Zero FC Pool is crystal clear

[PoolDoc]

I have been adding ~2.8 gal of 6% plain bleach each evening, but by morning my FC=0.

Increase the dose to 8 gallons -- about 20 ppm -- and brush after you dose. Discontinue use of the polyquat will doing this; that much chlorine will break the polyquat down.

Test chlorine levels the following evening, and add 1 gallon of bleach for each 2 ppm below 20 ppm; ie. if FC=10, add 5 gallons. Continuing dosing in this manner for 5 days. Brush the pool completely again at some point after the first large dose.

Then, skip one dose, and test FC both evening and the following morning. You're checking to see what the overnight (no sun) chlorine loss is.

Let us know.

Also, you may want to read this page:
http://www.poolforum.com/pf2/showthread.php?18597 (Adding-Borax-to-Make-your-Pool-Resistant-to-Algae)

[Hurricane1938]

Thank you Janet and Ben.

In general, I've always been very good with chemistry. I had a world class chemistry set in high school and college; took general chemistry, biochemistry and physical chemistry, but that was a long time ago! This experience underscored the incredible value of this forum and your help. My problem, like anumber of other participants in the forum and this treatment strategy is worlds beyond the knowledge and skill of the pool store people in my area of Long Island, NY.

Peter

[PoolDoc]

You're welcome!

[aylad]

Just want to add my thanks to your for your subscription to help this forum keep going!!

[Hurricane1938]

Your welcome!!
Peter

[Hurricane1938]

Taylor K-2006 readings this morning: FC 15, CC 0.3, pH 7.6, TA 130, CH 170, CYA 65. Temp 78F, water is clear, no visible algae.

Two nights ago I added ~9 gal. of 6% bleach. Next morning FC=9; by evening FC=2. Last night, again, I added ~9 gal. of 6% bleach. This morning FC=15; by evening FC=7.5. I will again add ~9 gal. of bleach.

I feel like I'm making progress, but I'm not quite there yet.

Thanks again for your interest and help!

Peter

[Watermom]

The FC and CC comparisons that you need to note are the numbers taken an hour after the evening dose of bleach and the readings taken the next morning within two hours of sunrise. Seeing what kind of overnight loss you have is an essential piece of information.

[Hurricane1938]

The FC and CC comparisons that you need to note are the numbers taken an hour after the evening dose of bleach and the readings taken the next morning within two hours of sunrise. Seeing what kind of overnight loss you have is an essential piece of information.

Several nights ago I added ~9 gal. of 6% bleach. Embarassingly, with the high levels of FC, I ran out of the reagent to check FC! I haven't added any bleach since then.

Last night readings: Temp 78F; FC 7.4; CC 0.4; pH 7.5; TA 130; CH 170; CYA 75

This morning FC 7.2

Am I right to be encouraged by the steady (within measurement accuracy) FC level?

CYA level seems to have declined slightly (9 days ago it was ~75-80). My Chlorinator is turned off. Will CYA gradually come down if my FC is coming from bleach and not stabilized tabs?

Thanks again for your help, it really is appreciated!

Peter

[PoolDoc]

Your CYA will drop ONLY when water is drained from your pool OR when algae+bacteria 'eat' it. You don't want the 2nd option, since some of the time, the bacteria 'poop' ammonia, instead of nitrogen gas.

So, you need to be careful to maintain Best Guess chlorine levels. Other than than, so long as your pH is in range, all should be well.

I would recommend keeping your pH in the 7.0 - 7.2 range, till your TA drops below 110 or so.