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Also, as my pool seems to have been sitting for at least a year or more with no attention paid to it, the algea is really really bad. As it is filtering all the nasty stuff out, should I be backwashing daily? Also, my waste line just shoots out toward my neighbors fence. I don't really want to vaccum to waste due to this fact, it okay to consistently vaccum to the filter? Thanks in advance!!!
Your next step is to run a set of tests on your water so we can tell what needs to be added. In the meantime, pick up several gallons of plain, unscented bleach.
The BBB method can be used for any non-Bacquacil pool-- it basically means understanding what's happening in your pool and what chem is needed to correct it, and knowing most of the things you need can be bout at the grocery store, not at the pool store's inflated prices.
To know when to backwash, watch your pressure gauge-- whrn it rises 8-10 psi, it's time to backwash. This will happen more frequently if you're vacuuming to filter. Keep in mind that you can get hoses that will attach to your waste line so you can redirect your waste water away from your neighbor's yard-- I have to do the same thing.
Janet
okay, I've never tested before, so here as far as I can tell are my results.
Chlorine- unreadable
pH over 8.5
and I did the other tests but I don't really know how to interpret them. The bromine did not register and the alkalinity test took 6 drops to change the color....
sorry, I know, not really helpful!
I'm guessing that you're using a 5- or 6-way drop kit from WalMart. If so, you're not going to have a bromine reading, since yours is a chlorine pool, so ignore that. When you ran the alk test, did 6 drops just barely change the color, or did you add the 7th drop to make sure that it wouldn't change further? When you say chlorine was unreadable, do you mean clear, or very dark yellow/orange/brown? Were you able to run a CYA test? If so, what did it give you?
In order to get the pool cleared up, you're going to have to be able to test your chlorine and understand what your levels are.
You might want to take a sample to the pool store and get them to test it for you, just to get a baseline on all the chemicals levels right now, and then maybe we can help you get the chlorine issue straightened out.
Janet
While you are at the pool store, be aware that they are most likely going to try and sell you a bunch of stuff. RESIST! Post your numbers and let someone here help you.
I am using the kit that was here at the house already, it is probably a cheapie. There is 6 different types of drops to add. The chlorine level was so low that it did not change color really at all. The 6th drops on the alkalinity test was the drop that made it steady, the 5th drop needed a little extra help so I went with 6 drops. I'm not sure what the CYA test is. I did not see that one on the instructions. I did go purchase a whole lot of chlorine bleach and the 20 Mule team stuff and I'm awaiting further instructions!
tho pool store is really close to my house so I just ran over there really quick. Here are the readings:
TAC 0.0
FAC 0.0
pH 8.0
TA 110
Calcium Hardness 200
CYA 40
TDS 1500
I'll be anxiously awaiting my next set of instructions! Thank you guys so much for your help. You are making this so much easier!
Ok. With some numbers, we can help. (You should get a good test kit so you can do this yourself without having to rely on the pool store. Check the link in my signature for how to buy the Taylor K-2006 or 2006C from Amazon. Pool Forum also makes a little from the sale.)
With a CYA of 40, you need to shock your pool up to 15 and try and keep it there. I don't know the volume of your pool, so can't suggest an amount of bleach to add. (BTW - a CYA of 40 is a good level, so you don't want to use any stabilized forms of chlorine (trichlor or dichlor) which will make it go higher. I would also suggest not using cal-hypo as you don't need that reading to get any higher either. Stick with bleach for your source of chlorine.)
Your pH is a little high. You can use some muriatic acid to lower it. Start with about a cup poured slowly in front of a return jet. Do not spill or splash it and stay upwind of it and wear protective goggles and gloves. After letting it circulate awhile, retest pH and then redose until you get the pH between 7.2-7.8.
Repost with the volume so we can suggest proper dosage for bleach.
We are unsure about the volume for sure. We were provided no information about the pool what so ever when buying the house. I looked up online a way to round about estimate it. The pool is a very irregular shape but our best guess is about 20-25,000 gallons. Also, in regards to muratic acid, where might I be able to purchase that? A hardware store? And also, I bought the 20 Mle Steam stuff and the baking soda (powder? Arm & Hammer, is that the right stuff?), is that not needed at this time?
Thank you
also, pH of 8 is pretty high- you probably want to add acid to drop it to 7.2-7.4... the shock levels of chlorine will throw the pH test off, so you can't accurately tell what it is while shocking, but it probably isn't going down any so adjusting now would be good
MA can be found at Home Depot/Lowes... think HD is cheaper (2 gallons for $10?) haven't bought any this year yet...