Am I at risk of an algae problem from topsoil runoff - muddy pool

@setsailsoon ... Great idea with coffee filter. And the water was crystal clear on pour-thru.

As to filter. Yes, I believe it may be damaged when concrete form was done and accumulated concrete. But, so far, I'm running pump at high speed and I'm still at basically same baseline I was at yesterday.

Pump taking suction from skimmer and drain. I'm assuming works properly since was able to vacuum yesterday with drain turned off. Picture of setup as requested. Two lines from the SWG turned off are for deck jets
I'd take the filter cartridge out and check carefully where the bottom is sealed to be sure it's not squished off the sealing surface and check for pleat damage. You probably need a new cartridge.

Chris
 
I'd take the filter cartridge out and check carefully where the bottom is sealed to be sure it's not squished off the sealing surface and check for pleat damage. You probably need a new cartridge.

Chris
I have a new filter arriving tomorrow. I plan to start using it immediately. I may keep the original as an emergency backup... or if pass OCLT tomorrow morning (waiting for more FAS reagent today), may wait until I use SeaKlear (as suggested) before swapping out.

When I last cleaned, did not 'appear' to be any damage to the seal or pleats. But I'll inspect more closely when take it out to clean again. Pressure remains fairly close to initial benchmark. We have well water so our water pressure out of hose isn't the strongest by time gets to the far end of house where I do the cleaning (farthest point from softener system). You can shame me if necessary, but I started using my 18v Ryobi handheld power washer on the Rinse setting on last few cleainings... gives me a better stream without the harsh effect of a pressure washer. I saw more dirt and gunk fall out than I did with the old-fashioned brass nozzle I had been using.

Update: I CAN SEE THE DRAINS ON THE BOTTOM OF DEEP END... YEAHHHHHHH. Water is still quite opaque but it's night and day from Tuesday morning. Looking at pump skimmer basket, the water is crystal clear.

First pic is from Tuesday morning (you can see area mud entered pool). Second pic is just now (and yes... finally getting fence installed).

Edit: @setsailsoon ... have not used any chemicals other than BBB/MA. SeaKlear chitosan (if end up using) will be the only other thing I've added to my pool (not counting the salt... that should be obvious... LOL).
 

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I have a new filter arriving tomorrow. I plan to start using it immediately. I may keep the original as an emergency backup... or if pass OCLT tomorrow morning (waiting for more FAS reagent today), may wait until I use SeaKlear (as suggested) before swapping out.

When I last cleaned, did not 'appear' to be any damage to the seal or pleats. But I'll inspect more closely when take it out to clean again. Pressure remains fairly close to initial benchmark. We have well water so our water pressure out of hose isn't the strongest by time gets to the far end of house where I do the cleaning (farthest point from softener system). You can shame me if necessary, but I started using my 18v Ryobi handheld power washer on the Rinse setting on last few cleainings... gives me a better stream without the harsh effect of a pressure washer. I saw more dirt and gunk fall out than I did with the old-fashioned brass nozzle I had been using.

Update: I CAN SEE THE DRAINS ON THE BOTTOM OF DEEP END... YEAHHHHHHH. Water is still quite opaque but it's night and day from Tuesday morning. Looking at pump skimmer basket, the water is crystal clear.

First pic is from Tuesday morning (you can see area mud entered pool). Second pic is just now (and yes... finally getting fence installed).

Edit: @setsailsoon ... have not used any chemicals other than BBB/MA. SeaKlear chitosan (if end up using) will be the only other thing I've added to my pool (not counting the salt... that should be obvious... LOL).
If you can remove the suspended solids that easily with a paper filter, adding floc will not help and will just create more problems.

Chris
 
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No plans for floc... but if necessary and there's no significant clearing by tomorrow, I'll consider the chitosan (it's scheduled to arrive tomorrow... at worst, it's a $20 purchase that will sit in my storage area unopened).

DISCLAIMER: We do not recommend the use of clarifiers for everyday pool care.

With a large amount of construction debris/dirt, AND you have passed a couple OCLTs, it might be a good solution for you.

Do another OCLT again tonight.

If you pass again, I would recommend you use a clarifier. HOWEVER, you MUST use a CHITOSAN clarifier like SeaKlear. NO OTHER CLARIFIERS.
 
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The seaklear is fine in this situation, assuming you pass another OCLT.
Obviously if I don't need it and things much clearer tomorrow... it will never get used.

And maybe filter isn't as trashed as I thought. Pressure hasn't really moved above baseline. Since I started using higher water pressure with the Ryobi handheld (Rinse setting the same I use to clean my window screens), the amount of gunk coming out was incredible. Fills the concrete block holes I prop it on with disgusting brown water.
 
Obviously if I don't need it and things much clearer tomorrow... it will never get used.

And maybe filter isn't as trashed as I thought. Pressure hasn't really moved above baseline. Since I started using higher water pressure with the Ryobi handheld (Rinse setting the same I use to clean my window screens), the amount of gunk coming out was incredible. Fills the concrete block holes I prop it on with disgusting brown water.
Careful with the pressure washer- use very low pressure (wide tip) as to not rough up the fibers too much.
 
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Careful with the pressure washer- use very low pressure (wide tip) as to not rough up the fibers too much.
I wouldn't call the device I'm using a pressure washer. Even on 'Turbo' mode it will only hit up to 320 psi. The setting I'm using is around 80-100 psi. Doesn't damage window screens and use it on wicker chairs. However, if not recommended I'll revert back to the brass nozzle or Aqua Comb. It's nearly identical to the Worx Hydroshot mentioned in various areas TFP (including Further Reading sticky below)... that's what gave me the idea to try it. My hoses don't punch out much pressure on well water and with softener system... the Aqua Comb gave mediocre results but it's not the fault of the equipment.


I follow both of the sticky's

 
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OCLT results:
Last evening: 15 (14.5 had the slightest hue of pink)
Morning: 14
CC 0 for both

Thunderstorm all night long. My gravel trench worked... Not a drop of dirt on pad. Pool has a slight more cloudy appearance than last evening but can still see bottom.

@PoolStored ... Directions for SeaKlear 1oz per 10k gallons maint and "double or triple for cloudy water". So do I double or triple... Don't want to overtreat.
 

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Just a quick question. I see a M400 in the signature. Why not run the robot with the mesh filters. I think it will pick up a lot of the debris. I would bet that 30 min of the robot might fill up those filters. Do that a few times a day will work much faster than a regular pool filter.

Start by running the robot for only 30 min and see how much it captures. You can adjust the time up or down as necessary based on what you see. Eventually switch back to the pleated filters.

I have cleaned my pool up after a hurricane in less than a day with the robots.
 
Just a quick question. I see a M400 in the signature. Why not run the robot with the mesh filters. I think it will pick up a lot of the debris. I would bet that 30 min of the robot might fill up those filters. Do that a few times a day will work much faster than a regular pool filter.

Start by running the robot for only 30 min and see how much it captures. You can adjust the time up or down as necessary based on what you see. Eventually switch back to the pleated filters.

I have cleaned my pool up after a hurricane in less than a day with the robots.
Robot runs in the deep end. Wall-E can't get the tanning ledge or the steps. Using vacuum for those area so as not to push broom to deep end and stir things up. Plus, his last few runs has produced very little debris... didn't even need to clean filters on last run.

First day I did a slow and methodical floor vacuum. Otherwise, he's been working diligently.

And Eve-A (Betta robot skimmer) runs all day unless we're in pool or Wall-E is working.
 
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Are you using the pleated or the mesh filters. If it is not picking up a lot, I would switch to the pleated filters at this point. At this point I would run the robot non stop. Pull it out once a day to clean the filters.
 
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Are you using the pleated or the mesh filters. If it is not picking up a lot, I would switch to the pleated filters at this point. At this point I would run the robot non stop. Pull it out once a day to clean the filters.
I only need to use the ultra-fine. The fine filters are still in original packaging. We don't have any tree coverage near the pool and if any small particles fall in I'll grab the net.

Robot running as we speak after vacuuming the ledge and steps.
 
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I don't think you need it. Looks way better. if you do use it, 1oz per 10K.
I was leaning towards a 1oz treatment (1.14oz for my pool... but I don't believe the extra 4mL will break the bank) ... thank you for confirming.

Edit: I'm holding off for now. I agree with not adding anything that isn't necessary. Just going to run filter as @setsailsoon also suggested.
 
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I wouldn't call the device I'm using a pressure washer. Even on 'Turbo' mode it will only hit up to 320 psi. The setting I'm using is around 80-100 psi. Doesn't damage window screens and use it on wicker chairs. However, if not recommended I'll revert back to the brass nozzle or Aqua Comb. It's nearly identical to the Worx Hydroshot mentioned in various areas TFP (including Further Reading sticky below)... that's what gave me the idea to try it. My hoses don't punch out much pressure on well water and with softener system... the Aqua Comb gave mediocre results but it's not the fault of the equipment.


I follow both of the sticky's

Sounds fine - just had to clarify for those following along !
 
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Thank you everyone for your feedback, comments, and suggestions.

Cleared a mud pool in 5 days with daily testing, some diligent cleaning of filter, methodical vacuuming, running pool robot, patience, and only chemical was 1 gallon of chlorine (and bottle of SeaKlear never opened).

I learned some new things (25% change psi and not 10psi) and tricks (filter water sample thru coffee filter). Pool store would have had me $500 in the hole by now and probably still dirty pool.

Now to have it get dirty from a social event today... 😂

20240730_093502.jpgimage~2.jpg
 
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