Hi, well we are off and running. Topped off the pool this morning after starting the fill process on May 16th. Regenerated the Iron removal filter (Green sand filter) and the water softner after four hour intervals of pool filling. Started filtering the water yesterday. Ben's test kit is scheduled to arrive tomorrow, so in the meantime I went to Walmart and purchased one of their $12 HTH test kits. I did test the water at different intervals after stirring it up with the pool brush, but only tested for CL and PH. On 5/17 the CL was 0 and PH was 8.2. Added some liquid bleach and dry powder PH down. On 5/18 he CL was in the range of 1 - 2 PPM and PH was at 7.2. Left well enough alone and kept on filling. On 5/19 the CL was less than .5 PPM and PH was 7.3. Yesterday, 5/21, was the first day the pool had enough water to run the filter safely unattended. Before starting I added eight ponds of CYA to two leg nylons (thanks to my wife...) put one each in the skimmers. I started the filter and has been running 24/7 since. After four hours I chcked the chemistry and water temp was 62 degrees, CL was .5 (added four cups of liquid bleach to the skimmer), PH was 7.2 (added nine oz of PH down. Target is 7.0 to 7.2), CYA was 35 PPM, total alkanity was 150, calcium harness was 0 (added 4 lbs of hardness +) added 12 oz of algacide and added one treatment for 26K gallons of liquid stain/scale product.

Today's morning test results were; water temp was 62 degrees, CL was .5 (added four cups of liquid bleach), PH was 7.2 (added nine oz of PH down. Target is 7.0 to 7.2), CYA was 35 PPM, total alkanity was 150, calcium harness was 0 (added another 4 lbs of hardness +).

Today's noon test results were; water temp was 62 degrees, CL was .5 (added another four cups of liquid bleach), PH was 7.2 (added nine oz of PH down.), did not test CYA, total alkanity or calcium hardness (ran out of hardness +).

Today's 4:30 test results were; water temp was 62 degrees, CL was 1 - 2PPM (added two cups of liquid bleach), PH was 7.2, CYA was 35 PPM. Noticed that water was hazy and filter preasure had jumped approximetly 4 PSI.

Filter is running 24/7, trying to keep the Chlorine level less than 2.5. I am all out of the CYA Reagent that came with the test kit and Walmart does not stock the refills. Going to the pool store tomorow to buy CYA Reagent and Calcium Hardnesss increaser. While I'm on the subject of Calcium Hardness. Please check my understanding of the test results. I fill a sample tube with 25ml of pool water, after rinsing, and add 5 drops of hardness indicator. The instructions say, "sample should turn red if hardness is present". Sample never turns red, it remains a dark blue to a dark purple. I'm assuming that the correct hardness has not been reached, in fact the hardmess is very low. Makes since since I filled the pool with soft water. Is that correct? This is why I have added a total of eight pounds of Calcium Hardness increaser. I did notice that the second test, after the first four pounds was added, the color was a much lighter blue, but still dark. So if I'm understanding that correctly, I'm going to keep adding Calcium Hardness increaser until I get the water to turn red and can then add the Hardness Titrant a drop at a time to measure the red turning to blue. How am I doing so far on all the above? Sorry this is so long. One more thing, why would the water turn hazy, and getting hazier by the hour?

26K IG plaster pool, sand filter.

Ok, I'm tired of typing now. Going to check the filter preasure before going to bed. May not be able to wait until morning to backwash, we will see. Thanks in advance for your help.

Scott