PPM --- How do I figure IT

[Cloud26]

I'm starting to get the basic BBB method. MY POOL IS BROWN/GREEN so I'm making changes. I had my water tested today and here are my current levels:
CYA - 84 down from 94 10 days ago
Total Chl - 3.1
Free Chl - 3.1
ALK 215 up from 211

My pool is 25' ABG I assume it to have 10,000 gal.

I added three gallons of 6% bleach which only raise my Chl by 7.5 for a total of 10.6. Since my CYA is 84 I need my chl to be in the 20's.....If I am doing this correctly.

I also added the 3/4 of a box of Borax last night and 3/4 of a bottle of low and slow tonight.

What should I do tomorrow? Add more bleach or more borax? I need to get this cleared up..... I am embarrassed

[Watermom]

Your CYA may not have changed. I'm assuming these are pool store readings. That test is so subjective that there is no way distinguish 80 from 84 and even 80 to 90. It is very subjective. In actuality, your CYA is probably just the same as it was 10 days ago. The only way to lower it is to replace water. Same with your alk reading -- there is no way to distinguish 215 from 211.

I think your volume is probably a little more than 10K. My 24'AG is around 12,500.

You are right that your shock level is around 20. So, raise it on up! And, try and keep it there. Like I said above, every time you test, raise it back up. No such thing as testing too often when your pool is brown/green.

What is your pH? You are adding Borax which raises pH and Lo 'n Slow which decreases pH. Not a good plan.

Tomorrow? More bleach as often as you can. Back up to 20 or so! More bleach!!! Can't comment on whether you need more Borax until you report your pH reading.

Don't be embarrassed. We all have to learn how to manage our pools. It takes some time but you're doing fine.

More bleach!! Keep it at shock level and run the pump 24/7 cleaning the filter as needed!

[Cloud26]

I'll go get some more Bleach today. The PH was @ 8.3 so a little high. Should I worry about that now?

[Watermom]

Yes. A pH of 8.3 is too high. Get some muriatic acid and add some very slowly in front of a return jet while the pump is running. Wear glasses, gloves, stay upwind of fumes, pour close to the water surface to avoid any splashing. It is nasty stuff. Start with about a cup. After a couple of hours, retest and redose as needed until you get the pH between 7.2-7.8.

[Cloud26]

I added six more gallons of bleach this evening. I went to Lowe's trice today and forgot acid both times. I hope there is not some illegal drugs made from bleach. I have bought about 20g from the dollar general.

[aylad]

lol, as far as I know there's no legal restriction from buying that much bleach at a time, but I think we've all experienced the "what in the world...." looks from other people. I just smile back and let them wonder...

[Watermom]

With a straight face, just tell them that you have really dirty clothes!