First time trying to SLAM, help needed

jperlin

Member
May 12, 2025
7
CT
Pool Size
18000
Surface
Vinyl
Chlorine
Salt Water Generator
SWG Type
Hayward Aqua Rite (T-15)
I bought the TFP salt pro kit to start testing my water more accurately this season. Pool was recently opened, and the deep end has a green tint to it - can see clearly to the bottom. 18k gal inground pool.

First test, CYA = 0. I could see the metal circle at the bottom perfectly even when the cylinder was completely full. CC = 1.5, FC = 1.5. So, I followed the SLAM checklist and used the pool math app. I added the required stabilizer in a large sock, hung it in front of a return yesterday morning, and by late night it was fully dissolved from the sock. Ran the pump overnight. This morning I tested again, and CC = 0.5, but FC went to 0. Tested CYA too just to see, and while definitely cloudier this time, I could still make out the metal circle even when full - but it was certainly getting less visible.

So, pool math app told me SLAM FC = 12, so to add 1.7 gallons of 12.5% liquid shock. Did that, and tested again at 12:30. FC still 0. Added another 1.7 gallons of liquid shock, tested again at 1:30. FC still 0.

What am I doing wrong?
 
Welcome to TFP.

You are not doing anything wrong.

Your algae enjoys eating the chlorine. Keep feeding it chlorine after every test. That is the MAINTAIN part of the process.

Maintain a FC of 12.
 
Welcome to TFP.

You are not doing anything wrong.

Your algae enjoys eating the chlorine. Keep feeding it chlorine after every test. That is the MAINTAIN part of the process.

Maintain a FC of 12.
Ok, will do! Just to confirm, it'll take 24 drops of R-0871 to = 12 FC once it gets to that point, right?
 
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Got it up to ~9.5 FC with the last addition! I added a small amount as instructed by pool math and will wait a bit to test one more time tonight. Thanks for the help.
 
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Update:

My last test last night was at 6:00 pm and read FC 11, CC 0.5. Added minimal liquid chlorine per pool math to get to FF 12. Ran pump all night.

Just tested 7am - FC 6.5, CC 0.5 (slightest pink tint required 1 drop for perfectly clear). Also, CYA seems still a bit below 30 because I can just make out the black circle at the 30 mark.

Water looks pretty good. What’s my next step - keep going with liquid chlorine another few rounds?
 
Do you meet the three exit criteria first the SLAM Process?

Sone people like to go an extra day after meeting the exit criteria just yo be sure.
 
I’ll have to do the OCLT tonight, I last tested last night when the sun was still out. I guess I’ll maintain the 12 FC today until sundown and then see how it is in the AM.
 
So, last night 9:30pm I was at FC 10 and CC 0.5. This morning before sunrise, FC 9 and CC 0.5.

Water is clear, but some spots on tanning ledge and steps mainly of brown settlement at bottom (would be easily removed by robot vac).

My CYA still seems to be barely, if not a bit below 30.

Suggestions at this point? If I end the SLAM, do I wait a while to turn on my SWG? I assume I want to wait until FC comes down to 3 or so?

Is there a calc or rule of thumb on what % to set a SWG to to maintain correct FC?
 
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My CYA still seems to be barely, if not a bit below 30.

Suggestions at this point? If I end the SLAM, do I wait a while to turn on my SWG?

Yes, raise your CYA to at least 50 to 60 and turn on your SWG.
I assume I want to wait until FC comes down to 3 or so?

Run hot after the SLAM. Keep your FC at the high end of the range. About 6 for CYA 30.

Is there a calc or rule of thumb on what % to set a SWG to to maintain correct FC?
The calculation is in PoolMath EFFECTS OF ADDING.

Start high % and lower it if FC rises. Keep your FC up so algae does not return.

Please create your signature with details of your pool and equipment so we can give you specific advice.
 
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