Pool Questions

[skizz0tt]

I ran some numbers... I think it may be closer to a 25-30k gallon pool. Still, it's looking much better. The new filters made all the difference. It's not the first time I've put 14+ gallons of bleach in the pool to watch the magical transformation!

Here are pics:

http://i.imgur.com/Z5R1z.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/PT3nl.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/Z7VsG.jpg

[skizz0tt]

The pool is clear of debris and is blue but not entirely clear, yet. I need to keep my chlorine at 12-15 ppm and make sure it's not losing 2+ ppm overnight, correct? When I reach that point, can I shut off the filter and just run it 8 hrs a day?

[aylad]

When you're not losing more than 1 ppm chlorine overnight, then your algae is dead and you can let the chlorine levels drop back to your normal, but don't stop filtering until the water is no longer cloudy. When it's completely clear, then you can reduce your filter time.

Janet

[skizz0tt]

Okay, I received my k2006.

At 5:00 PM I tested the water and got FC 13 / CC .5 / pH 7.6
At 6:00 PM I added 6 gallons of 6% bleach. At 10:30 PM I took another reading: FC 31.5 / CC 0.5 / pH 8.0

This morning @ 7:00 AM I took another reading: FC 31.5 / CC 0.5 / pH 8.0

I also did an Acid demand and only needed 3 drops to lower the pH to 7.6... would that mean the acid demand test is a 3?

Not losing chlorine overnight is a good sign right? I'm going to shut off the filter for a bit and see if the water is still cloudy.

[PoolDoc]

Not losing chlorine overnight is excellent - indicates that your pool water is clean and algae free.

Do NOT trust, or act upon, your pH test results. Above 15 ppm chlorine, your Taylor pH test is NOT reliable. (Above 5 ppm with other kits!)

Unless you are going to try to let the dirt settle, in preparation for vacuuming, do NOT turn the pump off. Even then, don't leave it off or more than 12 hours. Otherwise, run it 24/7 till your water is crystal clear. (If you have a two speed pump you can run on LOW, or if you have a valve DOWNSTREAM of the pump, you can throttle the flow back some.)

Ben

[skizz0tt]

It's difficult to tell if it's actually clear or not, I detect maybe the slightest hint of cloudiness in the deep end. I'll keep running it to be on the safe side. When can my children swim in it? Obviously 31.5 ppm is pretty high, is it absolutely unsafe? What level should I let it drop to in order to allow swimming?

[PoolDoc]

31.5 is not unsafe, but it is very hard on swimwear (depending on your stabilizer level) and might be uncomfortable. Assuming your CYA is still ~60 ppm, I'd let my kids get in at 20 ppm, but with older swim suits.

If your pool is clear, you can start cycling it. But try to have it run 2x per day for a total of at least 6 hours (more, with a sand filter).