- Aug 2, 2011
- 5
I'm a newbie here. I bought a pool (Intex 12' x 30" above ground) for my family in June as we now have 3 kids: 12yr, 4 yrs and now a 9 mth old. Things have been fine and the pool has been fun and sparkly ......until we *finally* got rain and then the pool started to look 'dirty' - also it might be helpful to say we have a large tree in the middle of our yard and the pool is close to it.
I will say that the filter was in need of replacement when the "dirty" look started coming on (everyone was OUT!) but I have now replaced it.
The readings (via test strips.....I know, they are not liked on here), I also have a drop test kit:
Before the storm: After the storm:
TH: 200 100
FC: 5 2
pH: 7.2 7.2
TA: 120 180
CYA: 30-50 0
Drop test readings:
FC: 5 3
pH: 7.2 7.5
Since I'm new to having a pool I can not determine if the "dirty" look is just dust/dirt blown in from storm as well as due to our tree? Or if it's alge growing?
How do I get rid of the dust on the bottom of pool (the 'stuff' looks like dirt when I use the leaf skimmer to disturb it)? How do I know if it's alge?
I'm sorry if I'm asking what may be simple questions with obvious answers but I just feel plain lost?
Do I shock the pool? How much? I have the pump that came with the pool and I'm a little afraid to run it 24/7 and burning it out, but do I need to run it for 24 hrs to see if that fixes it?
Also, what are these "socks" I've seen people talking about when helping to filter?
Any help would be very appreciated!!
Thanks!
I will say that the filter was in need of replacement when the "dirty" look started coming on (everyone was OUT!) but I have now replaced it.
The readings (via test strips.....I know, they are not liked on here), I also have a drop test kit:
Before the storm: After the storm:
TH: 200 100
FC: 5 2
pH: 7.2 7.2
TA: 120 180
CYA: 30-50 0
Drop test readings:
FC: 5 3
pH: 7.2 7.5
Since I'm new to having a pool I can not determine if the "dirty" look is just dust/dirt blown in from storm as well as due to our tree? Or if it's alge growing?
How do I get rid of the dust on the bottom of pool (the 'stuff' looks like dirt when I use the leaf skimmer to disturb it)? How do I know if it's alge?
I'm sorry if I'm asking what may be simple questions with obvious answers but I just feel plain lost?
Do I shock the pool? How much? I have the pump that came with the pool and I'm a little afraid to run it 24/7 and burning it out, but do I need to run it for 24 hrs to see if that fixes it?
Also, what are these "socks" I've seen people talking about when helping to filter?
Any help would be very appreciated!!
Thanks!