Can't get pool clear

[finine]

We are first time pool owners (moved in November) and pulled the cover off 2 weeks ago. It was a swamp and we have been skimming, adding chlorine, stabilizer and we just can't seem to get the water clear. It's not green anymore, just cloudy. Here are our levels as of tonight:

FC = 13
CC = 1
CYA = 35
pH = 7.2

The bottom is clear of debris, but we can see the dead algae on the steps. Last weekend we put water clarifier. Today we put sad filter cleaner in. We are buying chlorine at SAMs by the gallon and adding every 1-2 days; the FC level has been between 13-15 for the past week.

Advice?

 

[JasonLion]

Welcome to TFP!

It sounds like you are making good progress and almost have it licked. At this point you should be seeing some improvement in the water each day, even if it is a very small improvement.

What kind of filter do you have? How has the filter pressure been behaving? Have you been cleaning/backwashing the filter and if so how often?

 

[finine]

We have a sand filter, up until the past 2-3 days backwashing every 8 hrs (5-7 psi increase) now 1x day 2-4 psi increase also brushing daily and there is visible dead (brown "dirt") algae on the steps. Brushing to the deep end. Appreciate your insight and assistance

 

[257WbyMag]

You probably just need filter time and patience. You're doing the right thing. Keep in mind that when you backwash, you are losing stabilizer (CYA) when you do it. This can make it tougher to maintain your FC in an algae battle. I would wait to backwash only when your filter pressure is at least 25% higher than it would normally when clean.

 

[Casey]

It also takes time for your filter to *filter out* all the particles in the water from the dead algae.

POP = Pool Owner Patience!

 

[finine]

Thanks all! Appreciate the great advice!

 

[heikejohn]

We are buying chlorine at SAMs by the gallon and adding every 1-2 days; the FC level has been between 13-15 for the past week.

Advice?

Are you sure that the level neverwent below shock value at any time? If it did, that means you are starting from scratch at that point. The algae would just come back during that time.

 

[finine]

We are buying chlorine at SAMs by the gallon and adding every 1-2 days; the FC level has been between 13-15 for the past week.

Advice?

Are you sure that the level neverwent below shock value at any time? If it did, that means you are starting from scratch at that point. The algae would just come back during that time.

In the past 9 days it has not. That's when our test kit arrived.

 

[duraleigh]

You'll get there. Keep that pump and filter going 24/7 and brush when you can. Take a good swig of that POP Casey mentions.....we all have to do that from time to time, especially when clearing a pool.

 

[finine]

Appreciate all your experience and advice, we will keep at it. Never been a big drinker pop will sit on the table. Hahaha

 

[fast1971chevelle]

you can add some d.e to the sand filter to filter out those fine particals and speed up the process, take some d.e and put it in a bucket and mix it with water and slowly pour it into the skimmer until the pressure rises 1 psi, but you have to re-add the d.e after every backwash and rinse....keep up the good work .....Mike