Major Chemistry Problem on open

[psciotti]

I know this is getting old...even for myself. At this point I could teach a whole class on what not to do!

Water (fingers crossed) actually looks like it's heading in right direction. I can see my Rover in the low end and down the slope.

FC=5+ (not far off)
TC=8-10
PH= 7
TA= Still will only turn pale yellow?? Bizarre
CYA= 120

Took the heater and Nature2 out of the flow.

We'll see

[PoolDoc]

I wouldn't worry too much about the TA right now. Focus on getting your pH to stay above 7.2.

And, if you haven't added polyquat, DO SO TODAY.

Because copper may still be present, we can't (shouldn't) run the chlorine up high again. But because it may NOT be present, we can't count on it to control the algae. You can use polyquat to bridge the gap, and keep your pool algae free while we get rid of the copper. It will ALSO help you filter stuff out, like the debris you're having.

Borax note: borax can be slow to dissolve, but your pool water will hold WAY more borax than you have added. If it's borax, vacuum it up, and it will dissolve. If it's not borax, vacuum it up and then clean your filter.

[psciotti]

I'm almost there.... the water has cleared about 75%! I just did a water reading and questions:

FC = 5+
TC = 8-10 range
TA = almost turning red

PH = 8.2++ PH has spiked and it even turned blue in the vial after a minute. Should I let it alone or work it back?

Also, the Polyquat for maintenance on my pool (15150 gal) is 6oz 1x per week. At $21 per quart do you think I can go with 4oz the 2x per week you mentioned? Thinking this because my FC/TC is still high.

Thank you again, and again, and again

[PoolDoc]

Hi Psciotti;

Glad it's looking better, but don't relax yet.

+ Continue letting your chlorine drop, but not below 1.0 at any time.
+ 4oz 2x a week is OK, as long as there's no sigh of algae.
+ See what the pH is tomorrow; try to get it below 8.0 -- I'm afraid of any remaining copper coming out and staining things.

Once your pH is normal, and your copper seems to be gone, we'll have to work out how you're going to run with high CYA. There are two choices. You can run high chlorine, which requires a DPD-FAS testkit (sorry, maybe you've gotten one -- I forget) OR you can run 5 - 10 ppm chlorine PLUS small doses of sodium bromide to create a free bromine residual.

[psciotti]

Don't think I will relax till after this weekend. Between the pool and the rest of the to do list I'm a busy bee. Anyway, this am we are at 90% clear and the water is testing out pretty good

FC - 5+ but looking slightly better
PH - 8
TA - 120+- finally hit a light red color on drop #12... no more yellow
CYA - 120+-

I'll continue to watch it like a hawk - now is there something I can shoot into the atmosphere to guarantee sunshine?

Thanks for all the help and BTW you must be very proud of the accomplishments of your 2 boys - obviously the apple doesn't fall far from the tree. I have one on his way to college in the spring on scholarship (hence the grad party) and 2 great kids behind him. ~ Thanks Again

[PoolDoc]

Hope your weekend goes well!