New pool, first test results

[iBrew]

So, my pool is a week old and I've finally received the K-2006. Until now, we've been adding bleach since it's tested ok (pH wise) using the cheap test kit. We just had a big rain storm so I figured that I would test things out and start getting things setup right. I have plenty of bleach, borax, and baking soda.

Pool info:
18' x 52" steel sided above ground pool

Here are my results... Any tips / help is greatly appreciated.
FC: 0
CC: 6ppm
pH: 7.4
TA: 60 (I guess, I may have tested this wrong but the tube water turned a dark pink color)
CYA: 0

I'm not sure what CYA is and / or what I need to buy to add it to the water. Also, I'd like a better understanding on how to use that wheel thing that came with the test kit.

Eric

[aylad]

Are you sure about the FC and CC readings? Is it possible that you have them backwards? When you add the powder and then the drops to go back to clear, you're testing FC...then you add the second set of drops, and the number to get back to clear is your CC. Then FC + CC = total chlorine. If your CC is actually 6 ppm, then you need to shock the pool. If the results are a mistake, and your FC is actually 6 ppm, then you're fine. The pH is perfect, and your TA is fine. CYA is going to be zero unless you add it. It's often called balancer, conditioner, stabilizer, but if you'll look at the active ingredient, it will be cyanuric or isocyanuric acid. I get mine at WalMart in the spa section. CYA is sort of like sunscreen for your chlorine--it allows the chlorine to work on stuff in the water instead of being consumed by sunlight, so you need some in the pool. However, if you have too much, you need to raise your baseline chlorine levels to compensate for it. You need to add enough to target about 30 ppm for your pool. You can either put it in the skimmer, slowly so you don't clog pipes and let it dissolve in the filter, or you can put it in an old sock and tie it in the pool in front of a return. If you put it in the skimmer, backwash the filter, and don't retest for it or add more for 4-6 days, because it can take up to a week to dissolve...and once it's in the water, the only way to lower it is drain/refill water.

I'll let someone else explain the wheel--I don't have one with the kit I use.

Janet