Algae problem turned cloudy trying to fix it

Jump to latest Follow Reply
P

poolmanmc

Member
May 18, 2024
9
Fayetteville Arkansas
Pool Size
7614
Surface
Vinyl
Chlorine
Liquid Chlorine
Ok just realized I’ve been taking total chlorine readings instead of free chlorine. Trying to get rid of algae and now pool is cloudy and won’t clear up. I’ve been running pump almost nonstop for 2 weeks. Cleaning, vacuuming, backwashing, everything I can think of to eliminate it. I’ve got a kit recommendation on here so waiting on it to come in and I will update my levels. The chlorine level is reading orange which is above the levels of the gauge.
Edit: out of the orange and now just in the 7-10 range total chlorine.
==========================================
Monkey pool
------------------------------------------
Build Type: Vinyl
Volume: 7614 gallons
Chemistry: Chlorine
------------------------------------------
Latest Test Result Summary:
FC: 10.0 (1 day ago)
pH: 7.5 (1 day ago)
TA: 70 (5 days ago)
CH: 200 (5 days ago)
CYA: 55 (4 days ago)
==========================================
==========================================
Monkey pool
------------------------------------------
Build Type: Vinyl
Volume: 7614 gallons
Chemistry: Chlorine
------------------------------------------
Latest Test Result Summary:
FC: 10.0 (7 minutes ago)
pH: 7.2 (7 minutes ago)
TA: 70 (7 minutes ago)
CH: 180 (7 minutes ago)
CYA: 55 (4 days ago)
==========================================
 
Last edited:
Welcome to TFP.
We have a process called
SLAM Process
It is our best method to kill and remove algae.
You stated you have ordered a test kit - please let us know which one?
You will also need to use liquid chlorine which can be purchased at Walmart or Home Depot. You may need 10 gals of it to start - depending how green the pool is.
 
  • Like
Reactions: poolmanmc
The new test came in so now I did the free chlorine and combined tests. Here are the results and I still have a cloudy pool.

==========================================
Monkey pool
------------------------------------------
Build Type: Vinyl
Volume: 7614 gallons
Chemistry: Chlorine
------------------------------------------
Latest Test Result Summary:
FC: 5.4 (57 minutes ago)
pH: 8.0 (30 minutes ago)
TA: 70 (40 minutes ago)
CH: 150 (40 minutes ago)
CYA: 60 (10 days ago)
==========================================
 
mknauss said:
Welcome to the forum!
To perform the SLAM Process you need a FAS-DPD test for FC. Do you have that?
I suggest you read through Pool Care Basics - Trouble Free Pool and even look at a few of our videos TFP-TV - Trouble Free Pool
Click to expand...
Ok been doing slam last few day and
HermanTX said:
Welcome to TFP.
We have a process called
SLAM Process
It is our best method to kill and remove algae.
You stated you have ordered a test kit - please let us know which one?
You will also need to use liquid chlorine which can be purchased at Walmart or Home Depot. You may need 10 gals of it to start - depending how green the pool is.
Click to expand...
ok I’ve got the test kit in and been doing a slam last few days.

------------------------------------------
Test Results 06-12-2024 @ 10:44 AM
------------------------------------------
Calcium Hardness: 180

------------------------------------------
Test Results 06-12-2024 @ 10:39 AM
------------------------------------------
pH: 7.7

------------------------------------------
Test Results 06-12-2024 @ 10:33 AM
------------------------------------------
Free Chlorine: 13.8

------------------------------------------
Chemical Addition 06-12-2024 @ 10:30 AM
------------------------------------------
+ 1 Gallons of Bleach

------------------------------------------
Chemical Addition 06-11-2024 @ 08:53 PM
------------------------------------------
+ 64 FluidOunces of Bleach

------------------------------------------
Test Results 06-11-2024 @ 08:51 PM
------------------------------------------
Free Chlorine: 20.0

------------------------------------------
Test Results 06-11-2024 @ 04:55 PM
------------------------------------------
Free Chlorine: 17.0
Combined Chlorine: 1.0

------------------------------------------
Chemical Addition 06-11-2024 @ 04:52 PM
------------------------------------------
+ 63 FluidOunces of Bleach

------------------------------------------
Notes 06-11-2024 @ 03:04 PM
------------------------------------------
Added pool clarifier 2 oz

------------------------------------------
Chemical Addition 06-11-2024 @ 12:12 PM
------------------------------------------
+ 1 Gallons of Bleach

------------------------------------------
Test Results 06-11-2024 @ 12:02 PM
------------------------------------------
pH: 7.6

------------------------------------------
Test Results 06-11-2024 @ 12:00 PM
------------------------------------------
Combined Chlorine: 1.0

------------------------------------------
Test Results 06-11-2024 @ 11:58 AM
------------------------------------------
Free Chlorine: 14.0

------------------------------------------
Maintenance 06-10-2024 @ 08:03 PM
------------------------------------------
Brushed

------------------------------------------
Chemical Addition 06-10-2024 @ 06:23 PM
------------------------------------------
+ 1 Gallons of Bleach

------------------------------------------
Test Results 06-10-2024 @ 06:11 PM
------------------------------------------
CYA: 60

------------------------------------------
Test Results 06-10-2024 @ 06:06 PM
------------------------------------------
Combined Chlorine: 0.8

------------------------------------------
Test Results 06-10-2024 @ 05:57 PM
------------------------------------------
Free Chlorine: 5.4
Combined Chlorine: 1.0

------------------------------------------
Test Results 06-09-2024 @ 04:06 PM
------------------------------------------
pH: 8.0

------------------------------------------
Test Results 06-09-2024 @ 03:57 PM
------------------------------------------
Total Alkalinity: 70
Calcium Hardness: 150

------------------------------------------
Chemical Addition 06-09-2024 @ 03:56 PM
------------------------------------------
+ 1 Gallons of Bleach

------------------------------------------
Test Results 06-09-2024 @ 03:40 PM
------------------------------------------
Free Chlorine: 5.4

------------------------------------------
Maintenance 06-08-2024 @ 09:05 PM
------------------------------------------
Cleaned Filter, Backwashed

------------------------------------------
Chemical Addition 06-08-2024 @ 01:54 PM
------------------------------------------
+ 1 Gallons of Bleach

------------------------------------------
Test Results 06-08-2024 @ 01:45 PM
------------------------------------------
Free Chlorine: 1.0
pH: 7.2

------------------------------------------
Test Results 06-07-2024 @ 02:37 PM
------------------------------------------
Free Chlorine: 2.0
pH: 7.2

------------------------------------------
Test Results 06-05-2024 @ 04:52 PM
------------------------------------------
Free Chlorine: 10.0
pH: 7.2
Total Alkalinity: 70
Calcium Hardness: 180
HermanTX said:
Welcome to TFP.
We have a process called
SLAM Process
It is our best method to kill and remove algae.
You stated you have ordered a test kit - please let us know which one?
You will also need to use liquid chlorine which can be purchased at Walmart or Home Depot. You may need 10 gals of it to start - depending how green the pool is.
Click to expand...
i got the new test kit in other day and been doing slam and I’m getting up to slam levels finally. I just added another gallon of chlorine to get to 24. Will check later today and see if stays up. Also pool is still cloudy.

==========================================
Monkey pool
------------------------------------------
Build Type: Vinyl
Volume: 7614 gallons
Chemistry: Chlorine
------------------------------------------
Latest Test Result Summary:
FC: 13.8 (3 hours ago)
CC: 1.0 (20 hours ago)
pH: 7.7 (2 hours ago)
TA: 70 (2 days ago)
CH: 180 (2 hours ago)
CYA: 60 (1 day ago)
==========================================
 
Please read the SLAM article.

The pH is to be lowered to 7.2 before you start. You cannot measure pH when FC is at or above 10 ppm.
Do not test any other items than FC during SLAM.
You need to Maintain 24 ppm FC. Test and adjust FC levels 3-4 times per day. Brush/Vac daily.
 
Switch to 10ml samples for FC and each drop is 1/2 FC. The k2006 has small bottles and you'll save 2.5X the supplies.


poolmanmc said:
Ok so how does that work if I can’t test ph when fc is over 10?
Click to expand...
Let FC drop to below 10 and adjust Ph with muriatic acid per PoolMath. The FC in the high single digits wont make you lose any ground, It'll just slow the action a little while still gaining ground.
 
  • Like
Reactions: poolmanmc
newdude said:
Switch to 10ml samples for FC and each drop is 1/2 FC. The k2006 has small bottles and you'll save 2.5X the supplies.



Let FC drop to below 10 and adjust Ph with muriatic acid per PoolMath. The FC in the high single digits wont make you lose any ground, It'll just slow the action a little while still gaining ground.
Click to expand...
=
So based off my newest test it looks like I’m good to go correct

=========================================
Monkey pool
------------------------------------------
Build Type: Vinyl
Volume: 7614 gallons
Chemistry: Chlorine
------------------------------------------
Latest Test Result Summary:
FC: 9.0 (1 minute ago)
CC: 0.5 (10 hours ago)
pH: 7.2 (1 minute ago)
TA: 70 (4 days ago)
CH: 180 (1 day ago)
CYA: 60 (2 days ago)
==========================================
 

Enjoying this content?

Support TFP with a donation.

Give Support
mknauss said:
Please read the SLAM article.

The pH is to be lowered to 7.2 before you start. You cannot measure pH when FC is at or above 10 ppm.
Do not test any other items than FC during SLAM.
You need to Maintain 24 ppm FC. Test and adjust FC levels 3-4 times per day. Brush/Vac daily.
Click to expand...
Ok thanks. Got it down now getting fc back up now. Appreciate the help
 
  • Like
Reactions: Newdude
Ok so going on multiple days now at levels almost 24. It’s been below about every time I check around 20 so I add to get up to the 24. I ran out of the dang titrant did so many chlorine tests. So now I’m waiting till Monday for more. Since I can’t test today should I just add about the same amount been adding lately.
 
  • Like
Reactions: HermanTX
poolmanmc said:
Since I can’t test today should I just add about the same amount been adding lately.
Click to expand...
Yeah. You've been putting the effort in to be able to fudge it a little. Well done. The irony of frequent testing is that it gives you the experience to forsee how the next day is likely going to go but you can't have that experience without doing it.
 
  • Like
Reactions: poolmanmc and Donldson
Yesterday I was adding some and poured more then I meant to and levels were around 29 that evening! But this morning we are back at 23.5 with target level at 24 so close. But is it normal to lose so much of it at night? Also pool is still cloudy. But I think I might have found culprit for algae. Had some stairs that were filled with nasty water when I pulled them out. So I think that was what’s eating my chlorine up.
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: Newdude
poolmanmc said:
Yesterday I was adding some and poured more then I meant to and levels were around 29 that evening! But this morning we are back at 23.5 with target level at 24 so close. But is it normal to lose so much of it at night? Also pool is still cloudy. But I think I might have found culprit for algae. Had some stairs that were filled with nasty water when I pulled them out. So I think that was what’s eating my chlorine up.
Click to expand...
Part of the SLAM process is to pass the Overnight Chlorine Loss Test. You should not lose more than 1ppm so correct that there was some algae present which you found in the stairs. Good Job.
Keep the FC level at 24 and refer to the criteria for stopping a SLAM.
 
  • Like
Reactions: poolmanmc and Newdude
You must log in or register to reply here.
Thread Status
Hello , This thread has been inactive for over 60 days. New postings here are unlikely to be seen or responded to by other members. For better visibility, consider Starting A New Thread.
Top Bottom
Back
Jump to latest Follow Reply