Vinyl pool startup

Just purchased my Alk and PH for opening. Question, I'm raising my Alk now, next should I adjust my CyA first or total hardness next, both are very low. Thoughts?

Just opened my in ground pool with loop lock cover on Memorial Day, and am adjusting chemistry before I allow the kids in for the first swim of the season.

I usually adjust CyA, PH, Alk,and hardness usually comes up to the lower level of the acceptable range by the time the others are balanced. After that I usually only have to maintain my chlorine (3 inch tabs in an in pool floating dispenser) shock once a week or so, and keep the skimmer basket free of debris, aside from a weekly vacuum and back wash of the sand filter.

It is hard to offer advice without knowing what the current water testing results are from a drops-based kit (not test strips). Post up some numbers and somebody here will take a look. Also, tell us the volume of your pool, if it is vinyl or gunnite, etc. and also what type and size pump and filter you have.

Welcome to the Pool Forum!

Thanks Watermom, I just ordered my test kit the K-2006 and filled out the pool form, kind of important to know the parameters. I have been using test strips but will post numbers once I get my kit and read the instructions. Kids are begging to get in the pool, the water is crystal clear but until I feel good about the chemistry I won't let them in.

I have a 20,000 gallon vinyl lined pool measures 32x16 ft, filter is a 300 pound Hayward sand filter with 3/4 HP Hayward pump, using 3" tabs in a skimmer.

Pick up a cheap OTO kit (red and yellow drops) and test your ph and chlorine. If your water is clean and clear and you have adequate chlorine and pH is in range, let the kids swim! Hopefully, your kit will arrive asap. Even after it does, you can still use the OTO kit for quick checks.

Thanks, I'll pick one up at one of the 3 pool stores very close by. Having 3 in close proximity, they tend to keep each others prices in check.

You can also buy one at Walmart. If you do go to a pool store to get one, don't let them talk you into buying anything else. They love to sell you stuff that you don't need!

Tell me about it, they had someone else there who was buying a lot of stuff so they left me alone.

Got a pool master basic 5 test kit

Free and Total Chlorine are 2-3 ppm
PH is 7.6
Alk is 50 ppm

The test strips I was using are pretty much in agreement (color me surprised).

Hope your K2006 arrives soon so you will know your CYA reading since needed chlorine levels are based on CYA levels. Next step ......... go swimming!

Should be here in 3-5 days, thanks for the assistance. My kids will be thanking you too. :)

Received my Taylor K2006 kit and ran tests this past weekend, got busy first chance I had to post results.

Chl 6 ppm
PH 7.2-7.4
Alk 80
CH 50
CYA 50

Water temp was about 69 F when I ran the tests. Got a lot of rain the night before, I plan on rerunning the tests tonight before any more rain comes in to verify I did it right.

membership upgraded; pool values look good for a vinyl pool.

Thanks Ben, I'll do my best to adhere to the rules of the forum