New pool - balancing act...

[dogmom58]

My Endless Pool is running (finally). Their manual recommends the following levels (we are using the Nature2 system):
TA - 100 ppm
CH - 180 ppm
pH - 7.5
Free Chlorine - 0.5 - 1.0 ppm

My latest tests results (Taylor K-2006) after adding 1.5 lbs sodium bisulfate:
TA - 140 ppm (was 180)
CH - 100 ppm
pH - 7.6 (was 8.0)
Free Chlorine - 0.4 ppm
Combined Chlorine - .4 ppm

The pool has a retractable cover that I have been using but after reading here about aeration and alkalinity, I rolled it off and started the swim drive on high that roughs up the water a bit.

I am working on the TA first (according to the Taylor testing manual), so I intend to add another 1 lb. of the dry acid (yes?) and add some more chlorine powder, both of which came with the pool kit.

I read some of the sticky notes about calcium hardness and was wondering if I need to do anything with that since I have a vinyl liner. Does anything else matter with low CH?

Thanks for such a great forum!

[Watermom]

What kind of chlorine powder? Ingredients??

You do NOT need to worry about calcium hardness in a vinyl pool.

By the way, we do NOT support the Nature2 system. Those things add metal to the water and you don't want metals in your pool. You are better off to take it out and just use chlorine.

[dogmom58]

The package is called "Dura Shock" and it states that it is
"57% Sodium Dichloro-s - Triazinetrione*
43% Other ingredienets
*Provides 35% Available Chlorine"

Or, I could just use bleach? It is 8.25% Sodium Hypochlorite.

[Watermom]

Can you take the package of shock back? I'd just use bleach. We are kinda skeptical about 43% 'other' ingredients!

[dogmom58]

Nah - it's been opened. I already used a cup already. I do have bleach, and should I go ahead with the dry acid? Dry acid first and then bleach? My alkalinity is still too high.

[Watermom]

Your TA is fine. Don't worry about it.