ajw22 said:

Either is equally good. Deck-O-Seal is not 4X better.

Quality of the surface preparation and application is more important to the outcome than product used.

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Thank you. It also seems as though Sikaflex might be easier to apply as it's in a caulk gun tube.

Bex811 said:

I'm wondering if using a clarifier to rush the process is okay or if it'll derail the progress so far

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Clarifier will cause a gooey mess in the sand filter. You will need to backwash it a lot to remove it. It is not a recommended solution because it adds more complication to what you are already doing with a SLAM.

As you stated, a sand filter takes longer to clear when you have algae. Given that you did not lose any FC over night in your preliminary OCLT you may not have active algae so it is more of cleaning dead algae. Suggest you do a proper OCLT to confirm. Also continue to maintain FC at SLAM level

Have you tried adding some small amount of DE to the sand filter. When you backwash you will remove that so may need to add more.

Before we do anything other than SLAM, I'd like to see some good logs (like how much are you losing), I'd like to see a couple of proper OCLT results, both FC and CC.

So, log all tests and chemical additions, and d a proper OCLT the next two nights.

Ensure you are using your TFP login/password for Pool Math. Go to gear in upper right, scroll to the bottom and "Link from TFP user profile" so we can see your logs.

Donldson said:

Experience tells me there are likely organics in the deep end. Have you taken a leaf net and tried running it around at the bottom just seeing if you catch anything?

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I've run the vacuum robot until nothing comes up in its filter. Brushing with the net doesn't seem to bring anything up and the surface feels smooth with the regular brush. The deepest is the middle where the drain is and I've been extra diligent when brushing around there

Oh absolutely no swimming until it's clear to the bottom at the very least!

Testing and adding chlorine 2-3x a day. Backwashing when we hit 25 psi up from our normal 12-15. 3 times now but not in a few days.

CYA is at 50. The link posted is how I test! Waiting to get my refill kit to retest. Should be here tomorrow!

I understand sand takes the longest to clear ... I'm wondering if using a clarifier to rush the process is okay or if it'll derail the progress so far.

Experience tells me there are likely organics in the deep end. Have you taken a leaf net and tried running it around at the bottom just seeing if you catch anything?

Well about to take another trip so I always get a little OCD about the pool before that. Noticed that my FC dipped to 7 (which is the danger zone for me). Checked CYA and it was down to 50. Pool temps have been hitting the 90’s and we did have one big rain so it’s back to the summer of disappearing CYA for me.

Anyway dumped 4lbs of CYA in and it back up to 90. FC has been climbing back to 11 where I feel happier.

Turns out managing the 2nd largest navy takes some work and down time for maintenance. Sending the Aiper S1 back for a defective charging plug. The Betta SE Plus is going back for a debris releasing modification.

However, all is good since I maintain a two war doctrine around here. The Betta SE still going strong and have the M500 for submersible action.

It might be time to commission a 3rd surface vessel as the Aiper S2 Surfer looks really cool.

First year opening a pool and if I hadn't spoke with the neighbor who said his was the worst he's seen since the 90s I would have just cried and drained the thing

First pic just after the cover came off ... second is 3 days, and then this morning, day 10 of the SLAM. We're getting there!

With that color, I would not have them swim. Also not safe if you cannot see the bottom of the deep end.

How often are you testing and replacing chlorine?
How often are you backwashing?

Sand filters take the longest to clear a pool.

For 10 days in, given your starting state, you are doing good. (just saw your starting state pics in the opening thread).

I assume your CYA is 50. Do me a solid, and retest CYA using this test procedure:

Jimrahbe said:

Jim,

I still love it!!! When I need another robot it will be an EVO..

That said, it has only been about two years, so only time will tell how long it lasts..

So far I have had no problems at all.

Thanks,

Jim R.

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Jim R,

Thanks for the advice. Got the 614iq and love it! No cable twisting - as you said, the cable is much better - thicker and stiffer, far less prone to twisting.

For the benefit of others who may read this: The separate dual front rollers make it more agile and it doesn’t get hung up on the drains like my Dolphin did occasionally. The basket is easier to clean since you don’t need to remove 4 individual screen panels and then struggle with how to reassemble them. Love the programmability of the iq which my Dolphin didn’t have - the app works well and wifi connection is stable. My only minor nit-pick is I’d prefer the color of the cleaner to not be so bright - just draws your eye to it more than the plain white/grey of my retired Dolphin.

Overall great value and feature set. Definitely recommend!

Jim G