2-Week Pebble; 1st results w/Ben's

[dawndenise]

2-wk-old pool and first-time pool owner has ?s about chlorine levels and calcium. Very first test results posted over a week ago in general testing section prior to arrival of Ben's kit. Have followed duraleigh's advice but now am unsure of my next steps. With the arrival of Ben's kit , here are my new #s:

Free Cl 18.5
CC: .5
Total Cl 19.0
pH 7.5-
TA 90
CA 140
Stabilizer less than 30

Have been chlorinating with 73% Cal Hypo to also raise CA for 10 days. Two wks ago, CA was 80. Is this rising fast enough to enable me to use my SWCG in a week or so? It still won't be at the mfr's recommended 200-400.

Pool is 17,000 gallon, IG, Ocean Blue (dark) Pebble Sheen finish, will have SWCG after water is balanced and builder completes installation. Entire pool in full sun 9AM to 5PM, then parts in shade. Water temps 82 in the AM to 88 in the PM. Air temps, except for yesterday, upper 90's to low 100's.

First week, used bleach at amazing rates; Cl levels often 0 when tested (4x daily) just hours after addition of 546 oz (shock level, 15). Cl levels held somewhat better after addition of stabilizer over a week ago. Added more stabilizer 2 days ago to bring total added to 4#, which I realize may still not be enough.

In the last week (testing 2x daily), typically added 1# CalHypo plus 182 oz 6% bleach to pool at about 7PM, should be enough to raise Cl to 15 . Morning tests w/o Ben's kit showed Cl levels 12-15, but may be unreliable due to dilution method. Free and total Cl would fall to .5-2.0 by end of day when another CalHypo/bleach dose would be added.

Yesterday was the first day it was cooler (upper 80's air temp) and mostly cloudy with some rain and then more rain overnight. Last night's results with Ben's kit were 8.0 Free, .5 CC but I still did the 1# CalHypo/bleach dose thinking I needed to shock with that .5 CC.

Above, you can see where I am this AM. Still the .5 CC. Test solution for CC is the very, very barest of pink but clears with the addition of 1 drop. Am I too particular about the color? Do I still need to be shocking my pool? Pool water color mostly clear but with areas of white cloudiness this AM.

I realize this is a long post. Looking forward to the day when I have quick questions. Thanks for any advice.

Sandy

[dawndenise]

Update: I just did my late day test and now I have:

Free Cl 7.0
CC: 0
Total Cl: 7.0

Seems like an awful lot of chlorine drop from this AM when it was only sunny for half the day. However, my pool is very clear now.

So, for the very first time, I'm thinking of adding nothing this evening and retesting tomorrow morning.

If this level of Cl holds, should I think about adding more CYA? I think I can calculate my way into a 30-40 level with 4# already added.

Thanks for any advice.
Sandy

[duraleigh]

Hi, Sandy,

Generally, Your water should be sparkling by now. I am somewhat puzzled that you report areas of cloudiness, Is that a temporary condition or one that exists in your pool each day.

I am also a little puzzled that you have not needed to add muriatic acid to keep your pH down. There's no problem with that.....I was under the impression that new gunite pools almost always required it.

Well, on to your questions:

1. Don't worry about the .5CC result. that's pretty common. when the CC's test 1 or greater would normally indicate an issue.

2. Your Ca is coming up nicely. If it's a little low at first, it will have no affect on your SWG. I'd keep doing just what you're doing and stop around 300ppm (it's actually more important for the plaster finish on your pool than the SWG)

3. Like you, I believe you can let your Cl level return to more normal levels of 3-6ppm keeping it there 'til your SWG is installed.

4. Check the SWG instructions in advance. You may find they want 60-80ppm CYA and FC levels held down pretty low (2-4ppm). Of course, you should follow their advise.

Post back and let us know your water is staying clear........I think you're good to go. Nice work.

[dawndenise]

Hi Dave,
First off...my pool IS sparkling now . Thanks so much for your time and advice on this forum. Since Thursday night's big dose of chlorine, I've only added 1 jug (182 oz) of 6% bleach through this morning! Never thought that would happen after all the bleach my pool was consuming just a week ago. The last couple of days, my free Cl reading only dropped .5 - 1.0 overnight. With my CYA still less than 20 (just discovered Ben's kit goes lower than 30, yea!), I'll probably add a small amt of Cl this afternoon. My AM readings today were: Free Cl 4.5, 0 CC, TA 90, CH 140.
You were puzzled about my pH remaining stable - so was I, not that I was complaining. Of course, because you asked about it , right on cue my pH reading this AM tested 7.8, so I'll be adding some muriatic acid today, as well. One thought I had about the pH staying fairly stable...my pool was in gunite for just over 3 months (March 1 - June 6) prior to PebbleSheen. (It wasn't my idea, just a very slow pool builder who got overbooked and couldn't keep his act together.) Anyway, maybe some of the curing expected actually took place before the finish coat was put on over it.
Thanks again.
Sandy

[duraleigh]

Hi, Sandy,

Sparkling water is what's it's all about! You have a great understanding of your water chemistry and are off to a flying start. Post back often...you'll enjoy the forum.

I have no clue about the pH issue but your logic about the gunite sure makes sense...that's good info to think about.

Check the Cl and CYA requirements for your future SWG and HAPPY SWIMMING!