How much bleach do I need to add to my pool to raise my free chlorine?

My pool is a 16' x 32' x 4' rectangle. About 14,300 gallons. My reading at my latest test were:

CYA - 0
Total Chlorine - 5.5
Free Chlorine - 0
pH - 7.4
Total Alkalinity - 71
Total Hardness - 110

The place that tested it recommend that I add:
14.5 pounds of Balance Pak 100 (Alkalinity Increaser)
6.5 pounds of stabilizer
3.25 pounds Balance Pack 300 (to increase total hardness)
15 pounds of Burn Out Extreme (Shock)

These numbers seemed really high to me and I was wondering if they are correct. I was at a BioGuard dealer to have the water tested and it seemed like they just wanted me to buy more chemicals. My main question is how do I raise my free chlorine readings? Thanks!!!

Your CYA (cyanuric acid should be about 30-50 ppm.
About 3-4 pounds of cyanuric acid seems right for your pool size.

When you add this your pH will lower and you'll need to add some sodium bicarbonate at about 3 pounds which will also raise your alkalinity a bit.

Once alkalinity, pH and CYA are in spec for four hours, then you should add some chlorine based on your new test results.

The 15 pounds of burn out extreme is to increase the free chlorine by shocking it. But this free chlorine won't stay in the pool very long with your CYA so low. CYA helps prevent chlorine burn from uv rays. Chlorine should be initially added in late evening if possible.

Some tips that will help you:
1) When testing, be sure to get your water sample from the deep end of the pool at about 2-3 feet below the surface level (about an arm's length is perfect). Water near the top of the pool is not very stable chemically.

2) Add chemicals in small doses as listed on the container (usually 2-3 pounds) and wait four hours to retest. A four hour cycle is usually a complete recirculation of the pool's water.

3) Get your CYA into spec first, pH comes second, Alkalinity is third (but there is such a wide range of acceptable ppm that most pools are okay after CYA and pH adjust) After these three are stable for a four hour period, then begin adjusting the chlorine. Chlorine isn't very stable and burns off quickly if the CYA, pH, and Alkalinity are to far out of spec.

4) Chlorine has to be constantly added to the system for free chlorine to be available. Using soluble tablets or a chlorinator are typical.

5) Call a local apartment complex and find who services their pools or provides their chemicals. These firms that service apartment pools typically deal in the basic chemicals and are usually very helpful. They don't sell superficial titles of chemicals, know the water trends for their local area, and keep the same employees year after year.

6) Be careful with acids and where a long sleeve shirt with safety glasses while handling, especially when in liquid form.

Right now, your free chlorine is 0 primarily since the CYA is so low that it isn't protecting the chlorine or you're getting a bad sample from the top of the pool water. The low alkalinity is a factor, as well.

For More Information on Alkalinity Increaser Pool Follow The Links Below-

Alkalinity Increaser Pool Article

10 steps to opening your Swimming Pool for the season

You might be anxiously watching the calendar to count down to swimming pool opening season. But regardless of the area of the country in which you live, pool opening season could be just around the corner. Even if swimming pool opening season isn't just around the corner for you, here are some things to think about when you do get the opportunity to open your swimming pool.

1.  Don't remove the swimming pool cover until you clean it off. Don't take a chance on having leaves and debris fall into the swimming pool. Once the cover's been removed, clean it with a pool cover cleaner. Keep it handy as you will want to use it throughout the season when you're not swimming.
2. Check the condition of the filter, pump and skimmer. Turn them on and run them to see if they are functioning properly. Clean the skimmer basket. Remember, these pieces of equipment are crucial to keeping your chemicals flowing through the pool to keep it clean.
3. Fill the swimming pool to the proper level and vacuum it thoroughly.
4. Turn the filter on and run it for a full 24 hours. Test the water after the filter's been running for 24 hours.
5. Check the pH of the water. The normal ranges should be 7.4 to 7.6 (neutral). If under 7.4, add alkalinity increaser. If over 7.6, add alkalinity decreaser.
6. Use a shock treatment on your swimming pool and let it work overnight. The shock to water ratio is: one pound of shock per 10,000 gallons of water. Algaecides should be added according to the directions on the bottle. Add chlorine to kill any bacteria in the pool.  The skimmer should have stabilizer added to it. The tablets should be replaced when they dissolve.  
7. If you removed your Diving Board or slide, they will need to be reinstalled. Also, check the safety and tightness of grab rails and the ladder.  
8. Take all items that you had in your pool to hold down the cover and that you might have floated in the pool to keep the water from freezing out of the pool. Clean them and store them away for the next season. 
9. Test your pool water and once it tests in the normal ranges, add chlorine weekly to maintain balance throughout the pool season. Test water often and keep the chemicals balanced throughout summer usage.
10. Pick up a "pool opening kit"  -- these are available at swimming pool supply stores and have all the items you need to open your swimming pool for the season.

Once swimming pool season hits, you will be ready to face the long, lazy summer days of fun and frolicking.

About the Author

Robbi Hess is a blogger/editor for www.poolinfosite.com where she blogs about all things pool-related.

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