Optimum Levels?

[Sherra]

Be careful if you're going to use the tri-chlor pucks. They contain CYA and if you add CYA AND use the tri-chlor pucks then you're continually adding CYA to your water...eventually you'll have sky high CYA levels and it will be difficult to keep your pool sanitized no matter how much chlorine you put in it. (See the Ben's Best Guess CYA thread.)

[jen in tx2]

I definitely don't use the pucks anymore, you guys changed my ways! I just posted that stuff cuz I saved it from last year in the old forums. I am just wondering what my optimum test readings should be?

Thanks for all the help!!
Jen

[Watermom]

PH 7.2-7.8
Alk 80-125
CH not needed in a vinyl pool, but definitely not over 500
CYA 30-50
Chlorine - depends on your cya reading

Hope this helps.

Watermom

[jen in tx2]

Thanks soooo much! That is just what I needed!! It is all coming back to me the more I read through here... SLOWLY! I will post my readings as I take them

Thanks!
Jen
(formerly Jen in Tx, now Jen in Tx2)

[jen in tx2]

OK, yesterday when I tested this is what I came up with....
TC = 5
Ph = 7.2
Alk = 75
CYA = 55

Today (about 20 hours later) my readings were...
TC = 4.5
pH = 7.0

Now I know I need to bring up my pH, I have added about 1/2 box of Borax total and no bleach since I first filled it up.

[Watermom]

Other than your ph being a little low as you already know, everything looks fine. After you add the Borax, let it circulate a few hours. Then retest and redose til you get it to 7.4-7.6.

Watermom

[PoolParty]

Great post, thanks for the numbers. I just opened my pool, do you guys/gals think 135 is too high for alkalinity? My pH was 7.6. Thanks!