New member with a new responsiblity..

[Jason in Ky]

Ok folks I got my Taylor testing kit yesterday. It was delivered just before I was to leave for work so I wasn't able to do any testing until this afternoon. The previous post above explain my troubles but I wanted to post my numbers as to get professional advice. So here they are:

FC- .4 ppm -- very low
CC- .4 ppm
pH - is still less than 7 -- I conducted a base demand test it took 12 drops to get to roughly 7.5 ppm
TA - 70 - low end of normal??
CYA- the black dot never disappeared, so I would guess it is low as well..

So with multiple problems, what should I tackle first? I had the pH at an acceptable level a few days ago, but we've had a lot of rain and storms the last 48 hours. I'm not sure if that could change things much or not, but the water is clearer now than anytime before I took the cover off.

I did some shopping while I waited for the test kit to come in. I was only able to find one box of borax at Walmart, and all Sam's had was 8.25% concentrated bleach. I got a case of three. I was able to find a 13.5# bag of baking soda. I will attempt to find a form of stablilizer (suggestions?).

So with that I will wait for more guidance. Once these issues are resolved, it should be just in time to close it.. Boo!!!

[BigDave]

You really need to get the pH in range. If you can't find more borax, washing soda will raise pH and TA as well.

[jwhouse]

I will attempt to find a form of stablilizer (suggestions?).

You can find stabilizer at Wal-Mart, Lowes or Home Depot in their pool section. Unless their pool section is gone. I just went by Lowes and their selection was beginning to dwindle down to a small area. If you can't find it there you can always go to your local pool store. They should have it. It may be a little more expensive there. Wherever you go, just make sure to verify that the ingredients list cyanuric acid or isocyanuric acid as the ingredient.

You really need to get the pH in range. If you can't find more borax, washing soda will raise pH and TA as well.

Also, what BigDave said above along with getting that chlorine level up is probably the most important things right now.