I am preparing to take over pool maintenance from the pool service which has been flawless. They have kept the pool crystal clear.

I have been monitoring the free chlorine and pH for a couple of weeks. The free chlorine is high (>5) after the weekly visit and declines to near zero before the next visit. The pH stays high, about 8+/-. I measured the calcium hardness at 300ppm today so I guess I should dilute the water before starting the AA treatment. We have had torrential rains, so I am surprised at the high hardness. Probably the pool guy is adding CaClO rather than NaCLO? I will be able to control this once I let him go.

I am eager to remove the stains from the pool, but I have to have control of the pool maintenance and wait for cooler weather.