Foreclosure With Neglected Pool, Please Help!

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aimee457

Well-known member
Apr 25, 2018
68
Middletown oh
Hello all! We recently purchased a foreclosed home that came with an inground pool. We moved in in November so didn't do anything with it until this week. The pool likely hasn't been opened in 3 years and wasn't closed properly (per the pool company I had come out to open it). There was a blue mesh cover installed over a damaged tarp like cover. I had a local pool company come out on Tuesday 5/1 to open the pool. They took the cover off to reveal a disgusting green swamp. We could actually see to the bottom in the shallow end but the deep end was deep green and the bottom wasn't visible at all. The guy started using the leaf rake and pulled out a ton of leaves. After getting as much as he could, they brushed the pull, set up the filter and added a ton of chemicals. I can look up exactly what he put in but I know it was a lot of chlorine and some other stuff. He said to let it clear up over the next few days and when we could see the bottom, continue getting the leaves out and probably we would need to shock it again. He suggested bringing the water into the store to have it tested.

I've been reading here and had already purchased a Taylor K 2006 which arrived yesterday. Today I tested the water but it was my first time and rather confusing so I'm not 100% confident in my results. I did the FC test twice to verify and didn't do the cc because my FC result was 0. I figured if there was no FC there was probably no CC, but that might be incorrect.

On the advice of the pool guy, I have been running the filter 24/7 for two days and do not have the cartidges in, he said the algae would just clog them up. Is this ok to do? It's a Hayward cartridge filter, I do not know what model but I can probably find out.

Here are the test results I just got today:

FC- 0
CYA- 0
PH- 7.2
CH- 150


The pool is a bluish color now and looks a ton better, but still very cloudy. I don't know how many leaves are in the bottom and I know I need to start the Slam process, which is what I'm confused about. I did the pool math but I guess I'm missing something because I'm not seeing how much chlorine to add to get it to shock level. Any advice would be greatly appreciated! I'm going to include some pics.pool 1.jpgpool 2.jpg
 
Hello and welcome to TFP! :wave: Well, you inherited quite a project, but have already done a lot. Nice. Let's get it done now:
- Continue to physically remove as much gunk as you can now. The more you remove now, the better the SLAM.
- Check pH and lower to about 7.2 (orange)
- Yes, you need the cartridges in there, but when you first start, you'll want to be nearby because you'll have to watch the pressure and probably rinse the cartridges off several times throughout the SLAM.
- Because your water has been neglected for so long, I would recommend the following process (have granule stabilizer and LOTS of "regular" bleach on-hand and ready):
- Test CYA; we already know the FC is zero.
1. Begin a SLAM and dose FC up to SLAM level of "10" for now (regular bleach). Do not add additional CYA (stabilizer) yet.
2. Retest FC at 10-minute intervals.
a. If FC loss is greater than 50%, add FC to bring back up to SLAM level and continue retesting FC @ 10-minute intervals.
b. IF FC loss is 50% or less, add FC to bring back up to SLAM level. Go to Step 3.
3. If CYA is below 30 ppm, add enough CYA to bring level up to 30 ppm.
4. Increase FC to "12" and continue SLAM as directed in the SLAM article until the SLAM Criteria of done are met. Test as directed in the SLAM article - no longer need to test FC at 10 minute increments at this point. Only as required throughout the day to keep it at 12.

Perform your FC test as follows: 10ml sample w/ ONE heaping scoop of power and mix. Count drops until clear and divide by 2. (standard method); i.e. 20 drops = FC of 10.

After the SLAM, we'll worry about the other test items. For now, you're focused on getting a good starting CYA reading, then maintain the FC SLAM level. Let us know if you have any questions. :)

- - - Updated - - -

Also for your use:
Adding CYA:
To increase CYA via granular stabilizer, place the required amount as calculated by the Poolmath calculator into a white sock and place in the poolside skimmer basket. For those concerned about suction flow to the pump, suspending the sock near a return jet or from a floating device will also suffice. Best never to allow undissolved granules to rest directly against the pool surface. Squeeze the sock periodically to help it dissipate. Once dissolved, consider your CYA adjusted to that programmed (target) level. CYA test readings should show a rise in 24-48 hours, however some pools may experience a longer delay to fully register. Best to confirm final CYA in about 5-7 days before adding any more stabilizer/conditioner.

CYA Testing:
Proper lighting is critical for the CYA test, so you want to test for CYA outside on a bright sunny day. Taylor recommends standing outside with your back to the sun and the view tube in the shade of your body. Use the mixing bottle to combine/gently mix the required amounts of pool water and R-0013 reagent, let sit for 30 seconds, then gently mix again. Then, while holding the skinny tube with the black dot at waist level, begin squirting the mixed solution into the skinny tube. Watch the black dot until it completely disappears. If it helps, pour a little, look away, then look back and pour some more. Once it disappears, record the CYA reading. After the first test, you can pour the mixed solution from the skinny view tube back to the mixing bottle, shake, and do the same test a second, third, or fourth time to instill consistency in your technique, become more comfortable with the testing, and validate the CYA reading.
Click to expand...
 
So when I start the slam process, I just use the pool math calculator and set my target to fc of 10, is that correct?
Click to expand...
You got it! :goodjob: The calculator is your friend. :) For the FC row, make sure to check the bleach % strength on your bottle (i.e 8.25%) and manually update the white (WEIGHT) field.
 
For now ... yes. I mean do test the pH once before raising the FC level. Make sure pH is low at about 7.2, then you're done with pH until the SLAM is finished. Once you know the FC will hold relatively well for 10 minutes as tested above, then go ahead and use the sock-soaking method to add the amount of stabilizer from the calculator to reach your CYA goal of 30. Once the sock is in, consider that CYA at 30. Then keep the FC elevated at 12 and you are officially in SLAM mode.
 
Ok I added the required amount of bleach for fc level 10. Tested fc 10 min later and got fc 13. So did I add too much?

Also, when I tested the cya earlier this afternoon it wasn't super sunny. Should I trust my result or test again tomorrow to see if I get a different result and add the cya tomorrow?

Sorry for so many questions, I'm learning!
 

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Yes, I agree. ^^ You should be clear to move forward. Stabilizer (CYA) goal of 30, and FC SLAM level of 12. SLAMmmmmmmm!

dbtgallery.php
 
I decided to recheck my cya this morning because I was worried I did the test wrong. Still coming out to 0 so getting ready to add the cya. My fc reading this morning is 9.

I do not want to make a mistake with the cya so I need some clarification. Pool math tells me to add 107oz by weight of stabilizer. I have two canisters 4lbs each, (64 oz?) So I will be adding all of one and most of the other. This is too much to put in a sock at one time. Do I add it little by little? Does that seem like too much stabilizer?
 
I get the same thing, 107 oz or a little over 6lbs. I prefer to add a sock at a time, but there is no reason to not hang socks in front of separate returns or to put a couple of socks in the skimmer.
 
Thank you for the quick replies! I added about 2 lb to a large white sock and it's currently in the skimmer basket. Also brought my fc back up to 12. We got some more leaves and gunk out last night but it's so difficult when you can't see what you're doing. Will the water start to clear enough that we can make out some of what's in there?
 
Of course! Algae can hide in ladders and lights and make the SLAM go longer. It's not an immediate concern, but might as well pull those things out and bleach them separately. Later today/tomorrow is fine.
 

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