No kit yet -- Opened Pool -- What Should I do?

[AnnaE]

I ordered Ben's kit in mid April. I'm sure it's on it's way, but we opened our pool yesterday. The water was very clear and we filled it up to the skimmer and started our pump running. We added 2 jugs (96 ounces) of regular bleach into the pool today and ran the pump for 7 hours.

Any suggestions of what else I should do while waiting for my kit? I read Ben's post about mailing out the kits, so I'm sure it should be arriving any day now. I don't want to purchase another kit in the meantime, not if I don't have to.

My above-ground pool is 24 feet round by 54 inches high. I have a DE filter. I also have the Nature 2 filter, but took out the cartridge. So, it's empty. I also have the automatic chlorinator, but did not put in any chlorine tablets.

Any advice as to what I should do to keep my pool in relatively good condition until I get my kit and post the numbers?

Thanks.

[Watermom]

I understand you not wanting to buy another kit. However, in the meantime, we really can't know what to suggest without having some numbers. Can you take a sample to a pool store at least for a reading. Just don't buy anything there. It would also probably be a good idea to at least go to Walmart and buy a cheap OTO kit.

[AnnaE]

Thanks Watermom.

If I don't receive the kit today, I will run out tomorrow, since I'm working from home on Wednesday. Thanks!!

[AnnaE]

Got the Walmart OTO kit and here are my results:

CL -- the water was really clear after I added the 5 drops. It doesn't even look like it's the lowest level, which is .5

BR -- same results as above; the lowest level is 1

PH -- looks to be between 7.8 and 8.2; so I'd say it's about an 8

The kit did not test for CYA.

Based on the kit, it looks like my PH is okay, but my CL and BR are too low? What should I do?

I estimate my pool to be about 15,000 gallons.

Thanks.

[MarkC]

I would bring your pH down below 8; chlorine is not that effective above 7.8 to 8. I would shoot for 7.2-7.6. My pool tends to want to run at 7.8 so I don't fight it except when I open and need to shock. I'll be the first to admit I am not the resident expert here on water chemistry.

[duraleigh]

Hi, Anna,

Mark's advice is solid.....I'd put in one quart of muriatic acid (pump running) and retest in a few hours or so. Be prepared to add another quart if pH is still 7.8 or more.

This evening, I would add 4 gallons of 6% Clorox. That'll shock your pool and clean up any developing organics.

I'd also put in 3lbs of CYA. Don't back wash for at least 4-5 days or until you test at least 30ppm.

[rhosk]

I'd also put in 3lbs of CYA. Don't back wash for at least 4-5 days or until you test at least 30ppm.

The kit did not test for CYA.

I think Dave S. must've misread something. Don't add any CYA until you're able to test it

[duraleigh]

I think Dave S. must've misread something. Don't add any CYA until you're able to test it

Hi Ron,Anna,

Ooops!! I was somehow thinking it was a new pool. Thanks, Ron, good catch.

[aylad]

You don't have Br (bromine) in your pool--disregard that scale, and pay attention only to the pH and Cl on that test block. If your Cl is registering low (or nonexistant), add enough bleach to get your Cl up to at least 3 ppm. YOu also need to test for CYA asap, because if it's high then you need to take the Cl up higher.

And I'm with Ron on the CYA thing--chances are you don't have any in your pool, but if you do, you don't want to add any more, so don't do so until you've tested for it!

Janet

[AnnaE]

Thanks all for your help.

Is there a way for me to test CYA if it's not in the Walmart OTO kit? Should I bring a water sample to the pool store?

In the meantime since I don't know what the CYA is, should I still add the bleach and muriatic acid or do I wait until I know what the CYA is?