New user-need help on chemical levels

[TazJMT]

Hello All,

I would search this topic, but I am not allowed to use the search until I post, so here goes:

I just opened my pool about 10 days ago and the alkalinity is coming up high-close to 180 (i am using strips to test).

Also, my Cyanuric acid is close to 0 (again, with strips its tough to get exact and the colors for 0 and 30/50 are so close).

The pool stores in my area find it odd that I would have too high of TA, but our tap water actual registers a TA of about 80. So do I just add some alkaline down (buy it first, doh!) and then i should be good to go? I would have thought that rain water would have brought it down also.

And what do I do about the cya?

In case any of this matters: 21 foot round above ground pool. I have an inline chlorinator that I use the 3" chlorine pucks in. I am having some trouble with the check valve that I installed in between the chlorinator and filter, so i assume it is letting that chlorinated water backup into the filter (yes, I am working to fix it). I didnt know if that last bit was important to the question or not, so i thought i'd mention it.

thanks

John

[Watermom]

Hi, John, and welcome to the Pool Forum!

First thing is to ditch the 'guess-strips.' They are not reliable. The test kit that we think is by far the best is the Taylor K2006 or 2006C (better buy). Not available locally but you can get it through this link that takes you to Amazon: http://pool9.net/tk/

But, in the meantime, go to Walmart and see if they have the HTH 6-Way drops-based kit (no test strips!) and get that. If they don't, get an OTO/Phenol Red kit (yellow and red drops) instead. Use it to test and then post your numbers. Also while you are at WallyWorld, get several jugs of their generic 8.25% bleach and a couple of boxes of 20 Mule Team Borax (laundry aisle).

A couple of questions for you:
-- Is this a freshly filled new pool?
-- Exactly what all have you added to the pool --- meaning ingredients and not just 'shock.'

Repost with requested info and then someone here can try and help you.

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[PoolDoc]

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