First time opening pool since joining this forum

[beaverplt]

Our filter is a sand filter, not sure what brand though. Why no clarifier? I wasn't planing on buying any, I have about a pint left from when I was trusting the local pool store for advice.

Just did my chem tests. FC/CC is great. 13.6/.2. PH is 7.2. the only issue was my CYA was under 20. I added enough acid to bring it up to around 30.

[FormerBromineUser]

Clarifier is just one of those things that you don't need when you follow our methods. Vacuum the big stuff, filter the small stuff.

With a sand filter, you can add DE and it will help your filter remove fine particulates. Here's how: http://www.poolforum.com/pf2/showthr...to-sand-filter

[FormerBromineUser]

I just saw your edit with your test results. Good job keeping FC towards 15. Remember, no lower than 12. Assume you are at 30 CYA for your calculations.

You will save on reagents if you use the 10ml sample instead of the 25ml. Use 1 scoop of powder, then add R-0871 dropwise. Multiply by 0.5. In other words, 23 drops is 11.5ppm.

Also, check your supply of R-0871. Order more when it looks low so you don't run out! You need plenty when you are at shock level.

[beaverplt]

Yeah, I found out quickly last year how much R-0871 you can go through. I use the 25 ml sample only if I know my levels are low. I was actually surprised yesterday when it was where it was because of how much algae my pool cleaner stirred up. This morning my pool color is a light green. Still can't see the bottom of the deep end, but definite progress.

[FormerBromineUser]

How did things go over the long weekend? I hope you were able to stay on that FC and keep it at shock level or above! Let us know.

[beaverplt]

Hi, The weekend was no problem. Ran the pool cleaner the whole time and had to backwash often. We had a downpour on Sunday that added about 3" to the pool and brought the FC down to about 5.5. I've needed about a gallon of 12.5% each day to keep the chlorine level at 14 or higher. Testing tonight when I got home from work I found my FC/CC was at 6.5/.5. My PH is 7.2. Alkalinity is 110 and hardness 150.

[FormerBromineUser]

Well, the CC sure looks better! There's no need to retest your TA and CH right now. (Remember that you can only accurately test pH with FC levels under 10). So don't worry about pH either for now.

How does the water look? How often are you able to check FC?

Get that FC back up and now that your CYA should be there, bump the FC up to a minimum of 15. Since you're working during the day, you could raise it higher in the morning so that it doesn't drop below 15 during the day. You can go higher if you don't plan on swimming.