Quote Originally Posted by bxb21
I'm having some trouble getting my pool adjusted since opening it a couple of weeks ago. A week ago my readings were:
PH - 7.6
TA - 180
FC - 1.5
TC - 3.3

Two days ago I shocked the pool used about 5 pounds of shock and had no change in my chlorine numbers. I started aerating yesterday and I shocked the pool again, this time using about 3 pounds of shock, still no change.
My readings as of this morning
PH - 6.9
TA - 130
FC - about .5 - 1.0
TC - between 3.0 -4.0

The first readings were done at a pool store, the ones from this morning were done my me with my test kit. The aeration may not be adaquate since I'm using a pool cover pump attached to a hose and noozle with is producing a slow stream of water into the pool. I'm also running the return used for the vacumn which is causing a ripple effect.

Any help with what I'm doing wrong would be appreciated.
A few comments and questions for you.

The relatively high level of combined chlorine (TC-FC~4-1~3) is consuming the shock you're adding. What kind of shock are you using, by the way? Most people here just use ordinary, unscented laundry bleach.

What is your CYA (stabilizer) level? If it's very low or none, the sunlight is probably consuming your chlorine as well. If you post that number, you'll get advice on what level you need to bring your FC to to get rid of the combined chlorine. Alternatively, you can search the forum here for "Ben's Best Guess" table. That table will give you a shock level for your level of CYA.

Why are you aerating? Are you trying to lower your alkalinity?

Did you add muriatic or dry acid?

What kind of test kit are you using?