Can't get the free chlorine!

[PoolDoc]

CYA can biodegrade to ammonia. It doesn't happen every year, but this year, it happened to a LOT of people, all over the country. But, your clean-up process . . . well, I'm sorry about that. As CarlD used to say, you've been "pool-stored"!

You've got 2 options:
+ you can use the http://www.poolforum.com/pf2/showthread.php?16973- to find out how much more chlorine you need to add, OR
+ you can just keep adding chlorine till it's gone.

Unless you have the option of draining, knowing much more chlorine it will take to finish doesn't change anything. But you may just want to know.

Either way, you need the K2006 to manage the process. (Sorry, I know the LaMotte's not cheap . . . but 'guess-strips' are still 'guess-strips' no matter how you read them!)

Your pH is fine; you shouldn't worry about TA now; CYA is high enough -- don't add more by using dichlor or trichlor. The TDS is just a dealer's "I want to scare you into buying more chemicals" test -- ignore it 100% of the time. (Phosphate testing is also usually just a tactic to sell chemicals.) Bleach is best for ammonia, since it doesn't 'add' anything but salt, but you can use calcium hypochlorite if that's available to you inexpensively (less than $4/lb). Otherwise, just use plain 6% household bleach -- avoid the premium Clorox bleach + goo mixes! I've put links for kits below. The Walmart kit is a subset of the K-2006, and makes a good stopgap.

HTH 6-Way Test Kit @ Walmart
Taylor K2006A (3/4 oz bottles) @ Amazon
Taylor K2006C (2 oz bottles) @ Amazon

If you'll complete the pool chart, we can figure doses for you.

Pool Chart Entry Form
Pool Chart Results

The basic clean up process is very simple: add as much chlorine in the evening as is safe; test in the AM. Once your FC level is 4x or more your CC level, you are getting closer. At that point, you want to dose a careful amount in the PM and see if levels hold overnight. You need accurate testing for all this, ergo the K2006.

By the way, if you have any debris left, run your filter 24/7 and try to get rid of it. It looks like sometimes left over dead algae can consume chlorine.

Best wishes!

[poolhelp]

HI-

I will get the K2006 annd keep adding bleach until I get over the hump for free chlorine! I have kept the filter running and there is no debris on the bottom because it is new pool water. (two truck loads) I will continue to vacuum as well. Thank you for your help.