New to TFP

[einrock]

Have a 14,000 gallon in ground pool, plaster, filter cartridge, 1/2 HP pump, kreepy krawly with leaf trap, Chlorine puck floater.
Had no problems until 1 month ago when our water kept looking cloudy. Used concentrated clarifier several times, no improvement. Replaced the filter cartridge because pressure had doubled from baseline. We went to have the water tested at pool store, could not read because Chloride level was too high. Waited another week with no chlorine tabs, still too high. Pumped 1/2 the water out and refilled. Retested at the pool store, everything looks normal and chlorine level has come down.
The pool still looks cloudy! We added natural clarifier, which we were told could not be overdosed. No change.
Is there a doctor in the house?

 

[jblizzle]

Welcome to TFP!!!
Wow another nearby neighbor ... quite a few new members from around here the last few days.

First, you need one of the Recommended Test Kits and please stay out of the pool stores, their testing is horrendous ... highly chlorine should not prevent testing of the water.

My guess is that the continued use of tablets has resulted in your stabilizer (CYA) level too be too high and you did not have adequate FC. The required FC level is a function of the CYA level as seen in the FC/CYA Chart {Pool stores do NOT understand this relationship}

Replace water is the only way to lower the CYA, that what you did likely helped, but you need to test it yourself and see if you need to replace more water. THEN, you need to follow the SLAM Process to clear up the water. Forget about all the clarifiers/algaecides/mumbo jumbo that the pool store is trying to sell. You only need chlorine ... ideally in liquid form.

What part of town are you in? there is a mom/pop pool store on the east side that sell 12.5% liquid chlorine in bulk that is the best deal in town I think. Or just stock up from Walmart.

How much Pool School have you read? Start with these:
ABCs of Water Chemistry
Recommended Pool Chemicals
How to Chlorinate Your Pool

 

[Casey]

Welcome to TFP. Agree with jblizzle! You need a TF100 XL test kit. You won't regret it. Read the articles in pool school and become familiar to how it all works and you'll wonder how you got so far without it. You will be amazed if you do the reading!