Best way to open a AG pool after the winter

[FormerBromineUser]

Hi! First off, would you please tell us your test results and what test method you used?

[rdefino]

I used the Taylor k2006
Ph 7.2
Alk 30ppm
CYA 35ppm
Chlorine 0

thanks

[FormerBromineUser]

Whoops! I have been out-of-town. Looks like nobody answered you.

Will you please update with your latest test results? Thanks!

[rdefino]

No problem.

My results were the same today, but I did shock it using bleach just a while ago. Chlorine level is at about 12-14ppm as of now.

Was that a no no?

[FormerBromineUser]

You're fine. Glad you got your FC up from zero! One of the things I was going to suggest because of that zero reading, was to do an overnight test. You take it to shock level (15ppm) around dusk. Then test a half hour after that addition and record your FC/CC. Then, the next morning test as early as you can, definitely before direct sun hits the pool, and compare your FC/CC. You are golden if your FC loss <1 and your CC is 0.5 or less as the third criterion for the overnight test is that your water is clear. You already have that! (As an aside, if I do the overnight test, I do it one more night just to make absolutely sure).

Then we can talk about raising that TA. Next time you are going to the store, pick up a box of Arm and Hammer WASHING soda (not baking soda). It's in the laundry aisle.

[rdefino]

Thank you, the water is clear. But should i follow the overnight testing starting tomorrow night. Or just go from and and get my other levels set?

Also, would this be borax "Arm and Hammer WASHING soda (not baking soda)". Having a hard time trying to find borax. I'll see if I can find washing soda.

I thought baking soda was used to raise alkalinity?

Thanks again

[FormerBromineUser]

OMGoodness. I have been up since 2:30 am central after 2-1/2 hours sleep (watched the Blackhawks win!) and had a brain freeze. You will need BAKING soda, NOT washing soda. I am so glad you responded right away!

And no, Borax is not washing soda. Different bird. Should you ever need it, look in the laundry aisle for 20 Mule Team Borax.

As for FC.... Since you are almost at shock level anyway, it seems to me that you may as well do the test now.

Your other levels are fine except for the TA. You could add a half box of regular baking soda at a time until that TA comes up. It's okay to do that at the same time.

[SunnyOptimism]

Thank you, the water is clear. But should i follow the overnight testing starting tomorrow night. Or just go from and and get my other levels set?

Also, would this be borax "Arm and Hammer WASHING soda (not baking soda)". Having a hard time trying to find borax. I'll see if I can find washing soda.

I thought baking soda was used to raise alkalinity?

Thanks again

@rdefino

If you can be more specific about your pool's volume or send the full dimensions of the pool, then we can better calculate the amounts of chemicals you will need to adjust pH, TA, borates, etc.

Please update your signature with more specifics about your pool and I'll be happy to help you calculate the amounts.