Cloudy Pool After Algaecide and LOTS of Shock

[Texas Splash]

We have a similar ladder. I use a large syringe and fill every hole with chlorine. Last time I put a full gallon into the ladder splitting it up between the top, steps, sides.

Welcome to TFP Kate!

@valvaltz, you may already know this, but we often times speak of using a lower CYA during the SLAM Process so that a lower FC level can be used (less chlorine). Now that you believe your CYA to be closer to 40, that lowers the FC SLAM level to 16. You are quite high at the moment, so you can let it fall. We don't want it to effect your liner. This may mean you'll need to watch the FC a bit closer to keep it at 16 once it falls because our sun is so hot right now, but I think you'll be okay. You've been quite diligent with your pool care.

Take it easy on the arm and let us know if you see any water changes over the next day or two once your hubby gets a chance to remove the ladder. That could make all the difference right there.

 

[valvaltz]

We have a similar ladder. I use a large syringe and fill every hole with chlorine. Last time I put a full gallon into the ladder splitting it up between the top, steps, sides.

Thank you @kate81. To clarify, did you inject the chlorine with the ladder removed from the pool or while it was still in the pool?

 

[valvaltz]

Welcome to TFP Kate!

@valvaltz, you may already know this, but we often times speak of using a lower CYA during the SLAM Process so that a lower FC level can be used (less chlorine). Now that you believe your CYA to be closer to 40, that lowers the FC SLAM level to 16. You are quite high at the moment, so you can let it fall. We don't want it to effect your liner. This may mean you'll need to watch the FC a bit closer to keep it at 16 once it falls because our sun is so hot right now, but I think you'll be okay. You've been quite diligent with your pool care.

Take it easy on the arm and let us know if you see any water changes over the next day or two once your hubby gets a chance to remove the ladder. That could make all the difference right there.

I’ll keep you posted @Texas Splash

 

[valvaltz]

Y’all never under estimate a Texas gal who just wants her pool clean for the summer

There is definitely algae in there and probably some floc.

 

[Texas Splash]

 

[RLP]

I wonder if those bottom caps can be removed? Maybe that will let you access the inside of the ladder.

When method are you using to test your FC?

 

[valvaltz]

I wonder if those bottom caps can be removed? Maybe that will let you access the inside of the ladder.

When method are you using to test your FC?

@RLP I was able remove all but one of the screws. Followed suggestion of @kate81 to inject bleach into the ladder through the fill holes (used about 3/4 of a gallon of 10% LC). Ladder has been out of the pool all day. But when I go to do my evening chlorine check, there’s dust or algae on the bottom. I thoroughly brushed the entire pool today and backwashed the filter. Didn’t have the strength left to vacuum with my one good arm.

Could it be dust or pollen from the trees? Close up is in between the cypress and the oak.

 

[valvaltz]

I wonder if those bottom caps can be removed? Maybe that will let you access the inside of the ladder.

When method are you using to test your FC?

I’m using Taylor K2006 FAS-DPD

 

[RLP]

Are you using a 10 ml sample of pool water and dividing the number of drops by 2?

 

[Texas Splash]

Could it be dust or pollen from the trees?

Perhaps. Or maybe dead algae? Even though your water isn't crystal clear yet, we do have concerns about your filter which I believe you have scheduled for work on next week. Maybe this weekend do an Overnight Chlorine Loss Test so we have some clear indication of how much FC is being lost to organics.

 

[valvaltz]

Are you using a 10 ml sample of pool water and dividing the number of drops by 2?

Yes. The 25 ml sample uses too much of the reagent. Would it be more accurate to use the 25 ml sample or is the difference negligible?

 

[valvaltz]

Perhaps. Or maybe dead algae? Even though your water isn't crystal clear yet, we do have concerns about your filter which I believe you have scheduled for work on next week. Maybe this weekend do an Overnight Chlorine Loss Test so we have some clear indication of how much FC is being lost to organics.

Perhaps. I have also left the ladder out and filed with bleached over night to see if that makes any difference.

Yes, I suspect the sand needs to be changed and or I have a cracked lateral. The soonest I could get anyone out is 7/5… apparently all of Austin needs their pools serviced

 

[Mdragger88]

Yes. The 25 ml sample uses too much of the reagent. Would it be more accurate to use the 25 ml sample or is the difference negligible?

Using The 10ml sample & every drop counts as .5ppm is plenty accurate enough.

 

[valvaltz]

Well, now I’m confused… FC 21 CC 0 this morning & still bits of dirt or algae at the bottom. So no overnight chlorine loss. Ladder is still out. Water looks pretty clear but not perfect.

 

[V___25]

Continue on until your water looks like this

 

[Mdragger88]

Well, now I’m confused… FC 21 CC 0 this morning & still bits of dirt or algae at the bottom. So no overnight chlorine loss. Ladder is still out. Water looks pretty clear but not perfect.

That’s a good sign!
It is rare to meet all 3 end of slam criteria at the exact same time/all at once.
Keep fc up & filter filter filter. Until you check all the boxes.
Deep Cleaning the sand should help.
There’s really not much to it if you or your hubby is able.
Turn the pump off, Close all the valves, pull of the mpv & put the water hose down in there. Gently break up any clumps.
Some people find some gross stuff at the top of the sand bed & need to remove that & add a little more sand back to the proper height.
Here’s the guide Deep Cleaning a Sand Filter
After the sand is good to go you can try adding a little de to help catch the finer stuff.
Here’s the how to on that

Add DE to a Sand Filter

A clean pool filter will increase the efficiency of your pool! ... your filter are to backwash it, clean the manifolds and grids, and add new DE.

www.google.com

 

[valvaltz]

That’s a good sign!
It is rare to meet all 3 end of slam criteria at the exact same time/all at once.
Keep fc up & filter filter filter. Until you check all the boxes.
Deep Cleaning the sand should help.
There’s really not much to it if you or your hubby is able.
Turn the pump off, Close all the valves, pull of the mpv & put the water hose down in there. Gently break up any clumps.
Some people find some gross stuff at the top of the sand bed & need to remove that & add a little more sand back to the proper height.
Here’s the guide Deep Cleaning a Sand Filter
After the sand is good to go you can try adding a little de to help catch the finer stuff.
Here’s the how to on that

Add DE to a Sand Filter

A clean pool filter will increase the efficiency of your pool! ... your filter are to backwash it, clean the manifolds and grids, and add new DE.

www.google.com

Thanks for the links. I floc’d the pool a few weeks ago (followed instructions meticulously including multiple vacuums to waste) and have since decided floc is a four letter word I’m having the filter sand changed on 7/5 since I’m pretty sure some of the floc got in the filter and I am suspicious there might be a broken/cracked lateral.

 

[valvaltz]

On what feels like day 3000 of SLAM… need guidance.

FC 16.5
CC 0
Edit to add: CYA 40 Yesterday

A 1.5 FC loss since around 4 pm yesterday. I didn’t do a OCLT. We have a new puppy and I got distracted & forgot to do the night time chemistry readings.

Pool water looks as clear as when it was brand new. You can even see the imperfections of the leveling (little foot prints etc) easily. There was a bit of dirt/algae on the bottom this morning but as I have said in previous posts, I suspect the filter needs to be deep cleaned and/or there’s a broken lateral. It’s always the same side as the tree and the return. Service guys coming 7/5.

My concern is keeping such high chlorine levels for this long will erode my liner. It’s vinyl and already bleached (grrr).

Appreciate any expert advice. Thanks in advance. Sorry it’s hard to get a good pic because there’s always a little breeze on top of the water.

 

[Mdragger88]

On what feels like day 3000 of SLAM… need guidance.

FC 16.5
CC 0
Edit to add: CYA 40 Yesterday

A 1.5 FC loss since around 4 pm yesterday. I didn’t do a OCLT. We have a new puppy and I got distracted & forgot to do the night time chemistry readings.

Pool water looks as clear as when it was brand new. You can even see the imperfections of the leveling (little foot prints etc) easily. There was a bit of dirt/algae on the bottom this morning but as I have said in previous posts, I suspect the filter needs to be deep cleaned and/or there’s a broken lateral. It’s always the same side as the tree and the return. Service guys coming 7/5.

My concern is keeping such high chlorine levels for this long will erode my liner. It’s vinyl and already bleached (grrr).

Appreciate any expert advice. Thanks in advance. Sorry it’s hard to get a good pic because there’s always a little breeze on top of the water.

View attachment 509601View attachment 509602View attachment 509604

Keep up the good work! Slam Until you pass all 3 end of slam criteria.
You are done when:

CC is 0.5 or lower;
You pass an Overnight Chlorine Loss Test
AND
The water is clear.
(Crystal Clear w/no algae dead or alive)

Don’t worry about the fc - it is perfectly safe for swimmers, liners, & equipment for fc to be up to slam level for your cya.
FC/CYA Levels
a pool at SLAM level has only 1/5th the active chlorine (HOCl) as a pool that is within CDC guidance for safe and ideal. More chlorine can be less harsh, one of the most difficult things for anybody new to TFP to buy in to until it is experienced.

More about that here

CYA Chlorine Relationship - Further Reading

www.troublefreepool.com

 

[Newdude]

I suspect the filter needs to be deep cleaned and/or there’s a broken lateral.

There's one, and only one way to put this to bed. Off you go.

On the plus side, it's 2 birds with one stone, so there is that.

My concern is keeping such high chlorine levels for this long will erode my liner

Slam is less harsh than tap water with 0 CYA and up to 4 ppm FC.

Sorry it’s hard to get a good pic because there’s always a little breeze on top of the water.

Evenso, it's looking GREAT. Stay the course. Keep us posted.