Need help with new (to me) pool

[janmo]

I recently found this forum and would like to submit my numbers to find out exactly what I need to do. I have been using the BBB method (per advice from a coworker) but I seem to be losing chlorine. I have a 20,000 gallon, vinyl pool. And I am confused......

My readings today (with a Walmart 6-way test kit) are:

FC: 1.3
CC: 1.3 (there was no change after waiting two minutes)
TC: 0 (I'm not sure I did this right)
PH: 7.6
ALK: 120
CYA: 90

I had been using Chlorine pucks with stabilizer from BJ's that the previous owner left but stopped using them a week ago because of my high CYA, and have only been using Clorox since.

Thanks for ANY and ALL ideas,

Janmo

[waste]

Janmo, welcome to the forum, BBB is the way to go, glad you learned it so early . The numbers don't look bad, except for cl which needs to be 5 - 10 ppm (as per the best guess chart that is 'stickied' at the top of ths section). Add 2 gal of 5% bleach to the pool to bring it up to level. That should take care of things for your weekend - but remember to keep at least 5 ppm cl in the pool with your cya = 90. How easy is that? - just add 2 gal bleach and you're good to go. I'll assume you are hosting a pool party this weekend, so this is a quick and easy solution, if you want to lower the cya in the future, you can do so to reduce the chlorine you need to keep in the pool - but for now 2gal is all it will take today. Congrats on going with BBB and comming here to learn how to properly take care of your pool!! - Waste

[janmo]

Thanks so much, Waste. No pool party this holiday weekend (I am heading out of town on a mini-vaca) but I did add the two gallons of bleach this evening. The pool will sit empty until Wednesday so should I add more before I go? I have a lot of shade, but it is very sunny and hot here.

Also, I've been adding about two gallons per day but continue to get the low chlorine reading. I have also shocked (with more bleach) and it will go up for a while and then back down. Is this because of the high CYA?

Janmo

[duraleigh]

Assuming your result of CC=1.3 is correct, (I not sure about that)
I would suggest you put in 6 large jugs of 6% Clorox (8.52 gallons) the evening before you leave town.

That will shock your pool correctly and you may be able to avoid an algae bloom. If you do not, I can almost promise you will have ZERO chlorine when you get back and perhaps some green water to go with it.

Post new test results when you get back and tell us what your water looks like...lot's of folks here will help you get everything back in line.