I’ve searched and read and still confuse

[Grayson123]

I have a 24’ above ground vinyl pool, using chlorine. I have a pool master 5 way test kit. ( all I had access too). My free chlorine is at 3, combined chlorine is about the same. My problem is my Ph is WAY below the test kit reading( 6.. The color of the sample is almost as yellow as the chlorine test. I couldn’t get a reading on my alkalinity. I added almost 85 ( times 10= 850) drops and the color never changed! I have ran my fountain for about 4 days and ph hasn’t moved any. I’ve added borax before using the fountain and nothing ( 3 lbs). I know I can use acid to lower my TA but how will I get the ph up while doing this? The pool is crystal clear.

[Denniswiseman]

Hi Grayson123
Get yourself a decent FAS/DPD test kit (Taylor K2006C or TF Testkits TF100) to get correct results
FC:
TC:
pH:
TA:
CH:
CYA:
Use these products to adjust your water
Liquid chlorine (sodium hypochlorite or plain bleach)
Muriatic acid (hydrochloric acid) to lower pH and TA
Bicarbonate of soda to raise TA
Aeration will raise pH only Aerator as well as waterfall
Soda ash will raise pH and TA
Don't use more acid to lower your TA yet as it will lower your pH as well
The only other option is to dump that water and start again
The fact that your combined chlorine is 3 means you have chloramines in the water and you would need to Slam
A pH of 6 means the water is acidic

[Teapot]

Question;
What is your CYA level, the most important thing in your pool