testing results

[smallpooldad]

Few questions first so that I can help you:

1) Is your pool using a saltwater chlorine generator, if so what make, and model number?

2) If not do you use the BBB method (Liquid Bleach)? If so whose bleach? (Are you using Borax if so what is the ppm (parts per million). The best test strip for Boron is made by LaMotte.

3) If not do you use the BBB method do you use chlorine pucks?

4) How many gallons is your pool?

5) I believe the Wal-Mart Test kit, is liquid reagents, am I correct? ( For information: The best normal test kit, if you can afford it, is made by Taylor Industries).

6) What is the Alkalinity, pH, Calcium Hardness of your tap water?

7) Does your pool show any signs of iron staining, normally the walls are brownish?

8) Is your pool plaster, fiberglass, stainless, tiled, or a vinyl liner?

9) You did not mention the Calcium Hardness measurement. What is it?

10) How long has the water been in the pool without draining, in years?

11) What type of filter, sand, DE, cartridge, do you have and what size is it? How often is the filter media changed.

12) What size is your pump?

13) At what tempersture range do you normally operate the pool.

14) When was the last time you backwashed it, how often do you do this?

15) Does your pool get a lot of debris on a dailly basis

16) Do you have a pool cleaner/vac if so what type and does it run daily?

17) How many hours do you run your pump for?

18) Do you have a pool heater? Do you use it? If so how often?

While all this information is not absolutely needed it really helps in addressing your issues.

The ideal pH is normally considered 7.5 as that is the same as your eyes and if you have an iron or other metal staining problem it may help control that, 7.4 is actually slightly better for metal problems. One can go as high as 7.8 or as low as 7.2 on the pH, but I think you know that.

At present as Waterbear stated it is better to keep the pH between 7.0 and 7.2 and then aerate using a large fountain pump if you have one. Meaning a fountain spraying water back into your pool, to lower the alkalinity. If not and tap water has an alkalinity that is lower than say 120 or below, you could drain it down some as a last resort. This will be dependant on the results you need to acheive. Chlorine at 5 for the present is OK.