Open Green and Cloudy & No CYA

[Winicott]

I started at PH 7.2 then I added chlorine bleach, then I added Dichlor to bring up CYA. Which of these lowers Ph?

So Far I added 2 box of Borax. Test at 1130 pm indicates I am still at 6.8~7ish.

[Watermom]

Dichlor is acidic and lowers pH. Continue adding Borax to get pH up over 7.0.

[PoolDoc]

Use this form to enter your test results:

http://pool9.net/pf-hist-form/

You can see your entries here.

http://pool9.net/pf-hist-chart/

Your thread number is 24097:

http://www.poolforum.com/pf2/showthread.php/24097-Open-Green-and-Cloudy-amp-No-CYA

[Winicott]

Thanks Watermom, that explains it! I added 8 lbs over 24 hours just to get some CYA in there due to the rapid decreases in FC. Didn't event think about checking the Ph. I thought Ph increases when chlorinating. Whoops. That is what I get for not keeping an eye on Ph.

I plan on adding more Borax today 1/2 a box at a time and see if I can get the PH up to something like 7.5. I worry about getting it too high. Since I am chlorinating with bleach I thought that increased the Ph.

I entered my data in the form. I will try to keep it up to date as I move forward.

[PoolDoc]

There are 2 forms, one for your pool equipment, and one for test and observation records.

It would be helpful if you'd complete that one as well:

http://pool9.net/pf-pool-form/

[Winicott]

...and my reagent for testing FC just ran out. I will be using my Taylor test that only measures up to 5ppm. The reagent will get here in 3-5 days. Why they don't make a larger volume bottle of product that fits in the test kits I will never know. Now my new 2oz bottle will not fit in my handy dandy Taylor Test Kit case.

I understand that I can still test the higher levels of FC using the smaller test by diluting the sample and then using some multiplication. So fill the tester 1/2 full, then fill the other half with distilled water. Take the reading and then multiply the results of the test by 2? I understand that the results will not be as accurate, but I need some idea since I want to maintain 6 ppm and over based on my CYA. Is it ok to limp through using this until the good stuff shows up?

I totally have this pool on the ropes. I can smell clear water (and I don't think it is the odor from combined chlorine).

[Watermom]

Yes, you can dilute the sample and get buy for a few days while you wait on you refills. Another option is to use an OTO kit (no dilution necessary) and the color chart here to help you read 'off the scale' colors. http://pool9.net/oto-chart/

As far as the fitting the bottles in the case issue, you can always just buy larger bottles and just refill your smaller ones. I'm pretty sure that 4-oz bottles are sold and maybe some other sizes as well. I'm not sure what all is available size-wise on Amazon, but one place we have used before is www.spspools-spas.com.

Something you can do if you are running out of your R-0871 to help stretch it out a little longer is to drop the water sample size to 5ml, and then each drop will be 1 ppm, instead of 0.5 ppm.

[Winicott]

Update:
I have been maintaining the FC at shock level based on my CYA. I have been adding Dichlor and keeping track of how many lbs. For me 1 lb = 3 CYA. CYA should be around 38. My goal is to get it to 50-60. Once at 50-60 I will stop adding Dichlor and only use bleach. The borax is offsetting the Dichlor's tendency to lower my Ph.



When the pool finally was clear enough to see the bottom I found a pile of leaves. This was not there in the fall and I can only assume they blew under the cover this winter? Anyway, I cleared them out so hopefully I will not have the drop in Ph that I had last week.

Opened the pool Sunday. This was the fastest open since I have owned it. There are still some clarity issues, but nothing some vacuuming can't clear up. Last year you could see the bottom drain in the deep end from the kitchen window. Best pool year ever!

Thanks for your help. I finally feel like I am in control of the pool instead of it controlling me.

[PoolDoc]

I'm glad we were able to help!

[Winicott]

We are having a great summer with the pool. It looks great and is crystal sparkly clear.

Ph is up to 7.8. I have some muratic acid but not sure what volume to start adding. Do I start by the cup or do I add by the liter?

Thanks!