Sand, dirt, or algae?

[Texas Splash]

what's the purpose of the hose bib on the pump outlet line?

Just a convenient way to let water out or clean the area with a garden hose if needed. Probably more common with cart filters since we don't have a waste option, but an option for sand/DE owners none the less.

 

[Texas Splash]

Can I add water after I start my slam?

Of course. Yeah, you said it was a bit low. Go for it.

 

[sande005]

Just a convenient way to let water out or clean the area with a garden hose if needed. Probably more common with cart filters since we don't have a waste option, but an option for sand/DE owners none the less.

Thanks - glad I had them plumb in a big waste line when the cart filter was installed. 8" of rain the last few days, so I'd be running that hose a long time!

 

[Newdude]

I am to the point that I'm all but screaming it these days.

SWG. Pools. Still. Swing.

The size of the unit and time of day it produces may reduce some swing, but testing a 6 FC means nothing if it's not the low point of the day.

If it *is* the low point of the day, that's much better but you're one big storm, a power interruption or a high UV day away from dancing the line at minimum. Given enough time to have one day go a litttle too south, folks get bit.

Once you're through the woods here, operate at high target going forward for insurance against all those curveballs the universe likes to throw at us.

 

[AngelaKelly]

 

[AngelaKelly]

Ok, last question - added 4 gallons of bleach 30 minutes ago and FC is only up to 15. Should I test again later to give it more time to circulate?

 

[Texas Splash]

Add now if you can to reach your target.

 

[Northern cannonball]

Do you use polymorphic sand in your interlock joints? Sand always seems to work its way into my pool after heavy rainfall or lots of splashing

 

[AngelaKelly]

Question - my CYA started at 70. Today is at 80.

I held the added chlorine since yesterday by adding from the morning until 2pm to get it to my SLAM level of 24. I overshot and it got a little higher but numbers stuck until the sun set. I lost 7ppm during my OCLT. Added more FC this morning to get me back up to 24, just tested again and I’m at 23. I added the suggested amount to get me to 24. That’s when I retested cya to show 80.

Does this pattern make sense and do I need to readjust based on increased cya? Will CYA automatically increase?

Thanks!

 

[Newdude]

Will CYA automatically increase?

Not without adding it (typically hidden in pucks and shock for those not in the know).

if none has been added it could be lighting which is why consistency is key with overhead sun for repeatable results.

If all else is equal, the test being subjective may fluctuate +/- 10. Say, a 75 looks more like 70 last time and 80 next time.

 

[AngelaKelly]

Not without adding it (typically hidden in pucks and shock for those not in the know).

if none has been added it could be lighting which is why consistency is key with overhead sun for repeatable results.

If all else is equal, the test being subjective may fluctuate +/- 10. Say, a 75 looks more like 70 last time and 80 next time.

Nothing was added. Should I call it 75 and increase my FC?

What about holding FC levels all day, in record temps and then dropping 7ppm during OCLT? Normal?

 

[Newdude]

What about holding FC levels all day, in record temps and then dropping 7ppm during OCLT? Normal?

No. I'd chalk that up to a fluke testing error. Run another OCLT to be sure. Clean the vials well before both tests.

People tend to foul up the AM test alot. I blame both too much and also not enough coffee. Like at the same time. Lol.

Round up for 80 CYA for now.

 

[AngelaKelly]

No. I'd chalk that up to a fluke testing error. Run another OCLT to be sure. Clean the vials well before both tests.

People tend to foul up the AM test alot. I blame both too much and also not enough coffee. Like at the same time. Lol.

Round up for 80 CYA for

Completed my third OCLT this morning and my first test showed a drop in 4. I wanted to ensure there was no human error so I decided to clean the vial again and doublechecked my reagent which expired last March. I had a back up so I opened it to test again.

With my new reagent and cleaned vial,
I lost 1 ppm overnight and have no CC.

Here is a picture of my test logs this morning.

With that said, I also attached a picture of what started this entire forum - is this algae, sand, or dirt? We brush everyday and run the vacuum, yet this appears throughout the day. We are surrounded by trees and at the end of the season we plan to check the sand and laterals as we are unsure of the last time it had been done (we bought our home in 2020 and have not done it since. Not sure what the previous owner did).

So…Any thoughts?

Thanks!

 

[Newdude]

With my new reagent and cleaned vial,
I lost 1 ppm overnight and have no CC.

That's a borderline pass and could go either way. It's probably ok though.

this algae, sand, or dirt?

It's not a stretch to think it's the tail end of pollen season in upstate NY right now.

We are surrounded by trees and at the end of the season we plan to check the sand and laterals as we are unsure of the last time it had been done (we bought our home in 2020 and have not done it since. Not sure what the previous owner did).

I'd get in there and deep clean it. #nostonesleftunturned.

Deep Cleaning a Sand Filter

This post will walk you through the anatomy of a sand filter, and then provide a video at the end for how to deep clean your sand filter. The filter used in the photos and videos is a Hayward S180T top mount sand filter. The images are of a similar filter. Obviously not all filters are...

www.troublefreepool.com

 

[bobloblaw42]

Pollen sells so many robotic / automatic cleaners for the very reason you described. It seems to keep coming back - just the nature of an outdoor pool.

 

[GaryV512]

I have/had similar. Thru research I have found that a broken/cracked lateral in the sand filter could cause you to have this symptom.

You additionally might benefit from "re-building" or at least checking your multi-port valve? You can buy a gasket and spring on the web and fairly straightforward so you can DIY it in 30 minutes, and assure yourself that the valve is ok. My old gasket was all beaten up when I opened mine up. YT videos show how.

I was also told my sand was old and needed to be replaced. The gent replaced it with glass medium saying it would filter better, now I have glass medium in my pool and in my backwash, which certified to me that I had a lateral problem as it was clearly NOT sand. If you're looking to empty the filter and replace laterals, make sure you look at filter manufacture date. Pentair changed lateral design, and you might need the older or newer type.

My filter unit is old, so I'm replacing it in favor of a cartridge filter.

Gary

 

[AngelaKelly]

Thank you, all! I really appreciate the advice and guidance from this platform.