New Intex owner from Texas

[Rockwall]

Hi!

Well, this is my story:

This is the equipment I have -

Intex 18'x48" Metal Frame above ground pool, 6,423 gals.
Intex Sand Filter Pump, Model SF20110, 2,650 gph
Intex Krystal Clear Saltwater System CS8110

Set it up late last season, seemed ok. Water got skunky green over the short winter, and had a lot of winter rain for Texas (we needed it badly). This is my first pool, so am still learning on it.

Spent the last three weeks shocking, cleaning and algeaciding the water. Got the salt level correct, PH at 7.5, alkalinity at 120, and CYA at 30, but couldn't get it to hold any chlorine. De-scaled the anodes in the SWG, and changed the sand in the filter. Googled around and landed here where I read that too much ammonia would eat up the chlorine, and it might be better to drain and start again. Water was blue grey cloudy and I just couldn't get it clear.

So, thats what I am doing today, draining the pool. I bought new sand and will change it out and refill tomorrow. After reading some things here, it seems like you guys aren't real sure about the salt water generators. I guess I'd like to read up and get advice on startign the pool up without all of the salt first and then go from there and decide which way to go.

Now, is there a pool test kit that doesn't require color matching, for us red/green colorblind guys? Even my wife isn't too sure about matching the test strips, and we had a small 3 test kit last summer. I'd like a recommendation prior to picking up something.

Ok, gotta go read up on your BBB method now. The thread "Pool pH is at the "ideal" level, but alkalinity is super high" caught my eye and I thought this might be the best place to get real answers.

Thank you for having this forum!

[PoolDoc]

Let's start here:

Do-I-Need-a-pH-Meter-(Am-I-Color-Blind?)

If you get the K2006, you can do the chlorine (red to clear) and CYA tests (disappearing black dot) if you can see black and white only. The pH test does require color perception, but if you DO need to order a pH meter, let me recheck sources before you do so. Anyhow, do get the K-2006. She can do the alkalinity and calcium tests for you, if they are needed, which won't be too often on an Intex. (See the test kit page in my signature)

Next, check your sand levels, and make sure the filter is full.

Once you've done those things . . . we can talk about using floc. But it's a tricky process, and you'll need to get testing down, first.

[Rockwall]

Ok, I do have a basic hth 3-way test kit so I can do the basic phenol/OTO testing. I was hoping that by draining all water from the pool and pumps, changing out the sand, and letting the pool liner dry out, and refilling with fresh water I would be basically starting over from scratch and wouldn't need floc or a clarifier.

[Watermom]

Doing a complete drain can destroy a liner, so it is not usually a good idea to do so. Also, there is no reason to change out sand unless you add something that gunks it up like doing a conversion from Baquacil to chlorine, etc. I am on the 12th season with my same sand. I have topped it off a couple of times but that is it. Take Ben's advice and get the Taylor K-2006 kit. You need to be able to test for more than chlorine and pH and the good kit will test for everything you need.

Good luck.

[PoolDoc]

Watermom, he's got an Intex -- those can be drained safely.

Rock, it's been a long week, and I wasn't paying attention either. If you drain and refill, you can do just as you say, and will not need floc.

Watermom is also correct that you probably don't need to CHANGE your sand -- unless it's tacky/sticky or in clumps -- you just need to top it off.

Sorry!

[Watermom]

Watermom, he's got an Intex -- those can be drained safely.

Rock, it's been a long week, and I wasn't paying attention either. If you drain and refill, you can do just as you say, and will not need floc.

Watermom is also correct that you probably don't need to CHANGE your sand -- unless it's tacky/sticky or in clumps -- you just need to top it off.

Sorry!

Now I see that! I missed the part about it being an Intex. Ben is right. It has been a long week. What do you think, Doc? We've answered -- what? A gazillion or so posts this week??