Looked under the winter cover, we have a swamp. Fully anticipating having an ammonia issue. Read through the process with just one question. With the filter should I just put it on "circulate" instead of "filter" until the pool holds fc?
I can't believe it's not ammonia!
- Thread starter Snoobug
- Start date
Oh NO. 
. I suspect we'll be seeing alot of swamps with such a warm winter for many locations.
Recirculating is fine. The ammonia if present will eat the FC you add so quickly, there won't be much left to kill any algae, hence no need to filter any dead algae.
The Ammonia treatment is more or less a SLAM with faster testing/dosing. (30 min) Within a half hour the FC is gone and you dose again. Once the ammonia is gone, the FC holds and you commence regular SLAM.
Keep in mind, you won't have any CYA with ammonia so the FC target is only 10. Do not overshoot with no FC buffer. You can't add CYA yet because that will be turned into more ammonia. Once the FC holds, get the CYA up to 30, PH to a low 7, and full SLAM ahead with FC 12 / CYA 30.
. I suspect we'll be seeing alot of swamps with such a warm winter for many locations. Recirculating is fine. The ammonia if present will eat the FC you add so quickly, there won't be much left to kill any algae, hence no need to filter any dead algae.
The Ammonia treatment is more or less a SLAM with faster testing/dosing. (30 min) Within a half hour the FC is gone and you dose again. Once the ammonia is gone, the FC holds and you commence regular SLAM.
Keep in mind, you won't have any CYA with ammonia so the FC target is only 10. Do not overshoot with no FC buffer. You can't add CYA yet because that will be turned into more ammonia. Once the FC holds, get the CYA up to 30, PH to a low 7, and full SLAM ahead with FC 12 / CYA 30.
Today is day 1. I need to test & get started. Not allowing kids in backyard until we can see the bottom unless the cover is on.
So it begins.
So it begins.
- Jul 21, 2013
- 52,856
- Pool Size
- 35000
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Pentair Intellichlor IC-60
Ammonia - Further Reading
www.troublefreepool.com
What are the Signs that Ammonia is in Pool Water?
- Disappearing CYA
- High CC
- Low ph
- Inability to hold chlorine level
I have CYA in my pool!!! I'm so happy! Vac'ing to waste. Taking a break to refill the pool. How do I have so much cya still in my pool? I guess with the water exchange it will go down. Pool is green but I'm relieved!
- Jun 22, 2014
- 47,857
- Pool Size
- 17888
- Surface
- Fiberglass
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- CircuPool RJ-45 Plus
CYA is a good thing. 
While it's a relief to not be worried about ammonia, be sure to follow the SLAM Process carefully for best success. Be ready & available with lots of liquid chlorine. Good luck!
While it's a relief to not be worried about ammonia, be sure to follow the SLAM Process carefully for best success. Be ready & available with lots of liquid chlorine. Good luck!
I forget, did you have a mesh or a solid safety cover ?
With mesh, i had higher CYA and salt than i expected per the 10 years prior, due to about 1/3 less rain.
Also, make sure you mix well for a full day before trusting the test results. PH, TA and FC mix quick, but CH, Salt and CYA may take a bit.
Ok good to know!!!! Mesh cover. I'll test after we vac to waste & start circulating... refilling the pool. Why does it take so long? 2 hoses...
One foot is 4848 gallons for you. Yeah. It'll be a minute.
OK so precipitation dilutes you, but many of us had less this year. Let it get good and mixed and we'll go from those results.
- Jun 1, 2018
- 13,775
- Pool Size
- 26000
- Surface
- Vinyl
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Hayward Aqua Rite (T-15)
don’t let it sneak up on you!
Fill vac fill vac... we are checking after each episode of Grey's Anatomy. 
- Jun 8, 2019
- 4,576
- Pool Size
- 20000
- Surface
- Vinyl
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Pentair Intellichlor IC-60
I might have to put on my snow pants. It's not really even that cold. I'm tired. I have so much to do.
- Jun 22, 2014
- 47,857
- Pool Size
- 17888
- Surface
- Fiberglass
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- CircuPool RJ-45 Plus
