newbie. Our first pool, Need info on sand filter

[Watermom]

If your ph is below 6.8, that is a very big concern. Get some Borax and add a half a box slowly to the skimmer while the pump is running. Then let it circulate for 3 or 4 hours, then retest ph, and add more Borax until you get it to 7.4-7.6. Also, add 6 quarts (1.5 gallons) of plain, unscented bleach to the skimmer - again while the pump is running. It is OK to add the bleach right after you add the Borax.

That is just a start. We really need more testing results to really be able to help with your problem. Get a better test kit. At the very least, the 5-way test kit from Walmart. We need more than just ph and cl readings to be able to help you much.

[rnjng]

Here are some #'s from my 5 way test kit.

cl looked lighter than .5
ph was lighter than 6.8
alk was 10
and hard water was 10

[Watermom]

You still out there? Post current readings and an update on your situation if you still need help.

[rnjng]

These results are from this morning 7/3/06. 5 way drop test kit.



cl/br lower than .5/1
ph lower than 6.8
alk 20
hardness no change after addin 6 drops
cya 85

[rnjng]

Whats next, add borax and bleach until these #'s rise? And can I add these while ity is raining?

[rnjng]

Ok, the filter took a dump. it was leaking from the valve, when I first hooked everything up to try to figure out how to get the water ready. So I got online and found the valve clamp that I needed to fix the leak, it worked great till a few days ago, then today I took it apart to clean and relube the gasket, and the NEW clamp snapped! I'm not going to mess with this filter any more. There arent any supply stores in this area that deal with columbia sand filters. So we will wait and shop around the local stores for a new filter. In the mean time what should I do so the water does not turn green or get cloudy???

[rbonin]

Just saw that this thread stalled. If I understand correctly, your filter is leaking so you cannot circulate water and you are planning to replace the filter.

But to add borax and clorox and avoid nasty water, you need circulation. Do you have a small sump pump by chance? I got a Little Giant submersible pump at the pool store for about $75 and it is a good investment (Lowes and HD have them too). I use it all the time. You can use it with a garden hose to get some circulation going in your pool. Put the pump in the shallow end and run the hose to the deep end - run it 7x24.

Get your pH and free CL up and post back. Good luck.

~Rick~