Newbie Needs Some Help with Bogus Pool Store Test Results

[PoolDoc]

Wow!

Over the years, PoolForum members have often reported bogus recommendations from pool stores, but your case is exceptional. Usually, ignorance is part of the problem, but your pool guys sound like they are deliberately dishonest. I think you should stay well away.

OK. Do this:

1. Go get a cheapo OTO / phenol red kit from Walmart. (If they have the HTH 6-way, get that kit instead.)

2. Test your pool, and report results here: http://pool9.net/pf-hist-form/

3. Assuming that your pool is NOT green, begin dosing with 1 gallon of PLAIN 8% household bleach EACH evening. (Walmart store-brand is fine; avoid Clorox brand since they are not selling so many 'flavors' and it's easy to mistakenly buy something other than PLAIN bleach.)

4. Test your pool each AM -- chlorine levels should be dark yellow (> 3 ppm). PH should be between 7 and 8. (Your current pH is FINE!)

5. Order a K2006 kit and a bottle of Aqua-Check SALT strips (not the test strips you have) => http://pool9.net/tk/

6. Fill out the EQUIPMENT form: http://pool9.net/pf-equip-form/

7. When you post your first test results, ALSO post a list of all the chemicals used in the last 2 weeks.

Good luck!

[Watermom]

(If they have the HTH 6-way, get that kit instead.)

Only buy the 6-Way drops-based kit. If they have the 6-Way test strips, don't buy those.

[Hstead]

Thank you much for the advice. I have a couple of very long work days ahead of me but will get a chance on Friday to make it to Walmart and will start getting everything in order. The water is crystal clear at this time, I just felt like I needed to be more on top of it though from reading this site. My gut told me the pool store was not on the up and up.

[FormerBromineUser]

...begin dosing with 1 gallon of PLAIN 8% household bleach EACH evening.

PoolDoc is the expert here and I strong advise you to take his advice. Don't let a busy schedule keep you from addressing your pool issues. By Friday, algae may play while you are away...