New Here...Have Green Clear Water

[CarlD]

I guess I was up TOO early and missed part of Lisa's post. But we are now in synch and agree you need to start by shocking your pool.

[mrscoach]

Last night my FC was 5, this morning 0.

So, more bleach, and I tested it and it was back up to 5.

Does anyone know if I can purchase just the test tubes that have the reading for chlorine to 15. Mine only goes to 5. Or even a picture of what color 15 looks like would be helpful.

I will add more bleach tonight and then test, and retest in the morning.

[peekaboo]

You NEED to get a good drop based test (Taylor k2006 is a fav here) or get water tested at pool place....but DONT BUY ANYTHING FROM THEM.Also shocking to 5 ppm is doing nothing more than casting you more money than need be.Load up on Liquid chlorine or bleach and shock to 15ppm as previously stated and keep it there by testing daily several times a day and adding chlorine as necessary to keep it at 20 ppm.You always be behind the algae by shocking to 5 ppm instaed of in front of it.

[mrscoach]

I tried to order the Taylor 2006 kit on here to no avail. Says it is out of stock. So, I bought the 2005 Taylor kit instead from my local pool store. I live in Oregon, and we only have like 2 good swim months to enjoy a pool, so I can't wait until the middle of July to order a kit. I am going in there tomorrow to ask for a test tube that goes higher, he asked me yesterday if I wanted one that goes higher than 5, not knowing, I said no. He told me that usually only "commercial" pool people have them. I chucked and took my Taylor 2005. So, If I cannot get a chart that shows the color for cl 15, I will just keep putting bleach in until it is scarlet red I guess. I really want to avoid taking my water in there, but I will if I have to. Thanks for all the help on here.

Also, wondering if you can use the same BBB method on a hotub?

[Watermom]

I have never seen a kit with a tube that goes to 15. Have you used your kit yet? If not, I'd consider taking it back and finding the K-2006. A MUCH better kit and way more user friendly. Maybe try a different place to order it. Take a look at this thread.

http://www.poolforum.com/pf2/showthread.php?t=10006

Can't help with the hot tub question. But, I *think* in a hot tub, you need to use bromine because of the extremely high water temps.

[mrscoach]

Thank you Watermom. You have been so gracious to me!

Unfortunately I have used my kit, but I did look at your link, and mine is exactly the same. I have posted a picture of mine as well.

My pool guy did say that he would put one together for me, as he was out of the pre-made ones. Possibly he gave me the exact kit I need. Who knows! sigh

I found the chlorine calculator, and that has helped in knowing exactly how much bleach I need to put into the pool. I am alittle nervous about putting too much in there.

Also, I have added a photo of the pool this afternoon. My pool surface is pebble beach, so it will never look like all your blue pools, but it usually is sparkling. I know that it will be again sometime soon!

Sorry, couldnt get the pics to upload. But, thank you so much for all the help. Just put 4 1/2 96oz jugs in the pool!

Good night.

[CarlD]

OK,
It's easy to convert your K-2005 to a K-2006--but you have hunt up the K-1515-A or -C which is the FAS-DPD Chlorine test as a stand-alone single-test kit. Using that, instead of the DPD chlorine test in the K-2005, you'll have the same tests as the K-2006. The K-1515-A is about $26 from Taylor itself and the -C (which has more reagents) is quite a bit more--but is available at Amatoind.com for about $40. Considering the K-2006 is only about $48 from Amato Ind., it doesn't seem like much of a bargain.

Unfortunately, with the DPD kit, I don't believe you can dilute the sample the way you can with the OTO test to double, triple or quadruple the range of the scale on the test cell.

[mrscoach]

I have my K1515 kit coming tomorrow to add to my K 2005.

But meanwhile, I did do the "shot glass method", and I am above 20 ppm for cl. And my pool is getting better. Will add more bleach tonight and then test, then test in the morning to see if I lost any.

I also, brushed the sides really well this morning.

I feel like there is a sparkling pool at the end of this tunnel.

Thank you all for your help!

[Watermom]

You're on the right track! Sparkling pool just around the corner!

[mrscoach]

Just a quick update...

My pool has NEVER looked so nice. Thank you so much for all your advice. My kids think that I am an absolute genius.

I have been telling everyone I know about the BBB method. Keep up the great work!