Can't keep chlorine in my pool

[PoolDoc]

JG;

I'm guessing that's a dealer test? Those are awfully unreliable -- we see dealer test results that range from dead on, to 'not in the same ballpark', but until you have a K2006 yourself, we have no way of knowing which is which.

In particular metal test results seem almost random. However, showing up with Cu=0.27 ppm immediately raises the question, is it possible that you DO have copper in the pool?

The problem is that copper can stain by itself, if it's high enough, when you mix copper and chlorine stains and green hair become almost inevitable.

Here's what you need to do:

1. Get a cheap OTO/phenol red test kit, and test with that. The good thing about OTO is that, though it's not very accurate, it's very very reliable. If you have chlorine, OTO will show it. And if OTO says you have none, then you have none.

2. Add small doses of chlorine EACH evening: about 1 gallon of bleach, poured THROUGH the skimmer, in 4 parts should minimize risk. Make SURE (1,000% sure!!) you have removed ALL chemicals, tabs, pillls, etc from the skimmer BEFORE you add bleach.

3. If you have ANY trace of algae, see if you can find some polyquat locally, and use it (info => www.poolsolutions.com/polyquat.html) Otherwise, order it here:

Kem-Tek 60% polyquat @ Amazon

Polyquat will help filter any copper particles that form, and will not trigger stains OR make your pool foamy OR add copper. Be SURE to check the label before you buy locally, and be SURE you match the chemical name.

4. Tell us if you've used any copper containing chlorine (some voodoo blend tabs and granular have added copper -- it will be listed in ingredients), a pool heater, an ionizer, anything like EZ-Chlor or Simply Blue, or an algaecide containing copper.

5. Complete this Pool Chart Form:

Pool Chart Entry Form
Pool Chart Results

6. Order a K-2006 (test kit page linked in my sig)

7. Start using our Pool History Form (I've got to make it; links in the next post).