Chlorine Lock ?

[Watermom]

We'll be here!

[mjsboone]

Been testing like crazy morning and night and going through a lot of bleach, but it looks like numbers are moving in right direction. I have not gotten to all points of the 3 criteria that needs to be met to break this "lock", but what I have noticed is that the pool is very clear and I am smelling that chlorine smell for the first time in a very long time. My son is keeping track of the actual numbers but I am worried about keeping up the process as we ran out of solution for testing the FC and CC this morning. I have reordered but I cant stop now. Can I keep the water holding steady until I get the solution? I so want to get to the point of "maintaining" the water with the BBB method!

[Big Splash]

Flying blind is difficult but not impossible short term. You might want to check your local pool store to see if they sell replacement testing supplies. Call around before heading out. Your looking for the Taylor FAS-DPD Titrating Reagent (Chlorine) R-0871. Just don't let them sell you anything else

You said you got an 80 CYA reading correct? Was that with or without diluting the pool water sample with distilled water? What last two FC readings did you last have (before running out of reagent) and how far apart time wise?

For your size pool, adding 1 jug (121 oz) 8.25 % bleach should add 3.5 FC. You can guess how much you'll need by the amount of FC loss you had over the last two readings. Not perfect, but will keep you in the game.

[mjsboone]

Yes. 1st time I testedi gor 100. Tested again and tried to be so careful with that litle black dot...then about 80. Not diluted. We have been adding bleach 2x's per day, morning and night in the amouts that will bring it up to 25ppm. My son took over the testing for me as I became frustrated not knowing if I was doing it correctly. Watermom said to get the FC to 25ppm and get it to hold overnight and then for good measure keep it at that level for another day and then start backing off with the goal of maintaining 8-15ppm. I hope I am understanding this correctly. I will say that my pool looks sparkling and clear but I also understand this will be short-lived if I do not stick with the program. It needs a good vac but these 101 degree days are miserable! Thank you for your continued advice and support!

[PoolDoc]

It needs a good vac but these 101 degree days are miserable!

When it's 101, you need to be sure you are wearing the correct attire: sunscreen. Whether other attire (besides sunscreen) is needed depends on how high your fence is, and where the neighbors are located. Frequent in-pool inspections to make sure the the debris is adequately being removed, are also recommended. You'll be amazed how much more pleasant this task is, if you are properly dressed, and follow the proper inspection process.

[mjsboone]

Sunscreen a must. Other attire optional after dark.

[Big Splash]

Yes. 1st time I testedi gor 100. Tested again and tried to be so careful with that litle black dot...then about 80. Not diluted. We have been adding bleach 2x's per day, morning and night in the amouts that will bring it up to 25ppm. My son took over the testing for me as I became frustrated not knowing if I was doing it correctly. Watermom said to get the FC to 25ppm and get it to hold overnight and then for good measure keep it at that level for another day and then start backing off with the goal of maintaining 8-15ppm. I hope I am understanding this correctly. I will say that my pool looks sparkling and clear but I also understand this will be short-lived if I do not stick with the program. It needs a good vac but these 101 degree days are miserable! Thank you for your continued advice and support!

1st... Congrats on seeing the pool sparkle!!! To me, it's like the pool is smiling back

Just a couple things to consider... You said, "I am smelling that chlorine smell for the first time in a very long time". That smell, if still there, may be an indication your shock time is not yet over. PoolDoc can correct me, but I believe that could mean there is something in your pool binding with free chlorine to make chloramine. It's the chloramine that is what you are actually smelling. Have you done the combined chlorine (CC) test after testing for the FC? Ideally, you want that reading to be zero and that will also confirm your shock treatment was successful. When your pool is clear and doesn't smell, you know your in cruise mode.

At 80 CYA, you're gonna need extra testing R-0871 reagent. Buy the 2oz bottles instead of the 0.75oz. Consider draining the pool a little at a time to get that number down. Then by next season opening, you'll wanna be back down to about 50.

Enjoy

[mjsboone]

I do not believe the shock time is over yet either according to my numbers (which I cannot tell you with certainty what they are right now-my son is not home) however, your comment regarding my smelling chlorine faintly for the first time had me worried. I have been out around my pool this afternoon sniffing away trying to smell chlorine which I am proud to report, I smelled nothing! I believe that I must have been smelling the remnants of the bleach bottles! Yesterday, when I started to panic about running out of reagent, which we did this morning, I ordered another bottle without even looking at the ounces. I just do not want to lose ground because I cannot test for another day or two. Ugh!

[Big Splash]

Don't be worried so much. A slight smell isn't worth stressing over. A strong smell is a warning sign.

I ran out of reagent myself for about 5 days earlier this month. I test every day. I just kept adding my typical 1/3rd of 121oz 8.25% each day. Next test after getting my package shipment was right where I expected.

If you order again, use the Amazon store here and the forum will get a small piece of the sale.

http://poolforum.com/amz/

[mjsboone]

I did order through Amazon link on website.