Just opened pool for spring, test result questions

[Beachnut_PA]

I just had my pool opened and my test results are surprising to me. I am located in Valley Forge, PA. When the cover was removed the water temp was 56. By the end of the day, it was 60. This will be my second season with the pool. I have the PS233 test kit which I ordered last summer. Here are the numbers:

FC 8
CC 0
TC the Taylor daily tester turned orange - I tried it twice
pH 7.2
Alk 110
Cal I put 60 drops in the test vial - the water stayed clear
CYA 50 to 60

There was a floating chlorine dispenser in the pool over the winter; that is the only way I can explain the relatively high level of chlorine. I was under the impression that I should shock the pool right away after taking the cover off, but with my chlorine level so high I am not sure what to do. What do you think about the daily test kit turning orange when the DPD test show 8? I did do the DPD test twice and the result was 8 each time (16 drops).

What do you think about my Calcium Hardness test? Is it possible that my test solution is old and should be replaced?

Thanks for any help you folks can give me.

Doug

[duraleigh]

Hi, Doug,

I think your in good shape. How does your water look?

Your Cl level is not too high. I see no reason to shock.

With a CC of 0, there's not much for shocking to do.

The daily test is fine turning orange....it only goes to five ppm, right?

Review your test method for CH. Water should've been red, then turn blue. Never clear unless you have ZERO calcium.

In summary, If your water looks good, you're in good shape. I think you misinterpreted some instructions on the CH test.

[Beachnut_PA]

Thanks for your response, Dave. I was amazed at how good and clear the water looked when I took the cover off.

I will review my test method for CH. You are right, the water turned red, then clear after about 20 drops and stayed clear. I'll drop off a sample at the dealer tomorrow just to be safe.

After all the 'green swamp' stories I have read on these forums, I had expected our pool to look at least a little funky. I'm certainly not complaining.

Doug

[Beachnut_PA]

I guess I should have mentioned that this is an IG, 30k gallon pool.

I just did another CH test and the water turned slightly blue at 50 drops of the R-0012 stuff. When I did my test yesterday, I was putting the top on the test container and mixing to try and speed the process at 20 drops and every ten after that. I just swirled after each drop this time. I will still have the water tested by the dealer tomorrow.

Thanks again and happy swimming.

[mizzouguy]

I have the same problem with my test....it's pretty clear, but maybe a hint of a very very light blue around the bottom of the tester. It is my understanding that this should be really blue. I'm going to had some calcium to try and raise it 50ppm to see if I see this blue that is suppose to show up. If it does, then I'll assume I had 0 calcium......

[conductor500]

I just opened my pool also and was pleased to see it was crystal clear as well. All I did was add a gallon of bleach when I closed it up for the winter. I do not have a quality test kit yet but the one I do have has my levels as follows (27' AG)

TC 3
ph 7.2
akl 110-120
cya Out of drops will post back later.

should my chlorine be higher??

I was under the impression there would be alot of work to do to my pool when I opened it up in the spring.