Pool still cloudy

[Mattikuss]

Hi All,

My levels are great following a two day slam

FC - 16.5
CC- 0.5
CYA - 70
PH - 7.2

I am planning to bring my Cl up one more time just to make sure that everything is dead.

The issue is that the pool is still super cloudy. I can’t see the bottom. I’ve been running the vacuum, the pump is on 24/7.

I don’t know what my starting filter pressure was but it’s at 27 now, I think I’m just going to have to clean it. Do you think that’s the way to go? If so, how would I do that for this filter, image attached. My understanding is that I cut the power to it, make sure it drops to 0 PSI, open it, take it the cartridges, soak them in a trash bin with dish soap for at least 1 hour, rinse them off, soak them in a 1 cup MA to 5 gal h2o ratio in the trash bin until bubbles stop forming, then rinse them off again. Am I missing anything else? I don’t want to explode opening this thing so any advice would be appreciated.

 

[Texas Splash]

It sounds like you still have a way to go in the SLAM Process. There are 3 SLAM criteria you must pass before allowing the FC to fall back to normal. With a CYA of 70, your SLAM FC level is "28". You're well below that right now, and that's going to slow your progress. Do your best to maintain that proper SLAM (FC) level of 28.

As for the filter and cleaning, no acid. No overnight soaking at this time. Start with clean (freshly sprayed) cart filters and take note of the new filter psi. Once that psi increases by about 25%, THEN you remove them and spray them down. Repeat as necessary every time the filter psi increases by about 25%.

Other than that, follow the SLAM Processpage carefully for best success. Good luck!

 

[Texas Splash]

Oh, and at the equipment pad, before you open the filter, of course the pump will be off. Close any 3-way valves on the pad to isolate the equipment from the pool so water doesn't just keep spilling out everywhere. Then you can continue with the filter cart cleaning. Re-op the 3-way valves once you have reassembled the filter. You might need to re-prime the pump pot with water.

 

[Mattikuss]

As for the filter and cleaning, no acid. No overnight soaking at this time.

can you elaborate anymore on this? I found another thread for cartridge cleaning and it went through the process I described above. It sounds very involved so I’m relieved you’re saying it’s unnecessary. Would you mind telling me why though?

 

[Texas Splash]

Would you mind telling me why though?

In general, a thorough hose spray is enough to remove dirty and debris. From time to time, some pools do experience an decent amount of oils and lotions from sunscreen, body lotions, etc. Over time those "might" tend to adhere to the paper cartridges if the chlorine didn't already break it down. In those cases, it's okay to do an overnight cart bath in a large container with TSP or Cascade dishwasher soap. Maybe once a year if really needed. The muriatic acid bath can make a filter look white again, but if there are any oils, lotions, or other residual material on the carts, the acid will "fuse" it to the paper and basically ruin your cart filters. For that reason, I personally never bother with the acid bath. I have done a detergent bath, but not sure it really helped me. My carts are between 8-13 years old. They are discolored but still filter well.

 

[Mattikuss]

In general, a thorough hose spray is enough to remove dirty and debris. From time to time, some pools do experience an decent amount of oils and lotions from sunscreen, body lotions, etc. Over time those "might" tend to adhere to the paper cartridges if the chlorine didn't already break it down. In those cases, it's okay to do an overnight cart bath in a large container with TSP or Cascade dishwasher soap. Maybe once a year if really needed. The muriatic acid bath can make a filter look white again, but if there are any oils, lotions, or other residual material on the carts, the acid will "fuse" it to the paper and basically ruin your cart filters. For that reason, I personally never bother with the acid bath. I have done a detergent bath, but not sure it really helped me. My carts are between 8-13 years old. They are discolored but still filter well.

Fantastic. Thank you. Whew, no baths... for now!