opening pool - water test results

[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?

[Watermom]

Yes. Keep your chlorine between 3-6. If it drops below that, you risk an algae bloom.

[mike_311]

so is there an easier way to test my chlorine daily (strips?) or do i need to use the drop kit to check it?