Please keep in mind I am a newbie as far as BBB and this new to me way of treating the pool.
Going back to the very beginning because it’s a very good place to start!
Upon purchasing this home 5 years ago, we had the pool thoroughly inspected by a reputable regional pool company. Everything checked out fine.
Used a local pool company to close the pool using what the previous owner's used which was a typical IG solid pool with water bags, sump pump, etc. Used the same pool company to open it the following spring and everything was beautiful!
Because of little kidlings and dogs, we didn't feel comfortable with the solid cover, water bag scenario so replaced that cover with a Meyco safety cover. Like it a lot with the exception of the mesh allows sunlight and silt in the pool during the winter and apparently, if it’s not opened early enough (before temps and sun increase) we end up with a Shrek pool.
We didn't have a lot of trouble keeping the ps values where recommended UNTIL we replaced the vinyl cover a couple seasons ago. We've NEVER since replacing the vinyl liner been able to have a stable pool and it has taken a long time (weeks) to clear up the algae upon opening.
Before I found this amazing site, when opening the pool this year on 05.26.08 it was as green and swampy as can be. My 5 y/o dn who didn't remember it last year said, "it looks like Shrek's bathtub".
--->first time posting a pic to any forum, hope it works
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Please note: zero hour, first day, nothing with regard to the pool or area looks the way it will when it is truly able to be used!
Went to the local pool supplier (why doesn't it end as liar instead?) and purchased their recommended Green Treat. Used it as they instructed: use 1 container (2#) of GT, wait 1 hr, shock with 4 gal of pool shock, run filter, brush, vacuum, backwash, (lather, rinse and repeat). If nothing changes within 48 hours, come back we'll sell you more stuff (as I've learned on your site). Since then, I've purchased No Mor Problems (ps recommendation-which I have NOT used) because even though the pool is no longer green it is VERY cloudy. I haven't been able to keep the chlorine where it needs to be long enough for it to become clear. My values currently are:
AquaChek 4 test strips (I know, going to get drop kit ASAP):
pH 7.2
FC 3 (going to add 4 more gal now)
TA 120
CY bright yellow (which isn't even an option - will retest in a few hours)
hth 6 way strips:
TH 200
FC 0
pH 7.2
TA 120
CY 0
Did I royally mess things up by using Green Treat? Other than adding 4 more gal of chlorine, what should I do?
Also, it appears my automatic chlorinator (3" tabs) isn't working as shouldn't that show me some kind of reading? We did put 4 gals of liq chlorine in this morning (approx 6 hours ago).
It appears based on the posts I've read that I need to add CYA however; I'm a little leery as I am using the tabs until I can spring for the Liquinator and they have CYA in them.
Any advice you can provide would be extremely helpful!
Thanks a million!
P.S.-I am not adverse to going to the local ps to get H20 tested but please let me know when reading I should request.
P.P.S.-Wasn't certain whether this should be posted under algae or chems 101.
Going back to the very beginning because it’s a very good place to start!
Upon purchasing this home 5 years ago, we had the pool thoroughly inspected by a reputable regional pool company. Everything checked out fine.
Used a local pool company to close the pool using what the previous owner's used which was a typical IG solid pool with water bags, sump pump, etc. Used the same pool company to open it the following spring and everything was beautiful!
Because of little kidlings and dogs, we didn't feel comfortable with the solid cover, water bag scenario so replaced that cover with a Meyco safety cover. Like it a lot with the exception of the mesh allows sunlight and silt in the pool during the winter and apparently, if it’s not opened early enough (before temps and sun increase) we end up with a Shrek pool.
We didn't have a lot of trouble keeping the ps values where recommended UNTIL we replaced the vinyl cover a couple seasons ago. We've NEVER since replacing the vinyl liner been able to have a stable pool and it has taken a long time (weeks) to clear up the algae upon opening.
Before I found this amazing site, when opening the pool this year on 05.26.08 it was as green and swampy as can be. My 5 y/o dn who didn't remember it last year said, "it looks like Shrek's bathtub".
--->first time posting a pic to any forum, hope it works
Please note: zero hour, first day, nothing with regard to the pool or area looks the way it will when it is truly able to be used!
Went to the local pool supplier (why doesn't it end as liar instead?) and purchased their recommended Green Treat. Used it as they instructed: use 1 container (2#) of GT, wait 1 hr, shock with 4 gal of pool shock, run filter, brush, vacuum, backwash, (lather, rinse and repeat). If nothing changes within 48 hours, come back we'll sell you more stuff (as I've learned on your site). Since then, I've purchased No Mor Problems (ps recommendation-which I have NOT used) because even though the pool is no longer green it is VERY cloudy. I haven't been able to keep the chlorine where it needs to be long enough for it to become clear. My values currently are:
AquaChek 4 test strips (I know, going to get drop kit ASAP):
pH 7.2
FC 3 (going to add 4 more gal now)
TA 120
CY bright yellow (which isn't even an option - will retest in a few hours)
hth 6 way strips:
TH 200
FC 0
pH 7.2
TA 120
CY 0
Did I royally mess things up by using Green Treat? Other than adding 4 more gal of chlorine, what should I do?
Also, it appears my automatic chlorinator (3" tabs) isn't working as shouldn't that show me some kind of reading? We did put 4 gals of liq chlorine in this morning (approx 6 hours ago).
It appears based on the posts I've read that I need to add CYA however; I'm a little leery as I am using the tabs until I can spring for the Liquinator and they have CYA in them.
Any advice you can provide would be extremely helpful!
Thanks a million!
P.S.-I am not adverse to going to the local ps to get H20 tested but please let me know when reading I should request.
P.P.S.-Wasn't certain whether this should be posted under algae or chems 101.