YES! The monster is almost defeated. Now, you should start looking into how to clean your filters. LOL, going to be a lot of dead algae to clear out.
New to trouble free pool
- Thread starter ko8310
- Start date
Looks like it’s held six ppm’s since 1:30 PM and I am now at 9.5 ppm at 2:23 pm EST
Do you feel the pool is ready for CYA? If so I’m not familiar with the sock method. I have the Wal Mart Clorox chlorine stabilizer 4 lbs. that says it treats 16,000 gallons. My pool is 20,000 gallons.thanks
- Jun 22, 2014
- 52,018
- Pool Size
- 17888
- Surface
- Fiberglass
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- CircuPool RJ-45 Plus
It looks like you’ve broken through the ammonia barrier. Great job! 
Now let’s transition to the normal SLAM process: Refer to SLAM Process
First, it’s time to add some stabilizer (CYA) via the sock method. Grab a white sock of some sort, and fill it with the proper amount of dry granular stabilizer to increase the CYA to “30”. According to my calculations, that should be about 80 ounces (5 lbs) of stabilizer. Stabilizer is usually sold in 4 lb bags, so you may need a couple bags. Use two socks if needed. I typically use a white tube sock. With the stabilizer in the sock, tie it closed temporarily so it can’t spill out, and place it in the pool’s water to soak. You can set it in the skimmer if there’s room, or simply hang the sock(s) from a stick or pole off the side of the pool so they can dangle in the water. Extend it out enough so the sock isn’t resting against the side of the pool liner. After about 30-40 minutes, take the sock(s) over to a return jet and start squeezing all the “mushy” stabilizer out of the sock in the water. It should come out relatively quickly after about 5 minutes of squeezing. Once it’s all out, , consider your CYA 30 and the CYA part is done for now.
Now your new SLAM (FC) level will increase from 10 to “12”. An FC of “12” is now your ideal level to try and maintain as best as you can throughout the day and evening. With stabilizer in the water and the ammonia behind you, the FC level should hold much better. You’ll still need to test the FC as often as needed to stay in that “12” range, but it won’t be every 10 minutes. Because of what you went through with the ammonia, I would do my next FC test in 20-30 min, and if it’s doing well, add chlorine as need (back to 12) then test in an hour, and so on. Eventually you should be to a point where you only have to test the FC and add chlorine every few hours. You’ll see a pattern. That’s a well deserved break from all the hard work earlier to eliminate the ammonia.
Now let’s transition to the normal SLAM process: Refer to SLAM ProcessFirst, it’s time to add some stabilizer (CYA) via the sock method. Grab a white sock of some sort, and fill it with the proper amount of dry granular stabilizer to increase the CYA to “30”. According to my calculations, that should be about 80 ounces (5 lbs) of stabilizer. Stabilizer is usually sold in 4 lb bags, so you may need a couple bags. Use two socks if needed. I typically use a white tube sock. With the stabilizer in the sock, tie it closed temporarily so it can’t spill out, and place it in the pool’s water to soak. You can set it in the skimmer if there’s room, or simply hang the sock(s) from a stick or pole off the side of the pool so they can dangle in the water. Extend it out enough so the sock isn’t resting against the side of the pool liner. After about 30-40 minutes, take the sock(s) over to a return jet and start squeezing all the “mushy” stabilizer out of the sock in the water. It should come out relatively quickly after about 5 minutes of squeezing. Once it’s all out, , consider your CYA 30 and the CYA part is done for now.
Now your new SLAM (FC) level will increase from 10 to “12”. An FC of “12” is now your ideal level to try and maintain as best as you can throughout the day and evening. With stabilizer in the water and the ammonia behind you, the FC level should hold much better. You’ll still need to test the FC as often as needed to stay in that “12” range, but it won’t be every 10 minutes. Because of what you went through with the ammonia, I would do my next FC test in 20-30 min, and if it’s doing well, add chlorine as need (back to 12) then test in an hour, and so on. Eventually you should be to a point where you only have to test the FC and add chlorine every few hours. You’ll see a pattern. That’s a well deserved break from all the hard work earlier to eliminate the ammonia.
- Jun 22, 2014
- 52,018
- Pool Size
- 17888
- Surface
- Fiberglass
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- CircuPool RJ-45 Plus
At this point, you are officially on the SLAM road to success. No need to test anything else right now other than the FC. Once the water starts to clear, you can occasionally test the CC immediately after the FC if you would like, but the FC is most important. Follow the notes from the SLAM page carefully. Stick to that page for best success.
Some additional considerations:
- I see in the pic you have a ladder in the deep end. At some point you might look into trying to remove that to inspect/clean it from the inside. If you’re not sure you can do that, let us know.
- Another common trouble spot could be behind a light in the niche. So if you have one of those (not the small LED lights), then removing the light and letting it sit on top of the decking (with power OFF) would be a good idea as well.
- Watch your reagents. You’ve probably gone through quite a bit with all of that FC testing. If you are getting low, consider ordering a new batch just so you don’t run out in the middle of this exceptional progress.
You’re in charge now. You’re doing great! Take a pic of the water each day to compare results and stick close to the SLAM page. You’ll do well. Nice work! Congratulations.
Some additional considerations:
- I see in the pic you have a ladder in the deep end. At some point you might look into trying to remove that to inspect/clean it from the inside. If you’re not sure you can do that, let us know.
- Another common trouble spot could be behind a light in the niche. So if you have one of those (not the small LED lights), then removing the light and letting it sit on top of the decking (with power OFF) would be a good idea as well.
- Watch your reagents. You’ve probably gone through quite a bit with all of that FC testing. If you are getting low, consider ordering a new batch just so you don’t run out in the middle of this exceptional progress.
You’re in charge now. You’re doing great! Take a pic of the water each day to compare results and stick close to the SLAM page. You’ll do well. Nice work! Congratulations.
Thanks so much everyone for helping me get to this point of breaking through the ammonia wall. Sounds like the 4 pounds of CYA I have is about 1 pound short for a 20k pool, so back to Walmart. There are two ladders. I’ve tried to remove them over the years during the winter, but I have not had success, will try again in order to clean them. I am deeply grateful for all the assistance, time and consideration that you folks have afforded me. I hate to admit that I’m sure I will need more pointers along the way until the pool is crystal clear. Thanks for the patience and guidance. I look forward to paying it back in the future.
- Jun 22, 2014
- 52,018
- Pool Size
- 17888
- Surface
- Fiberglass
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- CircuPool RJ-45 Plus
That's what we're here for. Anytime you have a question just ask. It will be exciting to see that pool become crystal clear when you're done. A true success story. Good stuff.
What a story!! I was on the edge of my seat just waiting to see the new picture! You are doing it! Look at how the green went to gray!! That is the algae dying!!! You are rocking this!
One thing I want you to know................we LOVE the answer questions! That is why we are here! YES we KNOW what you are going through as many of us have been where you are and look at us now!!
Kim
One thing I want you to know................we LOVE the answer questions! That is why we are here! YES we KNOW what you are going through as many of us have been where you are and look at us now!!
Kim
- May 8, 2014
- 42
- Pool Size
- 8400
- Surface
- Vinyl
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Intex Krystal Clear
That was incredible work today! Looking forward to seeing your progress. Be sure to take a picture every day. Folks here LOVE that!
You should also check and adjust your pH sometime when your FC test is less than 10. If FC is over 10, the pH test isn't valid.
You should also check and adjust your pH sometime when your FC test is less than 10. If FC is over 10, the pH test isn't valid.
Thank you all so much. There is still a ways to go but today was a win over the ammonia wall!
Am at my night job but will get back at it in the morning and continue the SLAM
Hello all. It is 0700 on day 2 of SLAM and attached is this morning’s photo. Last night after I got home from work I tested at 1 AM and my FC had dropped to 4.5 ppm. Not sure if my Pool Math calculator is working, but it said to put in another couple gallons of liquid chlorine which I did and went to bed. This morning before the sun came up I tested at 0632 and I was at 15 ppm with a 42 CYA. I waited 10 minutes and retested. Results were 14.5 ppm and 38 CYA. I have a 36 square-foot Pentair DE filter. I rinsed it off last week but I think I have a torn grid. I’ve re-ordered a new set and expect it here in the next couple days just to make sure my filtration system is not a weak link. As you can see the green looks to be pretty much gone. I’m going to brush and vacuum and test around noon. So far so good. Looking forward to seeing the bottom. It’s supposed to be 87 here in Marietta today and into the 90s tomorrow, Friday and Saturday. I know it’s much hotter elsewhere for many others.
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- Jun 22, 2014
- 52,018
- Pool Size
- 17888
- Surface
- Fiberglass
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- CircuPool RJ-45 Plus
You're doing VERY well. Good catch on the grids too. It's exciting to see your progress. Keep up the good work.
It's exciting to see your progress. Keep up the good work.
Ha! Ha! Thank you, I really appreciate all the encouragement! Still a ways to go… I am certainly getting my exercise in, especially these first few days. Bending, brushing, netting debris, carrying umpteen gallons of liquid chlorine, ya da ya da ya da… not as young as I used to be, but a few Tylenol here and there and all the encouragement, guidance and support from this forum helps me see the light at the end of the tunnel.
@ko8310 Keep up the good work!
I had a similar pond 4 years back with ammonia. Defeating the ammonia was the hardest part.
I had a similar pond 4 years back with ammonia. Defeating the ammonia was the hardest part.
Still SLAMMING…
3:08 PM EST
12.5 ppm/30 CYA
So far so good it would appear.
Expecting new grids for the Pentair sometime today.
Attachments
- Jun 22, 2014
- 52,018
- Pool Size
- 17888
- Surface
- Fiberglass
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- CircuPool RJ-45 Plus
Your thread is becoming the highlight of my day. Seeing that swamp transform to all its glory is a good thing. Soon you'll be posting crystal clear water on our other threads. Keep up the great work!
Thanks so much! Feeling more confident than dealing with the pool supply company for 20 yrs and feeling the independence of learning the science. Definitely still working on it and very grateful to have found TFP, most importantly the generous members and their sincere caring.
- May 8, 2014
- 42
- Pool Size
- 8400
- Surface
- Vinyl
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Intex Krystal Clear
What a transformation in less than a week! You've caught on fast, and it really is awesome to see the pretty blue come out. The folks here are more than happy to help, but it's up to the pool owner to do the hard work. It's been a lot of fun to see your pool start to shine again!
I see you have been posting new CYA numbers pretty frequently. That's one test you can skip most days. Unless there's been a large exchange of water (or you have ammonia!), the CYA won't change. With stable water chemistry, I check my CYA once a month.
I'm thinking you should continue using the CYA = 40 level (even though your most recent test indicates 30 - I would be willing to be that's just test margin). If you don't use enough chlorine, the cloudiness will drag on forever - very discouraging! So use CYA 40 and target FC 16, and watch that cloudiness dissipate.
Make sure to clean your filter when the pressure rises 25% above clean pressure. Brush brush brush! And grab some POP (Pool Owner Patience) because the slow part is here and it can feel like it takes forever. Now that the water is blue, you'll be killing a little bit of algae every day, but the visual changes will be small. Take a picture every day - seriously - because you'll be able to see those tiny differences in the pictures, even when your eyes are telling you nothing has changed.
You're not done yet, but at some point you'll wonder when you can stop your SLAM. There are 3 criteria to meet:
1. Your CC is < 0.5.
2. You have no visible (live or dead) algae anywhere.
3. You pass the Overnight Chlorine Loss Test (OCLT).
www.troublefreepool.com
Last thing - clean really well in any light niches and try again to get the ladder arms out. Those are breeding areas for algae!
You will be amazed at how easy pool care is once your SLAM is over. Keep up the great work!
I see you have been posting new CYA numbers pretty frequently. That's one test you can skip most days. Unless there's been a large exchange of water (or you have ammonia!), the CYA won't change. With stable water chemistry, I check my CYA once a month.
I'm thinking you should continue using the CYA = 40 level (even though your most recent test indicates 30 - I would be willing to be that's just test margin). If you don't use enough chlorine, the cloudiness will drag on forever - very discouraging! So use CYA 40 and target FC 16, and watch that cloudiness dissipate.
Make sure to clean your filter when the pressure rises 25% above clean pressure. Brush brush brush! And grab some POP (Pool Owner Patience) because the slow part is here and it can feel like it takes forever. Now that the water is blue, you'll be killing a little bit of algae every day, but the visual changes will be small. Take a picture every day - seriously - because you'll be able to see those tiny differences in the pictures, even when your eyes are telling you nothing has changed.
You're not done yet, but at some point you'll wonder when you can stop your SLAM. There are 3 criteria to meet:
1. Your CC is < 0.5.
2. You have no visible (live or dead) algae anywhere.
3. You pass the Overnight Chlorine Loss Test (OCLT).
Perform the Overnight FC Loss Test (OCLT)
The Overnight Chlorine Loss Test tells if the SLAM is finished or if you need to start a SLAM. This article says how to do the OCLT.
www.troublefreepool.com
Last thing - clean really well in any light niches and try again to get the ladder arms out. Those are breeding areas for algae!
You will be amazed at how easy pool care is once your SLAM is over. Keep up the great work!
Happy Father’s Day to all the fathers. Am still slamming and remaining optimistic after one week. I have to somehow figure out how to get that one ladder out of the pool as it is probably hiding some algae. I got new filter grids for my Pentair and they are in installed as of Thursday…was really hopeful that was going to be a game changer. My FC holds pretty good overnight. My reading was 15 ppm this morning. I’ve checked the CYA about every third day and I was at 30 this morning. Is it recommended to put the sock back in the pool now that I am adding chlorine? Thanks all.
- Jun 22, 2014
- 52,018
- Pool Size
- 17888
- Surface
- Fiberglass
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- CircuPool RJ-45 Plus
A CYA of 30 is fine, but no lower. If you still see the dot at 30, then add another 10 ppm worth is all. Hang in there!
I thought I sent the Father’s Day message yesterday, but I didn’t press post reply. UGH! I have tried to remove the ladder that is in the water as I’m feeling a little frustration as I’m sure everyone has during the slam and progress toward pool clarity is very slow.The ladder has a machine bolt that I removed, however, the ladder did not come off. The pool is still cloudy so I’m wondering if in anyone’s experience are there are bolts attaching the bar that’s in the water to the pool so basically are there four bolts that need to be removed? When I put chlorine in at night, it holds pretty well. Last night I put in 3 gallons of chlorine at 0100 and this morning my PPM was 19 ppm at 07:08 AM EST. I just read it again and I’m at 7PPM. A drop of 12! The pool calculator direct me to pour 3 gallons in to reach 16 ppm. I have been pouring chlorine in regularly to reach the target number. I put in brand new grids in my Pentair filter. The only thing I can believe it is causing me to lose chlorine is the latter but I can’t remove it. Any new suggestions would be greatly appreciated.