opening pool - water test results

[Watermom]

With a CYA of around 50, you want to keep the chlorine level between 3-6 all the time. If you dip below that, you risk an algae bloom. In this size pool, each quart of 6% bleach will add 2ppm of chlorine. Use that as a reference to help you determine how much bleach to add. Each evening, you'll want to test pH and chlorine. At that time, add enough chlorine to get the level back to 6ppm.

While you are refilling it, go ahead and add a little bleach. Every foot of water added, add a quart of bleach. By the time you have it filled up, that should be about a 3 quart jug having been added which should take you to about 6ppm.

With a CYA of 50, you won't want to use any forms of stabilized chlorine, meaning no trichlor pucks nor dichlor shock powder or else your CYA will continue to rise.

Although not critical, you may want to lower your alk a little to get it between 80-120 or so. Read about this process here: Lowering Alkalinity Step-by-Step


Also, read the "using muriatic acid safely" link in my signature below.

[mike_311]

btw, thanks you so much for this forum. i really appreciate all the advice.

my wife picked up a few bottles of Clorox (6%) is that ok or do i want something else? i realize that it not be the most cost effective brand, but that's what she got when i said plain 6% bleach

so are there any chlorine tabs i can use or am i keeping the pool chlorinated with bleach only?

[Watermom]

Clorox is fine but just more expensive. Most of us use generic from Walmart. Just make sure to get unscented plain bleach. The tabs are stabilized, so you don't want to use them. So is most bagged shock powder. Best to just stick with bleach.

Glad the forum has been helpful to you. That is why we are here!

[mike_311]

what about the ph, is it ok at 7.4 or should i raise or lower it a little?

[Watermom]

Depends on if you are going to try and lower your alk or just let it stay where it is. Go back and read the "lowering ak" link I put in post #8. Alk of 180 is a little high, but not super critical on a vinyl pool. You can decide whether or not you want to lower it some. Generally, 80-120 is what we suggest.

If you are going to try and lower it, you'll want to drop your pH per the link I mentioned. If not, then 7.4 is OK.

[mike_311]

ok, i 'll see where the alkalinity is after i refill, that number was based off the old water.

[mike_311]

ok, the pool has been drained and refilled and here are the water test results:

CYA - between 35 and 40ppm
PH - 7.6
AK - 48ppm as calcium carbonate
calcium hardness 32ppm as calcium carbonate

i just put 3 qts of 6% bleach in and its stirring around now, do i still want to be between 3 and 6ppm chlorine?