Quick question on clearing up pool

[LWillis]

Guys,
I had an algae bloom a few weeks ago that I couldn't battle. I knew at the beginning of the season my CYA was high, but thought I could get through the summer. I use 3" trichlor tablets and CYA rose a bit higher. So did a huge water change, followed the shock instructions here and now have things under control again.

My question is that the algae is gone, but the water is not quite clear yet. I suspect due to high TA levels (See readings below). Any advice on how to lower TA quickly. I've been slowly lowering the PH and following the information in pool school. But will take a long time at this rate. Any advice is appreciated.

I've got an 18x32 above ground pool, vinyl liner, 300 lb sand filter.
PH - 7.2 (lowering)
CL - 10 ppm (Been keeping it slighty on the high side to insure algae is gone
CYA - 40 ppm (after 60% water change)
TA - 240 PPM (I have well water, and anything else is too expensive to truck in)
CH - 50 ppm (I know his is low, but wasn't concerned since vinyl liner)

Water is just slightly cloudy at this point.

 

[RobbieH]

When did you stop the shock process? Did you go through the whole process? One of the criteria for shocking your pool is to continue until the water is clear. Do you have a picture of your water?

Here's the article on how to lower TA, in Pool School, I assume this is the one you are using?
pool-school/lowering%20total%20alkalinity
Unfortunately, there isn't a faster way.

 

[Poolschoolgrad]

Continue to lower the TA as per pool school directions. This is the safest way
Bump the FC up to 16 for 2 more days.
pool-school/chlorine_cya_chart_shock

At the same time, you can add a little DE to the sand filter.
Keep that pump/filter running 24/7.
You will soon be able to see the difference
Please report back in a couple of days.

pool-school/add_de_to_a_sand_filter

PSG

 

[lightingguy]

The cloudy is probably just dead algae the sand filter is being slow to clear. Very common experience with a sand filter.

For it to be PH/TA/CH related you would expect a much higher CH level.

 

[anonapersona]

If you passed the overnight test, then it is the filter, I'll guess.

 

[LWillis]

Continue to lower the TA as per pool school directions. This is the safest way
Bump the FC up to 16 for 2 more days.
pool-school/chlorine_cya_chart_shock

At the same time, you can add a little DE to the sand filter.
Keep that pump/filter running 24/7.
You will soon be able to see the difference
Please report back in a couple of days.

Just wanted to say thanks to Poolschoolgrad. I bumped up the chlorine and and started using some DE in the sand filter. After a few more days the water is clear again. TA is still high and will keep working to bring it down. Sun is hot, water is clear, life is good.

Thanks all.

 

[RobbieH]

Yep, it just takes a while to get it all clear with a sand filter. Good job! Go enjoy your pool!