VERY high ph & TA, brown water & bugs. PLEASE HELP!!

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poolmama

VERY high ph & TA, brown water & bugs. PLEASE HELP!!

Postby poolmama » Sun 17 Jun, 2007 23:32

15 foot above ground vinyl pool (5000 gallon)
I use Pool Time test strips with the following readings:
Total Hardness: 250 (OK)
Total Chlorine: 3 (OK)
Free Chlorine/Bromine: 3 (OK)
ph: 8.4 & higher (Very High)
TA: Off the chart!!!!!---higher than 180
Stabilizer: 50 (OK)

I have shocked the pool and added a almost 6 lb of ph- (sodium bisulfate) in the last 5 days and it doesn't seem to change any of the readings. The water is mostly a clear brown color (rust??) and when I clean the filter (which I do at least 3 times a day), there is alot of brown residue that rinses off. The sides and bottom of the pool are clean (no residue collecting on the surfaces). I have also noticed MANY black water bugs in the water (not surface bugs-but underwater swimming bugs).
I am at my wits end as to how I can balance the water and clear it up.
my kids want to just jump in and swim ---would it be safe to let them do that?
PLEASE HELP!!!
I am new to this...
Thanks!


Buggsw
Swimming Pool Superstar
Swimming Pool Superstar
Posts: 421
Joined: Sun 13 May, 2007 23:26

Postby Buggsw » Mon 18 Jun, 2007 22:02

Are you filling with well water?

Brown is usually an indication of iron but can be copper in the water.

Have your water tested for metals and treat accordingly.

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