New to Pools - just opened

[Teapot]

If you are replacing the filter, I would look for something larger. Do not know what size plumbing you have or pump, no of skimmers and returns etc but that is a small filter for that size of pool. Quite common in some countries to over size the pump, under size the plumbing and filter. All that does is give bad filtration and bigger electricity bills, neither of which I imagine you want?

[Sf49168]

Hey everyone.

So I finally got a new filter on Saturday ( Home Warrenty paid for it thank for ). I had a Hayward s200 sand filter. Now I have a Hayward pro series s310. So 100 xtra lbs ..... I can’t even explain the difference. Less than 24 hrs I’m able to see the bottom of the pool. My suction in in the suction line feels like it will take your fingers off ( compared to almost no suction prior.

I bet the sand was so old & caked up with crap (. Thanks old owners ).

Now once weather stays good for few days in Ny I can really get the chemicals rite.

Thanks again for the help & input !!

[Teapot]

That's good news, and it's better sized for your pool. That means the difference is a larger filter area and slightly deeper filter so less dirt break through.
There is no need for the suction to be that strong as the same force is being applied to drive dirt through the filter and back into the pool, gently filtering the water gives much better results and saves a lot of electricity.

We can help you get the most out of your pool if you pop back with a fresh water test once it's cleared.

[Sf49168]

Pool is finally clear !.... we’ll mostly. Thanks to all the rain we had in Ny ( made it little cloudy )

So I just did a water test via Clorox strips and for these

Total hardness. High. 500
Total chlorine. Bt 5-10
Free Clorine. 5-10. Think leaning toward 10
PH. Very low. < 6.2
TA. Very Low. 0
Stabilizer - low 0

Last week once pool was clear. I added about 5-6 lbs of soda ash. Than added shock few hrs after.

Was hard to test because we had many days of straight rain

So now back at square 1. But with pool 95% clear

[Teapot]

Sorry, throw away the dip strips, they are practically useless. It's almost as if the pool industry made them to totally confuse so pool stores can sell more.
Please get a proper test kit.

[Denniswiseman]

Sorry, throw away the dip strips, they are practically useless. It's almost as if the pool industry made them to totally confuse so pool stores can sell more.
Please get a proper test kit.

Seconded
FAS/DPD (Taylor 2006C or TF Testkits TF100)
Even pool store testing isn't recommended but it's better than strips

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
Soda ash will raise pH and TA

[Sf49168]

Sorry, throw away the dip strips, they are practically useless. It's almost as if the pool industry made them to totally confuse so pool stores can sell more.
Please get a proper test kit.

I have the 5 in 1 poolmaster kit. & results are pretty similar.

[Denniswiseman]

Sorry, throw away the dip strips, they are practically useless. It's almost as if the pool industry made them to totally confuse so pool stores can sell more.
Please get a proper test kit.

I have the 5 in 1 poolmaster kit. & results are pretty similar.

Results of 5-10 aren't very accurate

[Teapot]

I know it might seem Dennis and I are being harsh but your almost there with the pool water but a good quality test kit will save you anxiety attacks, loss of sleep possible I'll health and money as you'll only buy what you really need.
Never in my history of pools have I come across a pool with 5ppm of free chlorine where the pH was less than 6.5 so measurable with a test kit. If the free chlorine is at 10ppm you'll be nearer 7.5 normally.
Dip strips may change colour but that is not an accurate colour relating to anything printed on the packet hence your 5-10 estimate.
Dip strips cannot measure CYA, I have tested pools with 180 and 200 ppm of CYA where the owners strips show 30-50!
The pool master 5 test kit isn't really as the chlorine/bromine is the same test. Who gives a whotsit about acid demand and you still can't accurately measure CYA, the most important chemical in your pool.
One customer of mine spent £90 on chemicals from a pool shop after a dip strip test. My kit confirmed all that was needed was a bit more chlorine, the kit will pay for itself and equip you for at least a year. Dip strip become even more inacurate after they have been opened for about 2-3 months.

[Sf49168]

You guys are not harsh at all. I’m a newbie with this so I can easily add what stores tell me to buy “. Hence sales “. However I’d rather get information 1st hand from actual people and actually learn info on the pool

[Teapot]

Great attitude! Dennis and I will help

[Sf49168]

Thanks guys.

[Teapot]

Looking good! I do like the cast in coping, so much cleaner looking!

[Denniswiseman]

That's a lovely setup, you should be proud

[Sf49168]

Pool is doing well. Still a little low on PH but close to what is needed ! Thanks for all your help.

Next up is to fix my pool light which is another other topic post