Need Help!

[Watermom]

Be consistent with keeping the cl level high and don't let it yo-yo up and down. Sustain it which means you have to test multiple times a day and each time shock it back up.

[wxwmn02]

Just got my test kit and the Calcium level or CH is 690ppm. From what I have read in the book that is way too high. How do I bring that down?

[Watermom]

Yep. That is high alright -- just what i suspected. The only way to lower it unfortunately is to do a partial drain and refill. Retest it one more time to make sure you got it right. Actually, why don't you go ahead and post a current set of all testing numbers for everything for us to look at.

By the way, how does the water look today?

[wxwmn02]

I figured that would be your answer. We will have the other #s for you this afternoon.

[wxwmn02]

Here are the #s. They seem a bit off so I may need to get them again. However, the pool is being refilled now so I expect them to be different.
FAC = 9
TAC = 1
PH = 7.1
Alk = 80
CH = 500
CYA = 65

[Watermom]

I think you need to do a partial drain and refill. But, do NOT totally drain this pool! if you can drain about half, that should get your calcium level and your cya levels down to a more manageable reading. Then, I would not use any more cal-hypo. Stick with bleach. Watch your pH. It is pretty low. Don't want it below 7.0. or it can damage your pool. May want to add a cup of Borax to the skimmer slowly while the pump is running and see how high that will raise it. Anywhere from 7.2-7.8 is ok.

Your chlorine numbers are not quite right. FC + CC = TC. So, your FC can't be 9 and your TC 1. Maybe try that test again.

EDIT -- I just now reread your post and noticed you said it is being refilled. How much did you drain? After it is refilled, retest and repost with new numbers, but still -- keep an eye on that pH. It is pretty low.

[wxwmn02]

We only drained it to just pass the skimmer. It's now refilled so I will have to get the new readings tomorrow. I can always drain it again and refill it for a 2nd time if the new chem levels are high. I didn't think that chlorine levels were right. Hopefully I can figure them out tomorrow.

What is Borax? Where would I find that?