New ps234 kit, first results, becoming "kit owner"

[faginbagin]

Hope it's OK to post more than one question at a time. If not, please go easy on me

I just got my test kit on 6/19 and finally had a chance to test today. Still looking for the testing guide and word that I've been upgraded from Registered to Kit Owner. I emailed my screen name and serial # (6340) to both orders@pool9.net and pooldoc@pool9.net. The instructions didn't specify which email address to use.

My first questions are:

When can I expect the testing guide?

Have I emailed the right addy to become a "Kit Owner"?

If so, how long 'til I become a "Kit Owner"?

If not, whom should I email?

Now for my first test results:
FC 11.5
CC 0.5
TC 12.0
PH 7.2
ALK 90
CAL 90
CYA 40
Temp 76

My pool details:
16x32x4 above ground Olympic pool
with water level at 3.5 feet, should hold 13,500 gals
24" diameter Jacuzzi sand filter
1.0 HP Jacuzzi pump
automatic chlorine feeder, 3" pucks
Hayward H150 pool heater
Solar cover

My comments & interpretations:

The pool came with the house. I gather the filter (I mean pump) is bigger than needed. I'm comfortable using the chlorine feeder, esp. since the CYA level isn't too high. Although I do use liquid chlorine to shock. Chlorine is higher than I'd like. I'm tinkering with the feeder and the frequency of filtering to try to get it in the 3-6 ppm range. PH is getting low, so I figure I'll be adding some borax in a few days. It was way up after I last shocked it about a week ago. I assume it's the CYA in the pucks that's causing the PH to steadliy decline. I'm happy with the other numbers.

A few weeks ago, my water was cloudy after leaving the solar cover on for four days and neglecting to check the feeder for the same period. I shocked and tested with a 2 way kit. But the water wasn't clearing up. Before I got the PS234, I broke down and got the only test kit I could find that measured FC. It was an HTH test strip kit from Walmart (don't tell my sister, she'd kill me if she knew I'd set foot in a Walmart!). I'm glad I did, because it told me I had no FC and needed to shock a second time. Today, I compared the HTH results to the PS234 results and they seem to be pretty close. It's got about 100 strips, so I think I will use it on a daily basis, saving the PS234 reagents for less frequent testing.

More questions:

Does it sound like I've got a reasonable handle on my pool and current test results?

How low should I allow the PH to drop before adding borax?

If I keep a closer eye on the chlorine level, can I leave the solar cover on for more than a couple of days?

How often should I remove the solar cover to let the pool "breath"?

Thanks in advance,
Helen

[Sherra]

When can I expect the testing guide?

I'm assuming you're talking about the booklet we're supposed to get via US Postal Service...I've had my kit for 2 months and haven't gotten mine yet. I won't be looking for it until after Ben gets caught up on his backlog of kit orders though.

[faginbagin]

Hi Sherra,

Yes, I was asking about the booklet. Wonder if Ben has considered making it available as a PDF? Would save him postage

Helen

[duraleigh]

Helen,

One comment, your filter can't be too big. you will enjoy increased efficiency and water filtration with a big filter.

Does it sound like I've got a reasonable handle on my pool and current test results?

How low should I allow the PH to drop before adding borax?

If I keep a closer eye on the chloine level, can I leave the solar cover on for more than a couple of days?

How often should I remove the solar cover to let the pool "breath"?

Reasonable handle?...Absolutely

pH - Generally, 7.0 is a good bottom figure

Solar Cover on longer?...Probably, but just use common sense and check it often.

Letting the pool breath....I would remove it during bright sunshine and cover it at night for maximum heat retention.

Nice work getting your pool in shape. I'd probably back off on the pucks if your CYA tests got around 50.

[faginbagin]

Hi Dave,

Helen,

One comment, your filter can't be too big. you will enjoy increased efficiency and water filtration with a big filter.

Oops, my bad. I meant to say PUMP not filter I've corrected the original post.

Thanks for the reassurance & advice.

Helen

[rmeden]

The kit also mentions this URL: http://www.poolsolutions.com/ps234.html which just sends you to the main page...

I would mention it to Ben, but he has enough issues at the moment.

Robert