Newbie - White Mold + So many questions

Ok FC is only 2.5. So to confirm, I'm going to add enough LC to get to 5, (check in 30 min that it is indeed 5) then turn off my SWG until tomorrow morning and then recheck FC?
Edit: we did have some rain- not sure if that impacts anything

Also- when I'm doing the test, I use two
Dippers regardless of the size of the sample, correct? Whether it is 10ml or 25ml, it is two dippers?
 
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You can turn off your SWG for the entire night when it is dark and take your first sample (make sure pump has been running 30 min at least). Then take sample in morning before sun out (again make sure pump has been running at least 30 min). Can turn SWG back on after.
 
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You can turn off your SWG for the entire night when it is dark and take your first sample (make sure pump has been running 30 min at least). Then take sample in morning before sun out (again make sure pump has been running at least 30 min). Can turn SWG back on after.
Thank you :) I will wait till 8:30, add the chlorine, wait 30 min, test and then turn the swg down to 0%. And then test again early morning.
 
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10 ml only needs one overfilled dipper
Ok perfect I did that this time. Also, just checked and FC is 5 now. Turned off SWG and will wake up super early to check FC again. Should I wait and recheck CYA when it is very sunny midday? I read something about it needing to be sunny out?
 
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Ok FC dropped to 2.5. I guess this means I need to SLAM. CC is 0.5. I guess the plan would be to wait until it is sunny and check the CYA and base my SLAM targets on that. I'll report back with my CYA- but until then I do nothing right? I will also turn my SWG back up to 75%
 
Ok FC dropped to 2.5. I guess this means I need to SLAM. CC is 0.5. I guess the plan would be to wait until it is sunny and check the CYA and base my SLAM targets on that. I'll report back with my CYA- but until then I do nothing right? I will also turn my SWG back up to 75%
Yes - test your CYA and prepare to SLAM. Once you start, you can turn off your SWCG because it is best to raise your FC with liquid chlorine. So go purchase 10 gals of LC to run the SLAM. The goal is to keep at SLAM level so that means testing every 3-4 hours during the day to keep adding LC to maintain the SLAM level FC.
 

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I just checked and I can still see the dot clearly at 30. I really don't get it. So clearly I need to add more stabilizer. What's the best course of action here? I'll save the solution and check again in a couple hours but it seems there's still not enough cya.

Is there even a point in SLAMing with such a low CYA? isn't it money down the drain if the FC keeps getting burned off?
 
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I just checked and I can still see the dot clearly at 30. I really don't get it. So clearly I need to add more stabilizer. What's the best course of action here? I'll save the solution and check again in a couple hours but it seems there's still not enough cya.

Is there even a point in SLAMing with such a low CYA? isn't it money down the drain if the FC keeps getting burned off?
A SLAM with CYA of 30 is ok. This means you have to keep your SLAM FC at 12ppm. You clearly lost FC ppm during your overnight test so Let’s get the algae out and you can then raise CYA later.

You can check CYA again as it does take some time to mix. But I would just move forward with SLAM - just test every 3-4 hours to keep your FC at 12ppm.
 
A SLAM with CYA of 30 is ok. This means you have to keep your SLAM FC at 12ppm. You clearly lost FC ppm during your overnight test so Let’s get the algae out and you can then raise CYA later.

You can check CYA again as it does take some time to mix. But I would just move forward with SLAM - just test every 3-4 hours to keep your FC at 12ppm.
Ok so just start SLAM and not add more CYA? It doesn't look like it was even 30. How long after adding the chlorine can we swim?
 
Ok so just start SLAM and not add more CYA? It doesn't look like it was even 30. How long after adding the chlorine can we swim?
So long as your FC is 12ppm or lower you can swim. Wait 30 mins to mix. If you do plan to swim, check your FC level after you get out because you are bringing bacteria into the pool which your chlorine will attack in addition to attacking what is already in the pool that caused your FC to drop overnight.

If you wish to add CYA now - you can - just remember that will increase your requirement for SLAM value - a CYA of 40 will require a FC of 16ppm.

If you are set on swimming and wanting a higher CYA - then do that and wait till tomorrow to start your SLAM
Add some CYA now just enough to raise to solid 30 but do not exceed 40ppm.
 
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Here is what I did yesterday and today:
6am- FC 2.5

11:30- added 4.3 L LC and stab to try to bring cya to 30

12pm- FC 11.5

8pm- FC 6- added LC

8:30pm FC 11.5

Today 7am FC 8.5, CC 0.5, added LC

Not done SLAM Bc I didn't pass the OCLT. any insights? Is this all ok?
 
Here is what I did yesterday and today:
6am- FC 2.5

11:30- added 4.3 L LC and stab to try to bring cya to 30

12pm- FC 11.5

8pm- FC 6- added LC

8:30pm FC 11.5

Today 7am FC 8.5, CC 0.5, added LC

Not done SLAM Bc I didn't pass the OCLT. any insights? Is this all ok?
During the day - test your FC every 2-4 hr - don’t wait 8 hrs because you lost half your FC in that time period. The more consistent you keep the FC at 12ppm (for CYA of 30) the quicker the process will go.
Also, brush often and ensure your filter is not increasing substantially in pressure. If so, clean the cartridges.
Maintain your pump running throughout the SLAM (Other then if you have to clean your filter).
 
During the day - test your FC every 2-4 hr - don’t wait 8 hrs because you lost half your FC in that time period. The more consistent you keep the FC at 12ppm (for CYA of 30) the quicker the process will go.
Also, brush often and ensure your filter is not increasing substantially in pressure. If so, clean the cartridges.
Maintain your pump running throughout the SLAM (Other then if you have to clean your filter).
What if I'm not home and able to test so often? For example today I won't be home until the evening and the same for the next few days. This will just drag it out?
 
What if I'm not home and able to test so often? For example today I won't be home until the evening and the same for the next few days. This will just drag it out?
It will just take longer because your FC drops as it consumes the live bacteria. So if you are able to maintain the FC at SLAM level, the better for the process. But no worries if you can't - we all have busy schedules. just do the best you can.
 
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Vanellya, great work so far! Welcome to TFP.

I've been following this thread, since I too, battled the white mold demon a few years back. It's encouraging to see a "newbie" ask for help, receive the help, then follow the advice. (It doesn't always go that way!) LOL. The most important thing is patience and a positive attitude from here on out. BTW, I see that you've got some of the best of the best at your side on this venture. (y)(y)(y)

As for your SLAM, yes, they can drag out. It appears that you have embraced the TFP methodolgy completely. That's fantastic, because barring some kind of disaster outside of your control, this might be your one and only SLAM! (If not, no biggie.) Having TFP knowledge and knowing where to find more, is a BIG deal! When life decides to get in the way in the future, you can just laugh and let it happen. 'Cause you'll know, "I Got This!!!" :cheers:

Have a great "rest of the summer!"
 

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