Help with Stubborn Cloudy Green

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Alright, I'm back from lunch with 300 lbs of sand, as well the previously referenced clarifier from Wal-Mart along with something called Green Algae Eliminator. Those last two things are completely returnable at this point, and I'm really on the fence whether or not to use them because it goes against all my TFP instincts built up over the past two years. That said, this is no normal situation, so I'm willing to deviate if I have a decent reason to.

My plan at the moment is to finish up the plumbing and reattach everything after stirring up the sand a bit. That seems like a good place to start because it will insure I've got the plumbing altered properly, and it will dislodge anything totally nefarious in the sand.

That will probably take an hour or so, then I'll check back in here to see what the consensus is on adding one or the other of these off script products in just to jump start things before totally changing out the sand. Of course, the other alternative would be to totally change out the sand today, once I get the plumbing all back up and running, in which case I would just return the other products to Wal-Mart.

Time for the jury to deliberate a bit, and I'll check back in an hour or so to see if there's a verdict.
 
madyogi said:
Alright, I'm back from lunch with 300 lbs of sand, as well the previously referenced clarifier from Wal-Mart along with something called Green Algae Eliminator. Those last two things are completely returnable at this point, and I'm really on the fence whether or not to use them because it goes against all my TFP instincts built up over the past two years. That said, this is no normal situation, so I'm willing to deviate if I have a decent reason to.
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I vote no on the algaecide, that IS just dumping ammonia in the pool (the chlorine is killing the algae) ;) The clarifier has binders for the "cloudy" gunk (which could just be a filtration issue now that you've discovered more)

madyogi said:
My plan at the moment is to finish up the plumbing and reattach everything after stirring up the sand a bit. That seems like a good place to start because it will insure I've got the plumbing altered properly, and it will dislodge anything totally nefarious in the sand.
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I was further wondering if low sand could allow the lateral to "shift or move" and "leak" tiny bits of sand? So hopefully nothing is broken!

madyogi said:
That will probably take an hour or so, then I'll check back in here to see what the consensus is on adding one or the other of these off script products in just to jump start things before totally changing out the sand. Of course, the other alternative would be to totally change out the sand today, once I get the plumbing all back up and running, in which case I would just return the other products to Wal-Mart.
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algaecide = return, clarifier = ;)

madyogi said:
Time for the jury to deliberate a bit, and I'll check back in an hour or so to see if there's a verdict.
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(jeopardy theme music)
 
Alright! Fished around VERY CAREFULLY with my hose for about 45 minutes, and there was definitely tons of dirt built up, not to mention some odd looking floaties. I'll post pictures when I have time. For now, everything is plumbed and the pump is back up and running with original sand.

I have to get cleaned up for my son's dance recital in a couple hours, but I want to run something off script through the pool tonight in hopes it will give me a jump start, and with full knowledge I will be replacing old, low sand, with the proper amount of new sand probably tomorrow, but for sure by early next week.

So I have ruled out the algae eliminator. That goes back to Wal-Mart. Any reason to use Floc instead of or in tandem with Clarifier? Of course I will maintain SLAM as well.

Of to the shower!
 
Mad, don’t mess up your clean sand with pool store potions.
 
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Right, that's the key. I'm not changing the sand until tomorrow or maybe Monday afternoon, so I'm looking for a quick-fix that might actually help. What risk do I run using a single or half-dose of Clarifier overnight? Might it mess up my chemistry in unintended ways.
 
Ah. Well, in that case, I agree, get rid of the floc. As to the clarifier, up to you. You are still doing the slime bags, right? Are they filtering out much?
 
Hey gang, sorry I was out all day - work on a Saturday. :grrrr: A couple things:
- I'd hold off on adding anything to the water at this point. Anything you add now could still be in the water to some degree even after you change the sand. The chlorine needs to focus 100% on algae and nothing else if we can help it..... for now.
- You've already ID'd a couple great items that are related to the filter - low sand and a possible breakage. You have new sand correct? If I were you, while getting that MPV is still fresh in your mind, I'd pull out that old sand, inspect every inch of those laterals and standpipe, then refill. Remember to add about 6" to a foot of water to cushion the weight of the sand going back in so you don't break a lateral.
- Did you ever do that diluted CYA test? I didn't notice a result in the past couple posts.

I have a lot of confidence your filter was a big factor in all of this. You released some junk from the deep clean and ID'd a low amount of sand - some of which may have been blown into the pool over the months because of a broken lateral or something. Even with the deep clean, I wouldn't be surprised if you found more junk at the very bottom when you go in there again. Good job! :goodjob:
 
By the way, in case you haven't noticed, there are 3-4 of us feverously following your progress. It's not our pool, but have a vested interest in your success. We've been there and we want to see you come out on top of this SLAM. Hang in there!
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That is SO true. I have a bottle of wine all ready to crack open when Mad’s (and Fun’s) pools are finally clear!
 
Thanks to everybody for the support and share of knowledge. Sitting in the auditorium now waiting for a dance recital to start. I guess you've convinced me to take both my wieird products back to wal-mart tomorrow and spend my $30 on something else. Lights went out. More later.
 
Back home now. Could not do the diluted CYA test or anything else related to CYA, was too busy with yard work and disassembling the filter. Going to resist the temptation to pour in clarifier, and just plan to replace sand in the morning and do the diluted CYA tomorrow under high sun. Until then, keeping FC at SLAM level for 50 CYA and recirculating water like crazy with the much cleaner sand in there.
 
madyogi said:
Back home now. Could not do the diluted CYA test or anything else related to CYA, was too busy with yard work and disassembling the filter. Going to resist the temptation to pour in clarifier, and just plan to replace sand in the morning and do the diluted CYA tomorrow under high sun. Until then, keeping FC at SLAM level for 50 CYA and recirculating water like crazy with the much cleaner sand in there.
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It's on filter right? :))
 
Sweaty!!!

Pulled out all the sand and inspected standpipe and lateral assembly this morning. All laterals look good, no signs of cracks and the standpipe looks to be in good shape. Had my son's birthday from 2-4, so now I'm back at it and need to get this fresh sand in before dark so I can start everything back up.

Is there anything I should do to clean out the laterals/standpipe before putting it back in? I only ask because there are some grains of sand hanging out in the groves. Didn't know if I should blow and/or wash those out before replacing.

Also, do I just eyeball it to get it in the middle, like there's not a slot or mount or anything in there, right?

Plan now is to put the standpipe and lateral assembly back in, plug the filter, and fill with enough water to soften the sand going in, then put in the fresh sand. Should I cover the top of the standpipe with something to avoid getting sand in it while pouring it in?

Gonna go get everything in order, then come back and see if anyone responds. Sorry for expecting such quick response here, but I gotta get this going!
 

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