Pool Stains - unsure what kind and best way to proceed

[Watermom]

Your sand shouldn't need changed. Sand does not wear out. Many of us use the same sand for a very long time. Occasionally, you may have to top it off but seldom should need to actually change it out.

[tmcdonald]

That's good to know..saves me $30!

[PoolDoc]

+ Check your sand level; add more if needed, but don't change it unless it's really gummy or clumped up.

+ Watch the vids and then retest and report.

+ Good luck!

[tmcdonald]

Thanks for the help..I'm working through this process.

I can say that my hardness is currently through the roof. like, over 1000ppm. I've dumped a bunch of old water out and added a lot of fresh, but i'm still seeing very high levels. Is there a less expensive way to get this hardness down? I was trying to tackle that first, then get everything else dialed in since that is so out of whack.

Let me know if this is a bad approach as well!

[PoolDoc]

1. Post a full set of readings on BOTH your pool, and your fill water. (Don't test CYA on the fill water!) Watch the videos (above) if you need to, but please post numbers, not drop counts. If you are having a hard time understanding the tests, watch the videos, and then ask us questions.

2. ID by make and model your pump and filter.

3. List the problems you see with your pool / water in order of concern to you.

[tmcdonald]

1. I stuck with just testing pool water as I was able to actually get the tests to work properly after dumping 1/3 of my pool and refilling. Numbers are:

FC: 0ppm
CC: .2ppm
PH: 7.0 ppm
Total Alkalinity as calcium carbonate: 100ppm
Calcium Hardness as calcium carbonate: 250ppm
CYA: 80ppm

2) Unfortunately, many markings are worn off. I can tell you the pump is a jacuzzi pump, but I don't have a model number, and the filter tank is model number jsal180, but I can't find a brand. They do appear to match so I am guessing jacuzzi

3) Lets only work on getting the water balanced and clear (it's only slightly foggy right now..can still see bottom fairly clearly)

[PoolDoc]

Lets only work on getting the water balanced and clear (it's only slightly foggy right now..can still see bottom fairly clearly)

Sounds good.

1. Begin dosing with 1/2 gallon of PLAIN 8% store bleach each evening. If you get to orange-tinted yellow on the OTO kit, skip the dose.

2. Run your pump 24/7.

3. Send multiple full resolution pics of your pump and filter to poolforum@gmail.com. Include your user ID (tmcdonald) and the thread number (22990).