Trying to Swim More and do less work

[szampino]

I'm trying to start the season out right as opposed to asking the forum after I've made a mess of things.

Background: Historically, I've had a metals problem in my pool where the water will brown when I shock or raise the chlorine.

I've got a kit - PS234
Above Ground (Blow-up Ring , Vinyl) 18x4ft round - about 8K gallons
Cartridge Filter

Filled from Well (Bypassed all treatment equipment) (almost filled, haven't started the filter yet)

readings:
FC=0
CC=0
TC=0
PH= Below 6.8
AlK=30
CYA=0

How do I startup this pool? What Order?
Do I shock/Bleach/Etc?
Sequestering Agent?

[waste]

6.8 is as low as the PS234 measures, add a little borax to get that number up to a safe 7.0, low pH is needed for the sequestering chem, so don't over dose it - but the pool is being harmed by the acidic water. Then add the sequestering chem, as per label instructions and then, once the metal is 'out of the way' you can add the chlorine and get the other #s in order

[szampino]

My POP is being challenged and the stubburn is being shaken from my mule.

I have been trying to raise my PH as follows:

Keep in mind my numbers:

Initial readings: for 8000 gal pool
FC=0
CC=0
TC=0
PH= Below 6.8
AlK=30
CYA=0

Current Numbers:

FC=0
CC=0
TC=0
PH= 6.8 (-) can't see much gain because it is the bottom of the scale
AlK=50-60 (Depending on how red the color change needs to be)
CYA=0

I have been adding Borax by the lb(pound) every hour with the exception of over night. I've added about 5.5 lbs total so far. I've also added about 25oz of Soda Ash (Left over).

I could use some encouragement because I've been at this for 2 days now and my real problems (metal) haven't even been addressed yet. I'm still working on the PH.

[aylad]

Hang in there, you'll see some progress soon. Depending on how low your pH was originally, it can take a surprising amount of Borax to get the pH above 7.0. I would wait on raising the alk for now, since the pH moves more rapidly when the alk is lower...get the pH in line, THEN raise your alk.

Don't give up now...just remember it'll be well worth the effort in the long run!!

Janet

[szampino]

Thanks I needed that last little bit of encouragement. It is so hard to be patient, I wanted to dump 4lbs of borax in at one time just to see some movement. I listened and am glad to report I got my PH right between the 6.8 and 7.2 reading and was able to add my Sequestering agent. (Pool Magnet). I decided put my 'Return' fountain to raise the PH a little more. I checked it tonight and it appears to be in line.

My Alk is around 90 - 100 and I have not added any Bleach or Stabalizer.

Since this was a fresh fill, I believe my next step would be to get the water to a 'FC-Shock' level to kill any bacteria or other stuff. Is this the correct next step? (Since there is no CYA in the water, I believe my FC should be at 10ppm) Can someone tell me if I got it right? How long do I need to keep at shock level?


Thanks.

[szampino]

I just put in 1.42 Gal of Clorox Bleach (6%). And checked all chemistry after the hour.

FC 17
cc .5
tc 17.5
ph 7.2 (turned fountain off)
Alk 110 - 120
Cal 120
CYA 0

**I didn't expect the FC to be that high with 1.42 gal of clorox.

How long to I need to maintain the FC @ 10(+-)

[Watermom]

Don't worry about the cl being so high right now. With no cya, it won't stay at that level for long.

[aylad]

How long to I need to maintain the FC @ 10(+-)

Keep it up there until the pool goes to blue but cloudy--and then keep your filter running 24/7 until it clears completely. Go ahead and get your CYA in there, since it takes several days to dissolve.

Janet

[szampino]

So close but yet so so far.

At around 1pm or so, I tested my FC and it was at about 7.5 so I added about 1/2 gal of Bleech (6%) and then rechecked in an hour 2pm. FC was at about 11ppm (Thought I was actually going to win this one).

I just checked the pool @ 4:00pm. The pool now has a brownish coating evenly distributed on the bottom of the pool which gives it a sortof purplish hue in the shady areas looking at the water. I guess my Metals fell out! Been here before and it aint pretty. See some of my other posts from a few years ago.

I'm open to any/all suggestions at this point. I'm not doing anything until I hear back from someone on this forum.

Here's the chemistry at 4pm:

FC 7.5
CC 0
TC 7.5
PH 7.0
ALK 120
Cal 100

Looks like this will be another season of HELL! This is really depressing. I tried so hard. Any one have any ideas. Please take a look at my older posts.

[Watermom]

I'm gonna ask Marie (mbar) to take a look at this thread. She is our resident metal expert. Hang tight. We'll help you get this cleared up and on to the business of enjoying your pool!