High Free & Total Chlorine

[FlamingoSister]

I’m struggling this year! Need advice.
21’ above ground pool with vinyl liner
Hayward multi-port valve with sand filter
my struggle right now is high chlorine levels and not being able to bring them down. I have not been able to do weekly maintenance on the pool all summer because of high chlorine levels. We’re also fighting a bit of cloudiness I can see the bottom of the pool but it is hazy.
This morning when I checked the skimmer basket, the skimmer sock was filled with a grayish slimy substance. I have spent hundreds of dollars this year trying to get the pool crystal clear, and I’m at my wits end. I’m not sure what else to try!

PH 7.6
FC 15
TC 15
Alkalinity 96
Calcium 121
CYA 150
Optimizer 4
Phosphate 164

 

[Newdude]

Hey FP and belated Welcome !!!

I have spent hundreds of dollars this year trying to get the pool crystal clear, and I’m at my wits end. I’m not sure what else to try!

Try TFP starting here : ABCs of Pool Water Chemistry

To do so you need reliable, and repeatable test results. Order up a TF-100 from tftestkits.net. It’s mere pennies to what you’ve spent at the pool store and will allow you to have MONDO better results.

Download the poolmath app for free and set up your pool details. For any test value, buy only what’s listed. No more magic potions which cause far more harm than they help. Great news too !!! The approved chem list are all the cheapest, most generic things available. Great for the pool….. even greater on the wallet.

 

[Kellyp]

Hey Flamingo, just quickly: if your CYA is really 150 (looks like a pool store test) then your chlorine is too low, not to high. It's all about the relationship of CYA to chlorine. First step is to buy either the Taylor K-2006C ( c is important because it has more reagents) from Amazon or the tf-100 from tftestkits.net. tf-100 gives you more of the tests you'll use most often. Also a speed stir, it is so much easier to test with it. Either test kit will give you accurate repeatable numbers that will help us get you a sparkling clean pool.

Without accurate numbers though, chances are not good that you'll be able to care for your pool properly. Come back when you get your kit and we can answer any questions. And welcome!

 

[JJ_Tex]

To reiterate what the others have said, your FC is really not high when you look at the FC/CYA relationship. Note that this is different thinking than what you are going to get at a pool store.

To back that up, just look at your own experiences. Your "high" chlorine has allowed algae to get a foothold and is causing your cloudiness and slime. Luckily we are here to help. All you need to fix it is a good test kit and liquid chlorine, and in your case likely a partial drain/refill if your CYA is that high. Note that I did not mention Algaecide, Floc, Clarifier, Phosphate remover, etc. as those do not really work and are just money makers for the pool stores.

One last note. You did not say how your are chlorinating. By looking at your numbers, I'm going to assume your pool has had a steady diet of chlorine pucks and powdered shock. Each of those contain CYA, which builds up in your pool and greatly increases your chlorine needs as you see. The recommended method to chlorinate here are either liquid chlorine, or a salt water chlorine generator as both of those just add Chlorine and none of the CYA or Calcium from the solid chlorine products.

 

[Mike1162]

Chlorine levels come down on their own. You must adding chlorine or shock if levels aren't falling. If your CYA level is really 150 then you are going to have to drain 2/3 to 3/4 of the water & refill. After refilling we will have you preform the SLAM procedure. What do you normally use to chlorinate the pool?

The best investment I ever made was getting the TF-100 with XL & Speed Stir options.

Chlorine/CYA Chart

Slam Procedure

TFTestkits.net