Help some Cheeseheads please!

[GOFN1]

Returned home from running errands and the pool is less cloudy than this morning! I can see the bottom again. My husband was going to start to vacuum...is that the next right step?

Once we get the Cl level using bleach to 15ppm is that where we should always keep it? From then I tackle the other levels?

So today...Should we add just one more gallon or two again? Someone replied back that we will add approx a gallon every 3 days but that was said I believe for when this is all under control.

Also can we only add the bleach at dusk or can it be added anytime?

Regarding that testing kit - is the kit only good for one season? Here in WI our pool season is pretty short. Researching the kit it looks around $75 but sounds like it could take a month to get here. Just not sure if it seems worth it to buy this season???

And of course the most important question...when will the pool be ok to swim in?

Oh and one more thing...Watermom - what did you mean when you said I don't have bromine? I just was typing what was located in the testing kit so I just put it on there. Is it on the test kit for another purpose? Do other pools and I just don't? Just trying to learn more...

[GOFN1]

Is anyone there? I haven't heard from anyone since my last posts and want to make sure I am understanding this. I have been reading some other threads trying to find stuff out for myself but am getting more confused in some aspects. I am thinking I am not doing my CYA test correctly though after reading one thread. My test says to fill my pool water to 7ml mark and then take the Cyanuric Acid Reagent and fill to 14ml mark. Mix for 30 seconds and then slowler transfer the mixture into this little tube with a black dot on the bottom. You are supposed to base your reading on the level at which the dot just disappears when viewed from top. Mine NEVER disappears or is cloudy in any way. I am thinking this should change my "shock" cl level from 15 to 10ppm???

I am off to do more reading on CYA...sounds like this is the hardest for everyone to understand by what I am seeing.

Thanks again!

[Sherra]

The mix should be a 50/50 mix, so the 7 then 14 is right (or you can do 10 then 20 if those readings are easier to see on your measuring tube. You should mix well, then let it SIT for 30 seconds then begin the slow transfer into the black dot tube.

[Watermom]

If the cya test never gets cloudy and the black dot never goes away, then you have no cya reading. So, yes, that will change your shock level to 10. Keep the chlorine level up for a few more days until the pool clears and keep running the pump 24/7. You can go ahead and vac if there is something there to vacuum up. Or you can just filter for a few days and vac later.

In a pool this size, each quart of 6% bleach will raise the cl by a little more than 2ppm. Test morning and evening and each time add enough bleach to get back to 10. After you get the pool cleared up, you are going to need to add some cya. (Before you decide to add some, though, retest your cya and verify that your reading is still 0.) Add an initial dose to get to about 30. Add it to the skimmer and then don't add more, retest or backwash for about a week to give it time to dissolve.

The kit will last for a couple of seasons except maybe the DPD-FAS powder may have to be replaced. The other things should be fine for next year.

And, re: bromine - bromine is a different type of sanitizer. This is a chlorine pool, thus no bromine reading. Hope this helps.

[GOFN1]

OK...we are back in business.

We have been keeping our Cholrine levels right around 10 and happy to report that the pool looks great! Water is clear, just need to vacuum one more time (Spring cleanup) and I think we are ready to balance out everything else.

So my question of the night is CYA...as posted earlier, we could never get a reading. I think we have to go to the dreaded pool store to get the stabilizer, but I just what to make sure that is the direction to go. Up until this point all we have been checking is chorline levels and ph which has been..Chorline 10ish ph 7.5. So, what should be our next step?

[Brock]

Hey where are you in WI, I am in Green Bay.

Anyway now that the algae is likely under control you can drop the Chlorine levels back to 3-5 ish for normal use depending on the CYA level, but since it sounds like you have none 3-5 is good to shoot for right now. Was the "frog" a floater that you dropped sticks in to and it just floated in the water or what? I would start using them if you have them it will reduce the amount of liquid chlorine or bleach you have to add since it slowly dissolves releasing chlorine in to the water. It will also add stabilizer as it dissolves. Just keep checking the CL level for now.

[Watermom]

You can probably by cya at Walmart, Lowe's or Home Depot. It may be called stabilizer or conditioner. Check the ingredients and make sure it says cyanuric or isocyanuric acid. Aim for an initial reading of 30. Put it in the skimmer and then don't retest, redose or backwash for about a week to let it dissolve. If it was me, I would just add the cya outright instead of messing with the frog floater. Until the cya starts dissolving, you'll need to test your chlorine morning and evening and each time add some bleach. After you start to get a reading, you'll be able to just test and dose with bleach in the evenings only.