New Pool Owner, Starting BBB method & Other Test Kit

[OahuGuy]

Thanks Carl

Pool details: 15'x30' 15k gal rectangle pool tile pool | Pentair Triton II TR60 sand filter | Pentair IntelliFlo VS-3050 variable speed pump, on 3

I'm going to look for the Washing soda, and I need to visit my pool store and get stabilizer (that's the only think I can't seem to measure with my 5-in-one kit now) I realize based on the poolcalculator.com the amounts of baking soda i was adding was way low, added more and new readings below after an hour. Making progress!

Current Readings:
FC = 2 (don't know how to test for CYA levels?)
pH = low about 6.3 (noticeable increase from testing)
TA = 80 (up from 20 by adding baking soda and Borax)
CYA = not sure how to measure w my kit? need Taylor kit?

Isn't the chlorine level suppose to be 2-4, that's what the kit reads? I saw the BBB chart in the forum, but am not clear on how to interpret it. I know it's all based on CYA levels, so knowing that seems a first step.

I plan on buying the Taylor kit, and supporting the community, just curious to understand the diff between it and the 5-stop one I have. Is it the ability to test CYA?

From my tests moving forward...,
1) I need to add more Borax to raise the pH, TA is on the low end but it will increase a bit with Borax, right?
2) slowly add more bleach to bring chlorine levels up a bit (to what tho? I need to know the CYA level first, right?
3) get stabilizer, learn how to test for CYA level, please advise.

Mahalo

[Watermom]

I saw the BBB chart in the forum, but am not clear on how to interpret it. I know it's all based on CYA levels, so knowing that seems a first step.

Once you know your CYA level, you need to keep your chlorine between the minimum and maximum value listed in the Best Guess Chlorine Chart. And, if you have an algae bloom, the shock level needed to kill it is also based on your CYA level.

I plan on buying the Taylor kit, and supporting the community, just curious to understand the diff between it and the 5-stop one I have. Is it the ability to test CYA?

The 5 in 1 kit cannot test for CYA. Also, that kit can only measure chlorine levels up to 5ppm. The Taylor K-2006 or 2006C (better buy), gives you the ability to test higher chlorine levels. Do yourself a favor and go ahead and order it. You won't be sorry.

Welcome to the Pool Forum, by the way!