Brand new pool, needs a SLAM

[Joel B]

Short story. The pool has been done for three weeks. The guy responsible for set up and maintenance disappeared and the pool builder is not very helpful. “We build pools, we are not chemists”

We have yellow algae already, so I am ready to slam. I have read through the pool school book but have a quick question. For the 24/7 pump, does it need to be on high? Or will a mix of high/low be sufficient.

 

[PoolGate]

Yep you need to take over your pool maintenance now. If you have a SWG you would want the pump on more but if not, you can get by with a few hours a day. For 24x7 I run mine at 2000rpms.

Can you fill out your sig line with your pool particulars? https://www.troublefreepool.com/account/signature

 

[Joel B]

For sure, I am glad that I found this site and appreciate how helpful everyone has been so far. Signature updated.

 

[Flying Tivo]

No need for high speed, you just need to move the water so all chems mix.

 

[Katodude]

Just a double check. The plaster is only 3 weeks old, is a SLAM still a good idea?

 

[mknauss]

Just a double check. The plaster is only 3 weeks old, is a SLAM still a good idea?

No - Do not SLAM (or shock) the pool during the first 30 days.
From Start-up New Plaster - Trouble Free Pool

 

[Joel B]

Hmmmm, its too late to go back, but I am curious, why not SLAM it prior to 30?

How would you treat the algae?

 

[mknauss]

Getting algae in the first thirty days is called neglect. The pool builder/plaster company typically takes care of the water chemistry the first 30 days as it impacts warranty.

Higher FC can damage the color/pigments when plaster is new.

 

[Joel B]

Got it, this was definitely an issue of neglect by the builder.

As long as its only affecting the pigment, im cool with that.

I almost got worried.

 

[Joel B]

Quick question, once I am considered out of the SLAM, is that when I look at adjusting my Ph and adding borates?

Or do I need to wait until the levels on the chlorine are at a certain number before proceeding

 

[mknauss]

We advise waiting at least one full season prior to considering adding borates. See what your pool water chemistry is like before adding the complexity of borates to it.

Once your FC is at 10 ppm or below, your pH test is valid and you can adjust it accordingly.

 

[Katodude]

Also with new plaster your PH is going to be rising like crazy for quite a while. Let that plaster cure, learn your pool. Then consider borates.

Mine has been plastered for 2 years now, I still would like my TA lower before I think about borates. And at this point I think I have a pretty good feel for what my pool does and needs.