Welcome to our forum! Sounds like you have been doing your homework and reading. There is so much good information on the forum and if you follow it, your pool is gonna look great!
First off, your chlorine numbers aren't quite right. FC + CC = TC. So, assuming that those are the numbers that your pool store gave you (and you didn't just make typos when you posted) that should be your first clue that perhaps the pool store may not really know their stuff. Please verify that those are the correct numbers.
Secondly, go ahead and add some Borax. You are ok with the pH at 7.0 but just barely. I'd feel better if you could at least get it to 7.2. Anywhere from 7.2-7.8 is ok but actually chlorine works a little better if your pH is on the low side of normal. You can go ahead and work on the pH at the same time as your chlorine. Won't hurt a thing.
I hope you didn't buy the calcium plus. Your vinyl pool doesn't need it. Take it back if you bought it. Also don't worry about the saturation index reading or total dissolved solids reading.
For a cya of 30, you need to shock up to 15 and try and keep it there. As you have read, testing at least 2 (and more is better) times per day and each time adding enough bleach to get back to shock level. For your pool, each quart of bleach will raise your cl level by a little over 1 ppm. Run the pump 24/7 while you are trying to clear the pool.
Keep us posted as to how it is going for you and if you have any more questions, ask away. We are glad to help!
Bookmarks