Salt System newbie

[BigTallGuy]

Actually it is a good warning story for any new pool owners. I'll make it short. My TDS went off the charts a few years back and I was told to drain and re-fill the pool. The owner of the pool store advised me that I needed 4 lbs of Stabilizer for my pool. Apparently, he based his calculations on 13,500 gallons not 11,500. Anyway, I added the 4 lbs. through the skimmer as instructed 2 lbs one night and two lbs. the next night. The Pool store owner told me to bring him a sample after a week and we would adjust from there. I did this only to find out that my CYA was off the chart. It showed over 100, and was probably closer to 150. It turns out that I only needed 2-3 lbs. Here is what I learned for the benefit of all:

1) The Cyanuric acid will remain in the pool liner, pumps, filters, and other fixtures in the pool even after you drain the water out. Reducing the amount you may have to add to bring your pool to the proper level when re-filled.

2) Learn and know how many gallons are in your pool so someone at the pool store doesn't have to guess.

3) Add your chemicals slowly, about 1/2 the amount needed at a time, then get the water tested and adjust it up slowly from there. It will save you an awful lot of grief later.