what to do !!!! what to do !!!!!

[tshirt25]

Im back ,you remember me? The one with no cover on during winter!!! well my pool has seen some improvement had water tested they said it was fine SOOOO, i ask if the chlorine levels are at "shock" levels since i have been adding bleach 2- 3 3qts at a time twice daily i bought test strips they register a VERY pretty purple for cl ph is at 8.0 i also bought a drop kit "not Taylor" but the readings for cl only reads total cl.!!! it turns a nice burnt orange filter has been running just about all the time 18 out of 24 hrs a day i shut it off just to see what settles to vaccuum please help !!!

[CarlD]

You are on the right track. But you need better test tools.

If you can get an OTO test kit that goes to 5ppm. If you can, get one from Taylor or, possibly Leslies. You'll need to look up the "CarlD Patented Shot Glass Method" for getting your kit to read to 10, 15 or even 20ppm (You'll need steam distilled water--avail at the supermarket).

For pH you are probably not getting an accurate read due to your high chlorine. If you get the Taylor/Leslie's kit, look for the red bottle to be 0014, not 0004. Or you have to get a chem called chlorine neutralizer (Taylor R-0007) and put 2 drops in the water before adding the red stuff.

Otherwise, read our thread on battling algae. You are not far off!

[tshirt25]

OOOOPPPPSSSS sorry for the 3 letter def. i thought it was "kinda o.k." had my water tested at leslies today to check my cl he said it was high about 15 oh my is this TOO high ? and am i defeating my purpose?

[Watermom]

We're gonna need a complete set of current water testing results taken with a drops-based kit to be able to advise you. It is best to buy a good test kit and test daily yourself but for now, tell us what the pool store got for results. Also tell us what type of pool this is and the volume. Then somebody here can help you get things squared away.