Pump and filter set up, what else do I need? New Pool Owner - 33' AG

In a 26K gallon pool, each 3.5 quarts of 6% bleach will raise your Cl by just over 2 ppm, and with no stabilizer (CYA), you want to keep 3-6 ppm in your pool. Keep in mind that until you get stabilizer in the pool, the sun will eat up the chlorine very quickly, so you may need to add more 2-3 times daily--just don't let it get to zero.

If the trichlor tabs do not contain copper, and if your pH is well above 7.0, then you can use the tabs, they wil both add chlorine and CYA, and lower your pH. Careful, though, not to let the pH get below 7.0. You can use Borax or aerate the water to bring the pH back up. What is the ingredient in the super shock-it?

If you'll get a test kit, even if it's the 6-way drop kit from WalMart, or have the pool store test, it would be best to go ahead, run a set of tests, and post numbers here--then we can help you go from there.

Janet

OK, I'm about 6" -8" below the middle of the skimmer being full. I tested the water with a drop tester. Here's the numbers;

Chlorine: 00
pH: 7.8
Alk: 220

Where should I start? How long until my boys should be able to swim, they're about to worry the pants off of me. LOL!

I'd add MA to drop pH to 7.5, then add chlorine (like Aylad said, initially you can use trichlor or dichlor to get CYA also)
Other than immediately after adding chems, I've always been in the pool as soon as water was in! when you're filling with fresh water, it's as safe as drinking the water from the hose!

While madwil's technically not wrong, I would disagree with using Muriatic Acid to lower pH. Personally, in your case, I wouldn't do it. But it's your choice.

7.8 is a tad highish, but not seriously so and still a swimable level. Your Tri-Chlor tabs are super-acid and will, within a few days, bring that pH right down. Since you are using them anyway, let them do the work and don't risk over-shooting your pH goal. It won't take the Tri-Chlor long to bring it down to 7.6.

Your Alk is very high but I'm assuming your calcium level is very, very low, so it's not a serious problem.

You COULD add MA to bring your pH and alk down, then aerate to get the pH back up, and that's not wrong, but I prefer the more conservative approach:

Let the Tri-Chlor tabs bring the pH down slowly, then aerate your water to raise pH back up. This will gradually bring Alk down with it. Just do not use ANYTHING containing calcium.

Carl

Cl: 3
pH: 7.8
Alk: 200
CYA: 50

Question: How long will the stabilizer stay in the water without having to add more?

And, what should I do if we go on vacation for a week and can't be here to test and maintain for seven days?

I love this forum!! I was dreading having a pool but this forum has made it somewhat easy and for me, a fun learning experience.

Your CYA will last all summer. Also, in many cases, pools open with CYA still in there. Other pools lose it over the winter. (Mine usually does.)

Regarding vacation --- do you have anybody who can come by every 2 or 3 days and throw some bleach in for you?