We have an in-ground heated, diamond brite, 27,000 gallon, SWG system pool with a spa and a large weeping wall and waterfall. Completion was back in Jaunuary. Pool builder did initial shock, and initial chemical servicing. I've had big problems with this company since, and have pretty much been on my own.

Okay. At first I took early readings on TA and CH, which were in normal range. I had some issues with a low CL level during the colder months and mistakenly raised the percentage of the SWG to 60%, where it stayed for awhile. I've since recently lowered it back down to 50%, with the spa at 10%.

After some recent storms, I decided to do a full chem check. My Total Alkalinity is now reading 50 ppm, with my pool Calcium Hardness at 430 ppm. I use a Leslies/Taylor test kit which recommends spa CH to be 150-250 ppm, and my spa reading was even higher at 465 ppm. That is alarming.

I've had issues with a climbing PH all along, which often shoots up over 8, but have heard I will get this with the SWG. I add about a gallon of Muriatic a week, which I also heard may be normal, and it immediately comes back down to 7.2 or so. CL level is now fine, now that the weather has heated up. And I can often smell the chlorine in the water.

My CYA level is about 50, which I've heard is normal for a non-SWG system but may be a little low for me. I brush and vacuum my pool regularly, and my water is very clear and beautiful.

I've taught myself enough about this where I think I can take my pool care to the next step, I just need some help now to get the training wheels off. What do I address first, and how do I go about doing it??? The calculator says add 16.49 lbs of sodium bicarbonate (baking soda?) to bring my TA up to 90, but I've heard Chem Geek say the best way to raise TA is only add two lbs at a time and retest.

Should I bring up my CYA level?

Right now I'm thinking my rising CH level is the biggest concern because as an aircraft mechanic I know corrosion is dangerous in any environment. I belatedly realize running my SWG at a higher level probably contributed to my problems, as some of the chlorine gas probably did not disolve in the water.

Lastly, I live in the DFW area where we've had some wicked weather. One day we had five inches of rain and I had to pump out water as it was at the top of my coping. We have also had at least to different hailstorms, one of which produced golf ball sized hail. I've heard hail can jack with your pool chemistry as well. Another factor may be my 2 HP two-speed filter fump filter clogged and I was without my main filter pump for about two days until I figured out that it needed cleaning.

I am absolutely grateful to have this forum, and would appreciate any and all help.

Regards,

Mike
Arlington, TX