Sand, dirt, or algae?

[AngelaKelly]

I am hopeful that this forum can help again. I’ve read numerous forums on dust, algae, or sand and I’m at a loss. I believe that sand is coming back in my pool which, if that is the case, we will address at the end of the season but lately I’m thinking if would be something else. I’ve posted pics below. When I vacuum, what is in the filter is gritty and looks like sand, it is not slimy. My chlorine levels with our SWG stay consistent (posted full numbers below), I vacuum and brush daily and keep experiencing this fine layer of dirt coming back almost immediately after I am done. It is on the stairs, the edges on the deep end, and where we have lines in our liner on the shallow end (from a light leak over the winter and ground water pushing our liner and not settling correctly after it was fixed). When I brush it, it poufs and looks white and then settles again.

Here are brushing videos: Brushing video and Brushing video 2.

I will do an OCLT tonight.

Any initial thoughts on what you see? Thanks!

 

[Texas Splash]

Good morning! Your test numbers look good, so let's hope you do well with the Overnight Chlorine Loss Test. If you pass the OCLT, then I would first look at the filter for answers since you confirmed some of the product you are finding feels gritty. Since this is a new thread, let's gather some info about the filter itself such as:
- How old is the filter?
- When was the last time (if ever) it was opened and inspected or deep cleaned?

It's also possible you are seeing more than one issue. For example,, some sand perhaps, but also dead algae or pollen as an example. Are you finding debris around the pool decking, furniture, or on your cars outside? Any construction or landscaping work recently that might account for stuff getting blown onto the water?

 

[sande005]

Looks to be mostly, if not all, dead algae or general dirt (from wind/rain?). Sand stays in a pile that you push around, and is harder to actually suck up in a vacuum (heavy) unless on high speed. Dead algae and dirt poof up into clouds, that easily get sucked up - as it is doing in the deep end in the video.

 

[AngelaKelly]

Good morning! Your test numbers look good, so let's hope you do well with the Overnight Chlorine Loss Test. If you pass the OCLT, then I would first look at the filter for answers since you confirmed some of the product you are finding feels gritty. Since this is a new thread, let's gather some info about the filter itself such as:
- How old is the filter?
- When was the last time (if ever) it was opened and inspected or deep cleaned?

It's also possible you are seeing more than one issue. For example,, some sand perhaps, but also dead algae or pollen as an example. Are you finding debris around the pool decking, furniture, or on your cars outside? Any construction or landscaping work recently that might account for stuff getting blown onto the water?

Thanks! Fingers crossed that we pass the OCLT.

For the sand filter, we bought our home in 2020 and the pool was installed by the previous owner. We have not cleaned/inspected the filter since then, I cannot speak to before us. The filter is about nine years old.

Pollen is extremely high right now in NY. It is less than it was but still high. We are also surrounded by trees. We have constant debris on tables and deck. Plus, we have a lab who enjoys laying on the top step. Perhaps this is contributing to debris in the pool.

I’ll start with the OCLT and go from there. As always, thanks!!

 

[AngelaKelly]

Looks to be mostly, if not all, dead algae or general dirt (from wind/rain?). Sand stays in a pile that you push around, and is harder to actually suck up in a vacuum (heavy) unless on high speed. Dead algae and dirt poof up into clouds, that easily get sucked up - as it is doing in the deep end in the video.

Thanks for the reply! Good insights so I don’t freak out. To confirm, I’ll do the OCLT tonight and go from there but the initial thoughts are helpful!

 

[Texas Splash]

Sounds good. We'll watch for the OCLT results tomorrow and go from there. In the meantime, when you get a chance, see if you can post a couple pics of your equipment pad so we can see the filter and plumbing from different angles. Might come in handy tomorrow.

 

[sande005]

Those dogs.....mine never pre-shower or wipe their feet when using the pool. It can be very surprising the amount of sand they contribute......

 

[AngelaKelly]

Those dogs.....mine never pre-shower or wipe their feet when using the pool. It can be very surprising the amount of sand they contribute......

Ha! Last year he was a puppy and didn’t enjoy! This year, he likes to cool off on the top step! If it is because of him, I’ll take it!

 

[AngelaKelly]

Sounds good. We'll watch for the OCLT results tomorrow and go from there. In the meantime, when you get a chance, see if you can post a couple pics of your equipment pad so we can see the filter and plumbing from different angles. Might come in handy tomorrow.

Ok! Here you go…

 

[AngelaKelly]

Sounds good. We'll watch for the OCLT results tomorrow and go from there. In the meantime, when you get a chance, see if you can post a couple pics of your equipment pad so we can see the filter and plumbing from different angles. Might come in handy tomorrow.

Also, noticed bubbles in my pump basket. Could that be something off with the circulation? Here’s a video to see further:

Pump basket

I will say that I backwashed for longer today and because I knew I had to do the OCLT test tonight, I did not add water and the water is below the arrow skimmer line so maybe it’s sucking air? I’ll add water tomorrow, after the OCLT.

Thanks again!

 

[Texas Splash]

Nice pics. Good set-up with lots of unions for access to work on equipment later if needed. Nice.

 

[Texas Splash]

Could that be something off with the circulation?

Probably some air getting pulled in on the suction side. Should not be related to the sand/dirt issue, but we certainly discuss that a bit later. As to the water level, water about 3/4 up the skimmer is a good rule of thumb. If it's a little lower at the moment, you can address that tomorrow after the OCLT.

 

[AngelaKelly]

Probably some air getting pulled in on the suction side. Should not be related to the sand/dirt issue, but we certainly discuss that a bit later. As to the water level, water about 3/4 up the skimmer is a good rule of thumb. If it's a little lower at the moment, you can address that tomorrow after the OCLT.

It is just below the line that indicates water level. I know it’s because backwashing earlier today and evaporation from a hot day.
I’ll fill water tomorrow after OCLT and go from there. Stay tuned. Thanks!

 

[AngelaKelly]

It is just below the line that indicates water level. I know it’s because backwashing earlier today and evaporation from a hot day.
I’ll fill water tomorrow after OCLT and go from there. Stay tuned. Thanks!

OCLT results -

Last night at 8:30pm: FC 8.4
This morning at 7:00am: FC 6.2

I turned my SWG off about 20 minutes before performing the OCLT.

Water temp is 76. Also, we are experiencing a heatwave in NY, they have closed schools (I know it is uncommon in the south) but we are facing record high heat. During the day it was 94 degrees which dropped into the low 70’s last night. Not sure if that can have an impact.

 

[Texas Splash]

Last night at 8:30pm: FC 8.4
This morning at 7:00: FC 6.2

Rats! Well, that's a fail and good reason to go right into (and maintain) the SLAM Process.

 

[Texas Splash]

Oh, and it looks like you're still using the 25 ml water sample size and 0.2 math. Remember, the 10 ml sample size is plenty accurate enough and will save you some reagents.

10 ml water sample, add just ONE generous scoop of powder, count drops and mix until clear. Divide result in half. Example: 24 drops to clear equals an FC of 12.

 

[AngelaKelly]

Rats! Well, that's a fail and good reason to go right into (and maintain) the SLAM Process.

FML. Here we go…

 

[Texas Splash]

 

[sande005]

Not to hijack - but since I am gearing up to redo some of my plumbing - what's the purpose of the hose bib on the pump outlet line?
It looks like the multiport already has a large line out for waste.

At least you can safely swim, even with CL at SLAM levels, to combat the heat wave.

 

[AngelaKelly]

Can I add water after I start my slam?