Cloudy Pool After algae treatment

[LeeAnne]

Hi! We have had an above ground 30 foot pool for three seasons and have never had it turn green. Came home from vacay a few weeks ago and it was very green (green slimy steps, etc.) after lots of shock, Algaecide, balance paks, vacuuming, scrubbing and filter cleanings (we have a cartridge we always run 24/7) we now have a cloudy aquamarine colored pool. We added clarifier 36 hours ago and now the filter is finally green when we pull it out-it had been white even when we had algae. I don't have numbers, but have taken many trips to pool store and they say our numbers look good. I'm cleaning filter every 3 hours and vacuuming and created a central drain with hose and scrub brush. There is no longer green on the steps. I can't see bottom of pool yet though.
What should we do?! This is new territory for us. Do I continue with clarifier? Get a new cartridge? Add flocculent and vacuum to waste? Wait? Thanks!

 

[JohnT]

Welcome to TFP!

The best thing to do is quit going to the pool store. They have you adding a lot of things you don't need. You need chlorine, chlorine and more chlorine. No balance packs, algaecides or clarifiers. Check out Defeating Algae for guidance on clearing the pool.

 

[LeeAnne]

Thanks JohnT. I will read the info. We have shocked our pool several times! Our chlorine levels are high and continue to be. I am not sure if anything is still growing-I don't think there is. The pool is more blue than green at this point. I thought that shocking/slamming would lead to a milky white then clear pool with debris on the bottom. What could this change in color indicate? We have about two to three feet of visibility in a 48 inch pool. The walls and stairs are clean-not green or slimy.

 

[zimm]

Order a TF-100 test kit (or K-2006) NOW!
Post the numbers
In the mean time- read pool school (see my link)
Stop adding expensive stuff from the pool store, right now you need nothing more than plain clorox. Start stocking up at the store.