot never disappeared, even when liquid was added to the top. Okay Chlorine: FC was bright pink, I added 11 drops at 0.2 PPM which would equal? 2.2?, that was when the test sample was light pink. The CC I added 2 drops for crystal clear, but it cleared up at 1 drop., so I guess that would be.4? Please let me know if the water is safe for precious water Grandbabies? Someone told me somethign that scared me for them, about the chlorine soaking into their skin and and could harm them??Thanks so much.

[Watermom]

Here are the directions for the chlorine tests:

Chlorine (Free, Combined, Total) Test

1. Rinse and fill large comparator tube to desired mark with water to be tested.
NOTE: For 1 drop = 0.2 ppm, use 25 mL sample.
For 1 drop = 0.5 ppm, use 10 mL sample.
2. Add 2 dippers R-0870. Swirl until dissolved. If free chlorine is present, sample will turn pink.
NOTE: If pink color disappears, add R-0870 until color turns pink.
3. Add R-0871 dropwise, swirling and counting after each drop, until color changes from pink to colorless.
4. Multiply drops in Step 3 by drop equivalence (Step 1). Record as parts per million (ppm) free chlorine (FC).
5. Add 5 drops R-0003. Swirl to mix. If combined chlorine is present, sample will turn pink.
6. Add R-0871 dropwise, swirling and counting after each drop, until color changes from pink to colorless.
7. Multiply drops in Step 6 by drop equivalence (Step 1). Record as ppm combined chlorine (CC).

So, if you used a 25ml water sample, then yes, your FC reading of 2.2 is correct. On the CC reading, if it cleared at 1 drop, then your reading would be 0.2.

If the CYA test never turned cloudy, that just means that you don't have much cya in there. I can't guess what your CYA reading actually is not knowing how much you put in there. About a week after you added the CYA, run the cya test again, but not before then or you'll just waste your testing reagents. Then, if you find that your CYA level is less than 30, you'll probably need to add some more. Repost at that time with the reading and we'll advise you.

I think you are ok for the kids to swim today, but just add a little chlorine. If your FC is 2.2, I'd add enough to take it up to 5ppm. (Probably about 2 quarts of the 12.5% chlorine.) Then, you will know that the water is sanitized for them to swim in. Also, your grandchildren are perfectly fine swimming in a chlorine pool. What would be dangerous to them is swimming in a non-sanitized pool. Relax and enjoy the day with those little ones!

(By the way -- you need to follow the advice given here on the forum and not try and follow our advice AND the pool store's advice. OK?)

Regarding how to post: From the forum home page, go down to the section called "Using Chlorine and Chlorinating Chemicals" and scroll down in the list of threads until you find the one called "Digger's Pool." Then, go to the last post in the thread and click on "Post Reply" which will open a window where you can type. When you are finished, click on submit and it will show up in the thread.

[Digger]

Watermom, thanks so much for all your help. Sorry for the anoyance in learning to use this forum correctly. I guess I am a slow learner all the way around. I will get it sometime soon, hopefully. As far as the CYA you said to wait later to check my levels again, I didn't totally put the 6 lbs. in, only about 4-5, I am guessing. Should I put the rest in to get me to where you said before? I didn't put it all in yet because I filled two socks up and that was all they held. I will add the bleach before children swimming today. How long do they need to wait to swim after adding? Also what do I do next? I have not changed the sand yet. Thanks again!

[aylad]

I would wait a few days more and retest your CYA, to see where your initial dose got you, and then decide on adding more or not. You don't want to overshoot it, because the only way to reduce it is drain and refill.

Add the bleach at least an hour or so before the kids get in, just to be on the safe side. Add it slowly into a return stream, or pour it around the perimeter of the pool as far away from the walls as possible, following it up with a good stir from your pole brush or a broom. The idea is to dispurse the bleach as quickly and efficiently as possible so that the kids don't swim into a "pocket" of it. With the pool circulating for an hour or so, it'll be fine for the kids to swim in it.

When you're not losing any chlorine overnight, then it's time to change the sand. You can test this by checking the chlorine at night right before bedtime, and then checking it again early the next morning before the sun hits the pool. If you have no chlorine loss overnight, and the water is clear, then you know the conversion process is over, and then you can change out the sand.

Janet

BTW, your post this time showed up exactly like/where it should have!! :)

[Digger]

Oh No! I exhausted Watermom, she passed me off in frustration!:) I am trying, sorry, I do appreciate all of your help and assistance. I will sit down again here tonight when swimmers leave and educate myself some more. Thanks again all for help. I did disperse the chlorine like suggested, and figured out on my own the stirring! :) Have to let you all know I am not totally out there! Have a good day, all, I intend to enjoying my crystal clear pool! I ve alot to share about Baqucil usage, and the waste of money!! After 14 years. I am here to tell you the conversion is worth it, don't wait until you have to practically remortgage your home to swim like we did! Well, not that bad, but cost was about $500-$1000 easially a season!!

[aylad]

Don't worry, you haven't exhausted Watermom-we just kind of jump in and out of threads because we're on the forum at different times. Since we all give the same advice, that way a poster doesn't have to wait until one particular person comes back to the forum. She's still around, I promise! :)

Go enjoy your pool and the babies, and now you can help us when others come to the forum asking whether to go chlorine or Baq!

Glad it's clearing up for you.

Janet

[Digger]

Janet, I appreciate all the help I can get, trust me!! Okay, I need more advice from anyone? I tested my pool today and retested it to make sure. First of all this is a dumb question for you pros, but I want to make sure. When testing cholrine levels and you have all the drops in, to multiply, I have been multiplying either X 0.2 if using 25ml. or x 0.5 if using 10 ml., that is correct isn't it. I don't multiply x the 10 ml or 25 ml? I am sure I don't, but need to make sure! Anyhow, today I got FC levels as between 11 and 12.5, I know that is a fluctuation, but that is what I got when testing again. I could NOT get a CC reading at all! It was clear and colorless! PH was 7.5, and Alkalinity was the same as the PH was too, reading at 130. Thanks in advance. Oh, sorry, prelimanary, 25,000 gallon 20x40 vinyl in-ground, changing from Baq! Water is crystal clear!

[aylad]

Around here, no question is a dumb question--we're all learning stuff all the time!! You are correct: when testing chlorine with the 10 ml sample, you multiply number of drops by 0.5, and if using the 25 ml sample, multiply by 0.2. That is your result.

I'm not sure what you mean by FC levels between 11 and 12.5--do you mean that you tested twice and got two different results? Either way, as long as the CC was zero, you've pretty much achieved conversion--congratulations!! Your pH and alk are fine where they are. So.....change the sand, test for your CYA after a few more days, keep your Cl at 2-4 until your CYA registers, and at that time adjust your Cl upward based on the CYA level, and.....ENJOY YOUR POOL!!! :cool:

Janet

Edit: Just to make things easier, when you draw a sample for testing, take your cup, invert it, put it into the water as far as you can reach, and then turn it right-side up. This will fill the cup with water from deeper levels in your pool than the surface. If you'll run your tests from this, then you shouldn't have any variations in the results.

[waterbear]

FAS-DPD chlorine test:
10 ml sample multiply drops by .5 to get ppm reading
25 ml sample multiply drops by .2 to get ppm reading

EDIT: I see Janet posted as i was posting. Imagine that, more than one person trying to help at the same time on here!;):)

[Digger]

Yes, I tested twice and got two different results. Okay, I am SO HAPPY!!!! We put the rest of the CYA in a sock last night, I love that method, I tied it to a rock and put it by the return, I could actually see it dissolving, COOL!! Hope that is correct, that is what I understood to do. I thought I was suppose to have a CC reading, but was just reading somemore and read a 0 reading is good!! Okay, we will work on the sand next. Thanks so much!!

[aylad]

Hey Waterbear, how many whibbles have you konked today??? ;) :p

Janet

[aylad]

. I thought I was suppose to have a CC reading, but was just reading somemore and read a 0 reading is good!!



You want the CC to be zero. FC is the free chlorine available to fight stuff in the water. CC is combined chlorine, which is chlorine that's being used up by actively fighting stuff in the water. Those two combined = TC, your total chlorine. You want the total chlorine to be equal to free chlorine, which means there's no "stuff" in the water to fight, and therefore it's clean and sanitary.

Janet

[Digger]

Thanks to all, I feel like a got a new start with my pool, after many years of frustration. So I keep testing and make sure FC is around 3-4? I have to read somemore I know! My FC is high does that matter? Just remembered that info is in my Taylor book.Thanks again, the more help the better!

[waterbear]

Hey Waterbear, how many whibbles have you konked today??? ;) :p

Janet


only 3, been busy looking for broken sniggles for you to fix!:D

[Digger]

Janet thanks for the good explanation!! I am one of those people who HAVE to understand, not do thinks just because that is the way it has always been done, etc. I know people like me can be a pain in the bum! Plus cause myself more anxieties, but that's me! :)

[Digger]

Just wondering with my FC higher is it safe to swim? I am guessing so? Now I have to add water and we have hard water from limestone in area, hope it doesn't mess it up too bad?

[aylad]

In order for you to be fully in control of your pool, you have to understand WHY you're adding something, and you can only do that if you understand what it's going to do once it gets in the water. This is why we're here--to help people understand what they're doing when they add things to their pool water so that they're adding the right stuff--not just anything the pool store told them to add. (hence the term Pool-stored! ;) )

It is a lot of information, and it seems very overwhelming at first, but you'll find that if you stick with it and keep trying to absorb the information and make sense of it, one day you'll wake up and have that "AHA!!!!" moment that we've all had before, when the light bulb goes on and you understand it all!!

Janet

[aylad]

With a chlorine of 11, I would be okay swimming in it, although I would wear an old suit in case of fading, and would encourage using swim masks instead of swimming underwater with open eyes. Once the sun is on the pool for another couple of hours, especially with people in it, it won't be at 11 for very long.

Janet

[Watermom]

Hi Digger!
Sounds like you are on your way to being good to go with this conversion!

Never fear --you didn't exhaust me! ;);) Sometimes, I just have to take a break from the forum and do the "mom thing." Had to run some errands, take two of the kids for dentist appointments, etc. I'm here everyday, just more some days than others depending on what all is going on in my life!

You were in good hands with Janet and Waterbear. Like Janet said, we all give the same advice.

You're doing a great job!

[Watermom]

I am one of those people who HAVE to understand, not do thinks just because that is the way it has always been done, etc. I know people like me can be a pain in the bum! Plus cause myself more anxieties, but that's me! :)
Digger, that is ME, too! I want to know why not just how! And, that is also the lesson I stress to my 140 students. Ask and understand why something works and don't just take my word or anybody else's word. OK. I'll take my teacher hat off now. (That is sometimes hard to do; being a teacher pervades all areas of my life.)

[waterbear]

It is a lot of information, and it seems very overwhelming at first, but you'll find that if you stick with it and keep trying to absorb the information and make sense of it, one day you'll wake up and have that "AHA!!!!" moment that we've all had before, when the light bulb goes on and you understand it all!!

Janet

I've been waiting for years and that STILL hasn't happened to me!:confused::rolleyes:

[waterbear]

(That is sometimes hard to do; being a teacher pervades all areas of my life.)

Ain't that the truth!!!!
So glad i am off for the next month and a half!

[Watermom]

Evan --- May it go SLOWLY!! Enjoy your summer!