NEW 30' AG pool - installing myself
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Let me guess: he didn't "give" you the phosphate remover, he sold it to you. If he'll take it back, return it. You'll NEVER need it if you follow our B-B-B method. Even if you do, it won't be for several years. I don't know of a single member who has had phosphate problems, or had it solved with remover.
Before you put a drop of water in the pool spend another $50 to $70 on a Taylor K-2006 test kit, that does FAS-DPD testing of chlorine. It will be the most cost-effective purchase you will ever make for your pool. Alternatives that are just as good are the Leslie's Chlorine FAS-DPD Service Test Kit and the Trouble Free Pools kit (TFP100????). Taylor also has a K-2006C, but that's the same as the 2006 but with larger amounts of chemicals.
Test your fill water with your new kit, whether it's tap water or trucked-in water. Get that baseline.
I'd be aiming for an initial FC (free chlorine) level of 3-5ppm, since you'll be filling your pool with fresh water. When it's about half full add 1 gallon of 6% bleach into the water stream (so it distributes) and when it's nearly full add another gallon the same way and when it's full start your pump.
If your fill water is not in the pH range of 7.2-7.8, you'll need to adjust it up or down. To raise it, add 20 Mule Team Borax. To lower it use either Muriatic Acid or "Dry Acid" (the cheapest generic is FINE).
Now until you get sufficient stabilizer in your pool, you should check your chlorine every day and adjust as needed.
When you are at THAT point, you can start adding stabilizer. Whatever the container says to use for your size pool, use about half. Wait about a week and test CYA with your kit. Your goal is CYA at 30-50ppm
Meanwhile, do NOT add calcium to your vinyl pool...it's as big a waste of money as phosphate remover. It's for concrete or plaster pools, not vinyl, no matter WHAT the pool store says. Don't rush to raise total alkalinity either. We can walk you through that later and only if you need it.
First, you'll be looking at chlorine levels and pH. Then you'll add stabilizer. Then if those three are under control, we can talk about alkalinity and other things. If you have to raise Alkalinity, you'll use Arm&Hammer Baking soda!
Chlorine, pH, Stabilizer. That's it! That's all you'll need to start.
Carl
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