Brand New Pool - When do I start testing water?

[FNC1962]

Also, they add stabilizer, 3" calcium based chlorine tablets and and also shock. They also said that they will add algaecide to the water.They said that they will install a 100 lb. sand filter. They stated that was the min size pump they would install on a 100# sand filter.

[aylad]

Having a pump that big on a 100# sand filter will make it likely that the pump will push the sand and other debris through the filter and back into the pool--which you may not notice at first, but if you ever have to clear up a bad algae bloom (and we all have to do that at some point) it's gonna be a real bear. See if they'll either upgrade the filter or downsize the pump. If all else fails and they won't do either, then Ben or one of the equipment guys may be able to tell you how to put a valve inline to slow down the pump flow.

I would absolutely not let the pool store start up your pool. Putting the stabilizer in isn't bad, IF it's not one of the chemical blends, but I absolutely wouldn't let them put any algaecide in the pool (you're asking for foaming problems from the start!). If it were my pool, I'd just tell them not to worry about it and you'll take care of it. If they won't give you a discount for not having to start it up for you, then at least just have them leave the chems at your house and tell them you'll do it. That way you can see (and we can help advise for, or against) what goes into the pool before it gets into your water. If they install the pool during the day, you can still add the chems to it that evening and it won't be a problem.

You are going to need a good test kit. IF your local WalMart has the 6-way hth drop kit, that's a good one to start with, but we very highly recommend the K-2006 that you can find on the testkits link in my sig. At the VERY least, get the cheapie OTO (uses red and yellow drops to measure pH and chlorine) and have that on hand. No test strips!!

We'll be glad to walk you through it--I just don't want the pool store to create problems for you from the very beginning, which they'll do if they add all that stuff to your water.

[FNC1962]

Thanks! I am at work for now and may be able to get home before they start filling. I purchased a taylor 2006 test kit.

[Watermom]

Good idea to get the kit. I wish you could do something about your pump/filter combo before it is on there and yours. A 1hp pump and a 100 lb. sand filter is not a good combination!

[FNC1962]

What size filter would work with the 1 hp pump. What size pump would work with the 100 lb. filter.

[Watermom]

I am not the equipment guru around here. I know time is of the essence since you are installing today. Ben is not online right now. Let me see if I can reach him for you to see if he can make a recommendation.

[FNC1962]

Thank You !!!

[Watermom]

Alright. I just got off the phone with Ben. He says that your 1hp AG pump is about as strong as a 1/2HP inground pump and if you can get them to upgrade you to a 200lb sand filter instead of the 100 lb. filter, that would be a MUCH better combo for your pool. It may cost you a little more, but in the long run, it will be well worth it! Hope this helps you and hope your installers will cooperate with you on this. Don't let them hook up the other filter. Even if you have to wait a couple of days to get the other one, it will be fine. We can help you keep the water chlorinated and algae free even if you don't have equipment running for a few days. Let us know what you are able to do about this.