A small pool, 12' x 3.25' .. 2150 gallons

[Bearsbee]

I ordered my test kit and it should be here the 16th. I had to add more ph stabilizer and I only have to add about a cup of bleach at night. Can't wait to get real kit hope it isn't to hard to figure out, these strips are so one thing one min and other the next. Will post readings with new Taylor K-2006 kit, been so cold here only used pool 3 times this summer =o(

[Watermom]

Glad you ordered a kit! You'll be so glad you did. It isn't hard to run the tests and if you have any questions about it, someone here can help!

[Bearsbee]

I did my test with the Taylor K-2006 kit FC is 7.5 and I tried to change it back to get it to turn back to pink to get cc but it just stayed clear. my ph is 7.4 and cya is 50. Anything I have to do? Many thanks

[Watermom]

Your FC, pH and CYA are all fine. With a CYA of 50, you need to keep the chlorine between 3-6 all the time, although if it is a little higher than 6 like it is right now, that is fine. But, you don't want it to go below 3ppm or you risk an algae bloom. Test your chlorine level every evening and add enough bleach to get back to around 6ppm. Reread post #14 above for more about this. Test your pH a couple times a week and make sure it stays between 7.2-7.8. Test your alk (TA) a couple times a month. You want it to be between 80-125. Test CYA in a month. It shouldn't have changed much if any.

Only use bleach for your chlorine. No trichlor pucks, not dichlor shock.

It might be helpful to you to watch some online testing demos from Taylor Technologies. They can be found here:

http://www.taylortechnologies.com/pr..._slideshow.asp

Hope this helps. Enjoy your pool!

[Bearsbee]

My pool don't sparkle and it makes one feel dried out (like crackly skin)when we get out. My Total hardness is 80 PH is 7.4 and Chlorine is 6.5. What am I lacking? Any suggestions? We are so loving the ownership of a pool Thank you

[aylad]

The "sparkle" comes from filtering of clean water--not sure what type of filter you have, but you may just have to give it some time--and keep your chlorine levels up!

If the pool makes your skin feel dried out when you get out, make sure that you rinse off with tap water after swimming. Some people add salt to their water (even if they don't have a SWCG) because it makes the water feel softer.

Janet

[Bearsbee]

Salt? What kind of salt? I have one of those pumps that mount on the side of the pool. I change my filter every week, just so it stays nice and clean. Water is clean but just has a dull look about it... I have heard that it should sparkle when sun hits it but mine don't.. lol sounds silly but thought it wouldn't hurt to ask.
Thank you Janet