What do I do next?

[Poolnoob12]

Hello Everyone! We just moved into our first house and now also own our first pool. We decided to go the BBB route after reading so much about it on here. So, the water is clear, some black algae dots on bottom of pool, lots of green on the sides, some scaling, lots of staining... The inspector told us we basically need to replace the plaster, but we want to hold off for another year or two. I've brushed the pool, but it still looks the same.

Our numbers:

In-ground Gunite
Hayward DE filter
17,000 gal

pH - 7.5
FC - 1.6
CC - 0?
TA - 80
CH - 180
CYA - 0? We used the Taylor K-2006 and the dot never disappeared :/ We added 4lbs stabilizer a couple days ago, but not testing it again for another week, right?

OK, now what? Is it safe to swim in? The pool walls/concrete look yucky, but the water is nice and clear. Also, every time I add a new chemical, should I have the pump run for a longer period of time? Right now we have our timer set for about 8-9 hours a day.

Thanks in advance -- this site is so great!

 

[Casey]

Welcome PoolNoob!

You got a good idea on ordering a good test kit and adding CYA. You mentioned you had algae growing in the way of Black dots and lots of green on the sides. Well, I would SLAM the pool then. Brush it daily and SLAM it to coincide with the amount of CYA you added. You can read about it here :lookhere: SLAMing Your Pool. Once you pass the Overnight FC Loss Test, you can let your FC fall back into range with your CYA. You can find that info here :lookhere: Chlorine CYA Chart. If you pass the OCLT and you still have black algae, run a slightly higher FC level and brush those spots with a metal pool brush daily until they are all gone.

If you have any questions, ask away!

 

[Poolnoob12]

Thank you! We will try this-- we didn't even think about doing this!

 

[Butterfly]

Welcome to TFP

It would help us answer your q's if you add your pool and equipment specs in your pool: http://www.troublefreepool.com/content/115-read-before-you-post

Be sure to scrub/brush that BA with a SS algae brush at least once daily. http://www.troublefreepool.com/content/180-Black-Algae

How old is the pool and what is the condition of the plaster? Is it rough to the touch?

 

[Poolnoob12]

Thanks, Butterfly -- I added my information in the signature! The pool is oooold. Pieces of plaster were breaking off when I brushed.

So... bad news. After adding all the bleach for the slam, I woke up this morning to a very very loud pump. It looked like there was hardly any water where the pump basket is, so I switched it off and went to work. I came home and turned it back on and saw about three pin hole leaks coming from the side of the pump. We JUST BOUGHT THE HOUSE. We have AHS warranty -- hope the pump is covered. Anyone have any experience with AHS and/or pump leaks/replacements?

Thanks

- - - Updated - - -

At least I thought I had my signature saved. Let's try again.

- - - Updated - - -

Copy and paste will do

17000 gal IG Gunite
Hayward Pro Grid DE Filter
Pentair Challenger Pump
10-20 years old?
Taylor K-2006

 

[kimkats]

No idea about the AHS but have a hug for you after all of this. Where are the leaks on the pump? Can you post a pic of them?

Kim

 

[tim5055]

We JUST BOUGHT THE HOUSE. We have AHS warranty -- hope the pump is covered. Anyone have any experience with AHS and/or pump leaks/replacements?

Thanks

Pools and Spas are not covered in the standard AHS policy. You need to pull out the contract you got and see it they added the optional coverage.

Pricing & Plans

Our home protection plans provide confidence that if a covered item breaks, you may not feel the sudden pinch that comes with appliance and system repairs or replacements - not to mention the stress that comes with finding a qualified service contractor. You just get the confidence that comes with knowing that you've covered this one in advance.
Optional Add-Ons

Didn't see something specific on the lists above? Don't worry. You can always add coverage for each of the following to your plan (additional cost per item):

• Pool/Spa
• Water Softener
• Well Pump
• Septic Pumping

 

[Poolnoob12]

Someone is coming by to look at it tomorrow. I'm just waiting for our pool to turn slimy green :'( thanks for the help everyone.

 

[techman65]

I was having issues with a leaking pump seal recently and AHS went ahead and replaced the pump under our coverage.

 

[Poolnoob12]

Good news is the pump was replaced... bad news is the water level has decreased considerably-- I added water through garden hose for about an hour. Today the level looks slightly lower and I noticed the skimmer closest to the filter and pump is pulling water into it with quite a bit of force.. is that supposed to happen? This is turning into a headache.

Thanks

 

[Richard320]

Good news is the pump was replaced... bad news is the water level has decreased considerably-- I added water through garden hose for about an hour. Today the level looks slightly lower and I noticed the skimmer closest to the filter and pump is pulling water into it with quite a bit of force.. is that supposed to happen? This is turning into a headache.

Thanks

That depends on how things are plumbed.

Is each skimmer on a separate valve? What about the main drain? It could be there should be a diverter in there, or there is and it needs adjusting. Also look that the skimmer flapper isn't sticking or missing.

 

[Poolnoob12]

Just checked... skimmer flapper is missing---Thanks!

Since the pump was replaced, the filter seems to be less efficient -- unsure if it's because of the water level or the filter needing to be cleaned....maybe both.

 

[Poolnoob12]

Well, we cleaned the filter, added more DE, so that helped with the efficiency. We saw bubbles coming out of the return jets and found an air leak possibly with the pump lid since the bubbles decreased when we tightened it. Hopefully replacing it will take care of that issue...

When the filter is on, we noticed a drip by the multi-port valve and some water dripping into the backwash/waste line. Any insight to this?

Thanks

 

[Abigail K]

Sounds like wear and tear of the spider gasket in the multi-port valve, I would advise replacing the spider gasket.

 

[Poolnoob12]

Thanks, Abigail. We are trying to detect all issues ourselves before calling AHS and/or bringing in the professionals!