Hi guys...go easy on me, we're 3 years into this pool thing and learning as we go. We've learned a little more each year but still have a ways to go. Last year I discovered this forum and finally got into a system and thought I had things figured out. But over the winter, we left our pool uncovered, so lately I've been dealing with...
- A few weeks of vacuuming up all of the dirt, sand, and grime that accumulated on the bottom (vacuuming on waste then refilling with the hose...done this probably a dozen times slowly chipping away at the grime)
- 2 algae explosions
- Can't maintain chlorine (no CYA I guess?)
- Stains that are green/orangey
Our pool used to be sparking clear and a beautiful turquoise blue because we had to empty and refill it the last 2 years, but since leaving it open this winter we are dealing with a murky, green look. No leaves or debris, but walls and the pool floor are slightly slimy to the touch. Over the winter I would maintain a decent clear look by throwing in a gallon of bleach here and there. Once spring came, I started the year with a good pH and Alkalinity, no chlorine, and no CYA (I've never ever done the CYA test and not been able to see the black dot at the bottom). Obviously I've just kind of been winging it, but it's time to get it under control and safe for consistent swimming.
Test results this morning were:
Chlorine Drop Test - No chlorine...did not turn pink after adding powder
pH - 8.2
Alk -70
CYA - Could never not see the black dot
I have the TF-100 kit and am at a loss as to what to do from here. Do I need to SLAM? I've never done this, as I don't think I have the correct test material for the OCLT. About 2 weeks ago I had a full blown algae bloom and added few bags of shock left over from our pool store days, which helped for a day or so, but then right back to no chlorine showing. Do I need Stabilizer? Do I continue to keep trying to vacuum the remaining junk up? I brush the pool almost every day and there is always a lot of stuff that moves around, but then it just settles back and I feel like it's a never ending cycle.
Any advice is greatly appreciated!
- A few weeks of vacuuming up all of the dirt, sand, and grime that accumulated on the bottom (vacuuming on waste then refilling with the hose...done this probably a dozen times slowly chipping away at the grime)
- 2 algae explosions
- Can't maintain chlorine (no CYA I guess?)
- Stains that are green/orangey
Our pool used to be sparking clear and a beautiful turquoise blue because we had to empty and refill it the last 2 years, but since leaving it open this winter we are dealing with a murky, green look. No leaves or debris, but walls and the pool floor are slightly slimy to the touch. Over the winter I would maintain a decent clear look by throwing in a gallon of bleach here and there. Once spring came, I started the year with a good pH and Alkalinity, no chlorine, and no CYA (I've never ever done the CYA test and not been able to see the black dot at the bottom). Obviously I've just kind of been winging it, but it's time to get it under control and safe for consistent swimming.
Test results this morning were:
Chlorine Drop Test - No chlorine...did not turn pink after adding powder
pH - 8.2
Alk -70
CYA - Could never not see the black dot
I have the TF-100 kit and am at a loss as to what to do from here. Do I need to SLAM? I've never done this, as I don't think I have the correct test material for the OCLT. About 2 weeks ago I had a full blown algae bloom and added few bags of shock left over from our pool store days, which helped for a day or so, but then right back to no chlorine showing. Do I need Stabilizer? Do I continue to keep trying to vacuum the remaining junk up? I brush the pool almost every day and there is always a lot of stuff that moves around, but then it just settles back and I feel like it's a never ending cycle.
Any advice is greatly appreciated!
