Pool problems.

[ivyleager]

Ok after testing tonight.

CL - bright yellow still high
pH - 7.4
Total Alk - 110
Total Hardness - couldn't get a reading. I had to add 11 drops to get it to turn blue to start.
CYA - is now 60 - 65.

Questions for everybody else now?

How do I get my total hardness down to a readable level?
Why is my CYA dropping so fast? I used pucks for 3 straight weeks about 1 1/2 months ago. Could that have something to do with it?

I currently have a 2 year old Hayward vacuum cleaner. How long do these things last? I was looking at the Hayward phantom tonight. That thing looks very nice. Anybody have one?

One more question not about my pool. If I register to this site for 1 year. Would that get me access to the poolsolutions guides? What does registration get you?

Thanks again to everybody that replied.

1. To get a more accurate reading on your chlorine, have you tried the dilution method? Take one shot glass of pool water and one shot glass of DISTILLED water and use that to test your Cl. Then multiply the number you get by 2. If still to high to read, then change to 2 shots of DISTILLED water to 1 of pool water and mutiply number by 3. Should be able to determine a high Cl level this way.

2. Algae can eat up CYA, and could be why yours is dropping. A reading of 60 is okay. Pucks drive up the CYA, push down the pH. By switching to bleach, you avoid this completely.

3. On the calcium test: I've only used Ben's test kit for this, so if you're using something else I can't help. My advice woud be to take a sample to a pool store if your can, and let them test for this. But don't let them talk you into buying anything. Get numbers, then get out.

Hope this helps.

CaryB

[sb2323]

We've had a Hayward Phantom for about 2 months now and have been very happy with it. Easy to install. Comes with an installation DVD. I did it myself in about 20 minutes. I love how it cleans the sides, steps and top of the pool. It doesn't do a perfect job on the steps but pretty good. We got it from flpools on eBay for $480 and would gladly buy from him again. Quick and helpful response to pre-sales questions, and lighting fast ship.

[localfinesse]

Thanks for all the help so far guys/gals. I posted a few pictures of my pool
http://slabindustries.com/brad/myalbum.html Does my pool look about 20,000 gallons? What is the best way to measure? Its 3ft at the shallow end and 6ft at the deep end.

I still have a lot of algae in the pool as you can see if the pictures. My water is pretty clear. My test results from Leslie’s pool are;

CL 5+
pH 7.4
Alk 120
CYA 120
Total Dissolved Solids 2500
Phosphates 500

That’s all they tested. They said I need to drain my pool to get the TDS down. I asked him to test my hardness but he said no because my TDS was so high. So what is the next step that I have to do? If I have to drain my pool do I need to drain it completely?

Also what do you guys use to clean the cartages? I have been using a hose and my thumb. Is there an easier way? Is the stuff at the pool store good to soak them in? If not what else can I use.

What do you guys recommend?

Thanks,

[Watermom]

A couple of things are making it difficult to know what to tell you to help. Your cya readings are all over the place. It makes a difference in how much chlorine we recommend that you add. Also, we need to know what your cl level is. Not just 5+. Can you use the dilution method described above and try and get a more defined reading? Also, try your cya test again. I know your pool store did it for you, but many pool stores give rather "shaky" readings and we are pretty apprehensive to rely on them. Someone else can better advise you about cleaning cartridge filters. I have never had one.

[localfinesse]

1. To get a more accurate reading on your chlorine, have you tried the dilution method? Take one shot glass of pool water and one shot glass of DISTILLED water and use that to test your Cl. Then multiply the number you get by 2. If still to high to read, then change to 2 shots of DISTILLED water to 1 of pool water and mutiply number by 3. Should be able to determine a high Cl level this way.

I did the dilution method. With 1 shot of pool water and 1 shot of distilled water. My result was 3 x 2 = 6 CL


Thanks for the tip

[localfinesse]

A couple of things are making it difficult to know what to tell you to help. Your cya readings are all over the place. It makes a difference in how much chlorine we recommend that you add. Also, we need to know what your cl level is. Not just 5+. Can you use the dilution method described above and try and get a more defined reading? Also, try your cya test again. I know your pool store did it for you, but many pool stores give rather "shaky" readings and we are pretty apprehensive to rely on them. Someone else can better advise you about cleaning cartridge filters. I have never had one.

I know my CYA reading have been all over the place. In the past I have relied on the pool store. So I may be doing it wrong. I should slowly put drops in the canister waiting for the black dot to completely disappear correct? When the poll store does the test for me they stop when you can faintly see the dot. When I test it I keep going until I can't see any black dot at all. Which is the correct way? I just tested the water again and I came up with CYA about 70. That is when the dot completely went away.

Thanks for all your patience

[Watermom]

You are correct. You take the reading when you can no longer see the dot. So, we'll assume that your cya is 70. With a cya that high, you'll have to run higher than normal chlorine levels to kill algae and subsequently to keep it from coming back once it is gone. Take a look at the chart at the following link. You need to shock to 20ppm and try and hold it there to clear your pool. Test 3x a day and each time, add enough bleach to raise it back up to 20. After the algae is gone, you'll need to maintain your chlorine levels between 5-10 all the time. In a 20,000 gallon pool, every 2 quarts (half gallon) of 6% bleach will raise your chlorine level by about 1.5ppm.

I really think you should consider buying Ben's testkit at the www.poolsolutions.com website especially since it will allow you to test high chlorine levels which you are going to need with high cya. Most other kits you can buy can only test up to about 5. Well worth the money and what most of us use. Another option you have after you clear your pool is to do a partial drain and lower your cya. If you replace half your water, that would put your cya at about 35 which would be good. But, that is a lot of water to replace. You may just decide to live with the high cya.

Hang in there and keep hitting it with bleach. We'll stay with you until you get your problem taken care of.

http://www.poolforum.com/pf2/showthread.php?t=365

[localfinesse]

Thanks,

But what about the
Total Dissolved Solids - 2500, Phosphates - 500, and how high my total hardness is. Would I need to drain my pool to correct these things?

What is so bad if the 3 things above are high? Will it hurt my pool at all? If it would I would rather drain some of the water.

Thanks again.

[localfinesse]

Can anyone help me on the last question I posted? I would like to refill the pool tomorrow if I have to.

thanks again.

Brad

[localfinesse]

I ended up draining about 1/4 of the pool and am in the process of filling it back up. I will report my results when it is full.