Hi. I have been battling this whitish substance that collects on bottom of pool only when filter is running for 2 seasons now! It is driving me crazy. I feel like I have tried everything..found this forum and figured I’d give it a shot. I vacuum it to waste and as soon as filter runs it’s back. Easily brushable into a cloud. Water is clear, have a rough time keeping chlorine up but all else is normal. Looking for an answer please. Thanks
Whitish nightmare
- Thread starter Kevinpoolproblems
- Start date
reggiehammond
Gold Supporter
- Oct 4, 2020
- 1,509
- Pool Size
- 30000
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- CircuPool RJ-60 Plus
For TFP methods, you've answered your own questions. The presence of algae (dead or alive) doesn't qualify as clear water.
If you're having trouble keeping FC (free chlorine) levels up per the FC/CYA relationship, you leave the water vulnerable to algae. An algae bloom starts to appear with clear water and some visible dead cells.
The Free Chlorine and Cyanuric Acid Relationship
Managing your cyanuric acid and Free Chlorine levels is key to stabilizing your pool. Learn how these two items affect each other.
www.troublefreepool.com
How do you chlorinate your pool today? How do you test?
Swimming Pool Test Kits Compared
What pool test kit should I buy? Why not use test strips? Our recommended test kits will pay for themselves in no time!
www.troublefreepool.com
It's very likely you need to SLAM.
SLAM - Shock Level and Maintain
We’ve all had to deal with a green pool. Clear algae from your pool with a SLAM! Read here to use shock level and maintain to clear your pool.
www.troublefreepool.com
Thanks for response. I use cch endurance tablets along with stabilizer tablets. I have a Taylor test kit which I just started using -before that I used strips. I also tried the SLAM method twice to no avail! I have glass media in filter which is what I thought it was at first, only because it shows up when filter is running. I know I have to get my FC/CYA relationship up to par. That is what I will start on today. Should I chlorinate a different way? Also why do you think it only shows up when filter is running, why wouldn’t algae grow even if filter is off? Lots of questions!! Thank you in advance.
liquid chlorine and once your cya/fc is par, liquid or swg and daily testing until you're familiar with your pools needs. When did you last clean your filter?
Ok great. Thank you. I used a filter cleaner last week and have been backwashing and rinsing for 3 minutes almost everyday after I vacuum to waste…just in case! Wasn’t sure if I should change out the media and replace hoses?
What kind of filter do you have?
I get the exact same thing, and it is not algae, it is DE "dust".
If I change my DE or bump my filter, I will get that same stuff. It is not algae. It does not grow, it does not consume FC, the pool passes a OCLT
So, every time I either change my DE or bump my filter I attach a slime bag first and leave it on for a day. Problem solved. I have not had this dust ever since I started using the bag. All I need to do is bump my filter without the bag on, and it is right back on the pool bottom.
I get the exact same thing, and it is not algae, it is DE "dust".
If I change my DE or bump my filter, I will get that same stuff. It is not algae. It does not grow, it does not consume FC, the pool passes a OCLT
So, every time I either change my DE or bump my filter I attach a slime bag first and leave it on for a day. Problem solved. I have not had this dust ever since I started using the bag. All I need to do is bump my filter without the bag on, and it is right back on the pool bottom.
MITBeta
Gold Supporter
- May 28, 2020
- 1,216
- Pool Size
- 13000
- Surface
- Vinyl
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- CircuPool RJ-45 Plus
So I spent 3 full days on SLAM and it came right back!! After that tried pool stores which one said sounds like mustard algae and other said was sediment from filter. Went through procedure for both problems and it’s back! I did not perform an OCLT yet. I do test everyday and always low FC. Just started process of raising cya to hopefully get me on the path of changing that.
And to phonedave I have glass filter. Not DE. I will chec
And to phonedave I have glass filter. Not DE. I will chec
Glass media is known to blowback in the pool unless it's used with low flow and properly backwashed/rinsed. Let me call you @PoolStored for thoughts.
reggiehammond
Gold Supporter
- Oct 4, 2020
- 1,509
- Pool Size
- 30000
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- CircuPool RJ-60 Plus
Can you post results from the K2006 test kit?
SLAM is a process with 3 exit criteria to confirm that it's over.
If you haven't done an OCLT, you wouldn't have completed the SLAM criteria.
I would encourage you to slow down, stop visiting pool stores, as this isn't a problem that needs the kitchen sink thrown at it.
- Jun 24, 2021
- 7,508
- Pool Size
- 30000
- Surface
- Vinyl
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- CircuPool RJ-60
What "filter cleaner" did you use?
Yes, you are correct, Glass media has its issues. Best to use sand. If you have it and are committed, reduce speed on your pump if possible.
Would you fill out your signature? Will help us help you...
Create Your Signature - Further Reading
www.troublefreepool.com
I do not have the k2006 test kit! Is that something I should invest in? I bought the much cheaper Taylor test kit!! As for the exit criteria- as the fourth day came and it was still coming I lost all hope..And you are right..need to take a breath! It just drives me nuts seeing this in the pool!! I used Dohenys filter cleaner-from Amazon. Also cannot lower flow unless I get a 1hp pump. The flow is strong! As time goes on I am less and less committed to the glass. Thanks to all.
reggiehammond
Gold Supporter
- Oct 4, 2020
- 1,509
- Pool Size
- 30000
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- CircuPool RJ-60 Plus
No worries - it’s not uncommon to give up on SLAM, especially when you’re not fully bought in to the ideas.
The K2006 or TF 100/Pro contain a very accurate chlorine test called FAS-DPD. It’s a very simple drop-based test that allows you to measure Free Chlorine, and Combined Chlorine, separately. It’s key to the SLAM method and to understanding what your pool water is trying to tell you.
FAS-DPD kits can be purchased separately and added to a K2005 kit, if that’s what you have…
Test Kits Compared
The K2006 or TF 100/Pro contain a very accurate chlorine test called FAS-DPD. It’s a very simple drop-based test that allows you to measure Free Chlorine, and Combined Chlorine, separately. It’s key to the SLAM method and to understanding what your pool water is trying to tell you.
FAS-DPD kits can be purchased separately and added to a K2005 kit, if that’s what you have…
Test Kits Compared
I think I am special
I actually think it is a symptom of High Volume flow.
I never used to have this issue when I had flex pipe on my filter. I switch to hard plumbed and it showed up. It also continues to show up with a new DE filter (same make a model, just 15 years or so later, but similar guts). Or maybe I just have DE with a lot of really fine particles. But my flow rates are VERY high, my return jet is ridiculous. I think some DE gets past the tubes until a good cake of DE builds up