opening our pool, could use some help

[aylad]

The real test to see if it's time to let your chlorine drop is to test after the sun is off the pool, and again in the morning before the sun is on the pool--if you don't lose any chlorine in that time, then you can let the chlorine drop--but in your case, do NOT let it drop below 5, and I would keep it closer to 7 or 8 ppm. One day in the sun will probably accomplish this. You do still need to be working on your pH, though--anything below 7.0 is acidic and can do damage to your liner. I think the reason you're having trouble getting it to move is not due to the alk, but rather that it was far lower than you thought, and it's just taking a lot of Borax to bring it up. If you want, you can use Washing Soda to bring up both TA and alk at the same time. Or, if you already have them, continue with the Borax for pH and you can add baking soda to bring up the TA.

I would not use the "clean and sweep" stuff that you have, if the water is clearing. You'd be better off to just be patient and let the filter do its job. Remember that the chlorine killed the algae, but the filter is what's going to get it out of the water. The floc that you have might or might not speed up that process, but it may also cause you other problems, too. I would just let the filter get it. If the algae is dead, and the chlorine drops a little, the only real danger with swimming in cloudy water is not being able to see somebody underwater in the deep end if they get into trouble--so make sure if they swim before it's completely clear, that you keep a really good eye on anybody in the water.

Janet

[grayspinner]

Thank you - That is what I thought about the clarifier. We will just keep brushing the sides & vacuuming till it clears up. It already looks worlds better than it did when I started this thread 4 days ago.

I'll pick up some more borax and just keep adding it. For 12,000 gallons and a ph of right about 6.9-7.0 - how much is a good amount to add? I can test again in 4 hours and add more right?

What is the dosage on the baking soda too? I don't want to end up with too much TA.

[aylad]

For the pH, I don't know how much it's going to take, but you can add 2-3 cups at a time (I'm assuming it's going into the skimmer) and give it 3-4 hours to circulate, and then you can certainly add more. Some people say you can estimate how much it will take by taking a sample of your pool water (maybe 3 gallons in your case?) and adding borax to that until you get to your target ph--and based on how much it takes to do that, you can multiply it out to get an idea of what it will take in your pool.

I think you need to verify that TA is indeed zero before you start adding a lot of baking soda. Also, adding a lot at one time will contribute to your cloudiness problems, so go slowly with that like you do with the Borax. I'm thinking you're going to need somewhere around 10 pounds or so to get your alk up to 60 ppm, but please verify that starting zero first!!

As with all other things, go slow, add little amounts at a time, and sneak up on your target--don't over shoot it. Patience is the key!!

Janet