Layer of thick spongy stuffing top of sand in filter

[ScottG]

Cracked open the sand filter head and on top of the sand today I found this thick spongy stuff. I removed most of it by hand and have back washed several times about every 30 minutes today for about 3 hours. I've put algaecide in it and over shocked.
There are still some smaller pieces of this stuff on the top of the sand.
Is it time to replace the sand OR will this stuff die and get washed out as we progress?

 

[jblizzle]

Sounds like you need to: Deep Clean your Sand Filter

There is rarely ever a need to replace sand.

Please add your location (City, State or City, Country) to your profile and pool details to your signature as described HERE as it will help us help you.

 

[ScottG]

Thanks. I couldn't get the video to load but I will find it.
Another question:
Cya is still high (120-130 and it seems to vary). I vacuum to waste once a week and lose about 4 inches of water. I begin refilling after vacuuming about 1/3 of it.
Is it a better practice to drain more and come back later to add? Or can I just wait until we get more activity and splash out as it gets warmer?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[jblizzle]

I would actively get the CYA down (but I do not know to what since I still do not have a location or know if you have SWG )
Most efficient to do it all at once.

 

[ScottG]

Jblizzle
I'd like to hear more about what you mean about actively getting it down. Also, could you send me the link for an appropriate test kit given what I have below?

I think I had two profiles out here when I reset my device.

AG | 18x33 Oval | vinyl | 15k gallons | 1.5 hp sand filter | multi port | Wilsonville, AL | 4th summer this year


AG | 18x33 Oval | vinyl | 15k gallons | 1.5 hp sand filter | multi port

 

[jblizzle]

I mean I would replace about 50% of the water at the same time instead of trying to do at 4 inches at a time. There is a link to the recommended test kits in my signature or there is a comparison table in pool school. Although you can't access those from within Tapatalk.

 

[duraleigh]

+1 what jblizzle said

 

[tommyd123]

I've put algaecide in it and over shocked.

What do you mean by overshocked? Shock is a process and should start and end based on certain conditions, that's why we call it a SLAM (Shock Level And Maintain). You also added algaecide, why? Do you have algae forming or is it a preventative? What kind of algaecide is it?

 

[ScottG]

I got it taken care of now by getting the layer out and a modified version of the prescribed deep clean of the filter. Thanks for the help.


AG | 18x33 Oval | vinyl | 15k gallons | 1.5 hp sand filter | multi port | installed summer 2016