ALWAYS High Phosphates, Cartridge Filter Cleaning/Replacement Questions for ARIZONA Pool

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S

SSHAWinAZ

Gold Supporter
Oct 9, 2022
27
Gilbert, AZ
Pool Size
9660
Surface
Plaster
Chlorine
Liquid Chlorine
Hayward C4030 Cartridge filter for 9700 gallon pool we built pool 5 years ago in ARIZONA.
We ALWAYS have HIGH PHOSPHATES, including immediately after draining and refilling two years ago. Last week was 1387 ppb! Bought Leslie's NoPhos. Put 48 ounces in, ran filter 48 hours, cleaned/soaked overnight in TSP Phosphate Free, rinsed thoroughly, reinstalled, added 37 more ounces NoPhos. Will clean again in 48 hours by rinsing off (without a TSP soak).
Mistake? Should I soak in TSP No Phos again? Anything else I should do? Heard about diluted muriatic acid soak but am unsure of this. If so, what solution and for how long?
Bought non-Hayward replacement cartridges from highly rated site in June 2021. I've cleaned them three times in 16 months. As mentioned, I just soaked my filters overnight in TSP Phosphate-Free. After rinsing, 30% looks brown and 70% white. No holes/tears. Should I replace with browning or no need?

THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH!
 
Welcome to the forum :wave:

Most of us on this forum never check phosphates. Likewise, most of us stay out of the pool store at all costs.

Please continue to read and absorb. Thousands of pool owners here just like you who will not set foot in a pool store.

We are all about managing our own water and doing our own testing. What does your water look like? Clear?
 
First off, welcome! Second, stop going to the pool store. You're spending $$ for no benefit.

Recommend reading Pool School and getting a proper test kit. We can teach you how basic pool care really is, very quickly.
 
duraleigh said:
Welcome to the forum :wave:

Most of us on this forum never check phosphates. Likewise, most of us stay out of the pool store at all costs.

Please continue to read and absorb. Thousands of pool owners here just like you who will not set foot in a pool store.

We are all about managing our own water and doing our own testing. What does your water look like? Clear?
Click to expand...
Water is clear but I have to brush pool down twice a week as green algae keeps appearing. I will READ and absorb! Thanks so much!
 
Welcome! Very thorough signature, much appreciated. :goodjob: Now that you confirmed you have algae, I'd like to point you towards our SLAM Process page if you haven't seen it already. There you will find how we recommend killing and removing algae once and for all. The key is maintaining the proper FC to CYA ratio (with liquid chlorine) as noted on the FC/CYA Levels. Look at the SLAM tab. Keep in mind you'll need to test your own water at frequent intervals to "maintain" that elevated FC level. We recommend either a TF-100 or Taylor K-2006C test kit. If you have any questions about the SLAM Process instructions let us know. We'll be happy to coach you through it.

Enjoy the forum. :swim:
 

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I initially posted on "Plumbing, Filters" due to extremely high phosphates (1387) and was kindly directed to READ. I did. Oh, boy!

I am starting over. I will drain my 9660 in-ground pool and refill it as my CYA is 127, TA is 134, pH is 8.0 - all per Leslies. Rent drain pump or buy one?

I will get a test kit. Best/better brand for AZ heat?

I will get new cartridge filters. Is original Hayward better or generic fine? Best/better providers/stores/online sites for cartridges?

I have one Crystal Care Pro 55 lb chlorinating tabs and two 40 lb Clorox Extra Blue chlorinating tabs. I bought them when I read of the manufacturing issues, prior to the price spike. Should I sell them and only use liquid chlorine, use in combination with liquid, or can I use them alone?

Anything ELSE I should be considering at outset?

THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH!

Steve
 
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SSHAWinAZ said:
I will get a test kit. Best/better brand for AZ heat?
Click to expand...
TF100/TFPro. Or Taylor K2006C. Wait to drain until you have your test kit. You have no idea what your pool water chemistry is.
SSHAWinAZ said:
I will get new cartridge filters.
Click to expand...
Why? Are they torn or otherwise damaged? Cartridge filters should last many, many years.
SSHAWinAZ said:
Should I sell them and only use liquid chlorine, use in combination with liquid, or can I use them alone?
Click to expand...
You can keep the regular trichlor tablets, but get rid of the ones that contain copper. You do NOT want to use them.
You will be able to use some trichlor with daily liquid chlorine. Until you get tired of all that and install a SaltWater Chlorine Generator.
 
mknauss said:
TF100/TFPro. Or Taylor K2006C. Wait to drain until you have your test kit. You have no idea what your pool water chemistry is.

Why? Are they torn or otherwise damaged? Cartridge filters should last many, many years.

You can keep the regular trichlor tablets, but get rid of the ones that contain copper. You do NOT want to use them.
You will be able to use some trichlor with daily liquid chlorine. Until you get tired of all that and install a SaltWater Chlorine Generator.
Click to expand...
mknauss, the cartridges were cleaned with a submerged overnight TSP non-phosphate soak and thorough rinse. Not torn but brown staining remains on about 30% of each cartridge. Okay to still use? Thanks!

I'll order the test kits. We had a salt system in our last pool that was miserable. Recommendations on SWG?

Thanks SO MUCH for everything! (Sent this terrific site to seven friends!)
 
Brown staining is likely iron. No issue. Use real TSP in the future if your swimmers put a lot of oils in the water (sunscreen, hair products, etc).

You do not show an automation system. If none, then a Circupool or Hayward SWCG is great for a standalone system. SWCG's are great for our climate, but you must manage your pool water chemistry. Likely that was not done in the past.
 
mknauss said:
Brown staining is likely iron. No issue. Use real TSP in the future if your swimmers put a lot of oils in the water (sunscreen, hair products, etc).

You do not show an automation system. If none, then a Circupool or Hayward SWCG is great for a standalone system. SWCG's are great for our climate, but you must manage your pool water chemistry. Likely that was not done in the past.
Click to expand...
mknauss,
Great! Keeping cartridges! I specifically chose non-phosphate TSP due to high phosphates, which I now know aren't an issue. Will move to regular TSP. Do cartridges also need an acid wash following TSP? If so, where can I find correct chemicals and methodology for this aspect of cartridge cleaning?
Will Get a Circupool or Hayward SWGC.

THANKS, AGAIN!
 
 
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duraleigh said:
Welcome to the forum :wave:

Most of us on this forum never check phosphates. Likewise, most of us stay out of the pool store at all costs.

Please continue to read and absorb. Thousands of pool owners here just like you who will not set foot in a pool store.

We are all about managing our own water and doing our own testing. What does your water look like? Clear?
Click to expand...
Thanks, duraleigh!
 

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