New Guy, New Pool, Already been Pool-Stored... Always happy to learn

[PoolDoc]

I wasn't recommending it; I was just thinking of the old adage about 'men & their toys' and thinking that that might be a fairly harmless way to scratch that itch, except for the $500, of course.

Regarding PB => copper stains, so raise your chlorine levels carefully and slowly. Use many small doses rather than large ones. Run your filter 24/7 till you've reached high chlorine levels + high pH (7.8). That will reduce the chance of stains.

[Skeet Shooter]

Thanks Doc, yea definitely boys and their toys kind of thing... But i already have many expensive hobbies hah. Any how yea with PB, I need to get myself a good test kit... Those strips just don't quite tell the whole story for me. I think I will start doing this tomorrow, since I will have my kit by then, and I'll start raising the chlorine levels... right now my PH and Chlorine level is very low (based on what those strips are saying) so it might take a while to bring up my chlorine and PH levels. But I'll keep at it and start posting results once I have my test kit.

[Watermom]

Did you order a Taylor K2006?

Also, most of us use 20 Mule Team Borax (laundry aisle at Walmart) to raise pH instead of soda ash since it will raise pH without affecting TA.

[Skeet Shooter]

Thanks Watermom for the insight... I was over looking at the BBB method from TroubleFreePool.com Looks like they recommend the same. I will be getting the HTH 6 way tester, as I need to go to Walmart anyway for the Borax, Bleach and, Baking Soda.

[PoolDoc]

I think I will start doing this tomorrow, since I will have my kit by then, and I'll start raising the chlorine levels... right now

I hope you ordered a K2006 -- as far as we know, you can not get one locally. You CAN get a cheap OTO / phenol red kit, and those are worth having, even if you have a K2006.

[Watermom]

The 6-way kit can only test chlorine levels up to 5ppm. If you can, you are better off getting a Taylor K2006.

[Skeet Shooter]

Ah I did not know that... So i guess I will have to Order the Taylor then. Sucks that its 3x the price though...

[Watermom]

Yeah but definitely worth it. You won't regret it.

[Skeet Shooter]

Hi just got my test kit:

pH was less than 7
FC: 1.4PPM
CC: 0
Calcium Hardness: 70ppm
Alkalinity: 40ppm

So I'm currently adding 1 gallon of 8.1% Liquid Bleach to the skimmer every hour till chlorine reaches 5ppm right? As far as PH, that should come up as well, however should i also add Borax as well or should I wait.

Thanks,

Jason