Can’t clear cloudy water

[Arnprior pool]

Please help! My kids want to use the pool but I can’t clear the cloudy water. I purchased the Taylor 2006 test kit yesterday and here’s the results from yesterday afternoon
Cya 55
Ph 7.6
Fc 9.6
Cc 0.6
Alk 130
Th 180

After a rainfall
Ph 7.6
Fc 8.2
Cc 0.4

This morning
Ph 7.5
Fc 8.2
Cc 0.4

It’s been cloudy for 2 weeks now, which is why I bought the test kit, hoping to use your slam method. What’s my next step?

 

[Texas Splash]

Welcome to TFP! Cloudy typically means the onset of algae and you'll need to start the SLAM Process. For SLAM (FC-Level) purposes, round up your CYA to 60 which would require an FC level of 24. Use only liquid chlorine to maintain the required SLAM FC level. Don't forget to lower the pH to about 7.2 first with muriatic acid.

The SLAM Process page walks you through the process, but if you have any questions, let us know.

 

[Texas Splash]

FYI. Even though we have the FC/CYA Levels available, some people find the chart easier to view and understand.

 

[Texas Splash]

Lastly, as long as you don't exceed the SLAM FC level, in your case 24, it's still safe to swim if you can see the bottom (safety). If this was your first CYA test and you're a bit unsure of your CYA result, we understand. You could play it safe and let the kids swim when the FC is at 18-20 ppm. Just be sure to increase it immediately after the swim so you don't lose progress on the SLAM. An FC of 24 is your ideal number until you pass all 3 SLAM criteria.

 

[Arnprior pool]

Thank you, and forgive my ignorance, but if I’m not losing Fc overnight at 8.2 should I still be adding 3 jugs of chlorine to get to level 24? Will that not raise chlorine levels high for a long time or is that the goal? My cc would go up as well wouldn’t it? And lastly it’s cloudy water considered visible algae?

Thanks again, I finally feel like I might be getting somewhere with your help

 

[duraleigh]

This may help you a lot.

Pool Care Basics Archives

Your one-stop shop for all things TFP to include: ABCs of Water Chemistry, Recommended Chemicals/Levels, Test Kits, Troubleshooting, and much more!

www.troublefreepool.com

 

[Texas Splash]

if I’m not losing Fc overnight at 8.2 should I still be adding 3 jugs of chlorine to get to level 24?

Can you post a photo or two of your pool so we can see the water?

 

[Arnprior pool]

 

[Arnprior pool]

Hi guys, I’ve started the slam process, I’m attempting to get to slam level 22, does this mean I’ll be putting 44 drops of a particular agent into my Taylor test kit when performing the free chlorine test? That seems like a lot

 

[mknauss]

Your CYA is 60 (round up, cannot measure between the lines).
SLAM level FC is 24 ppm. That will be 48 drops of the R0871 reagent.

 

[Arnprior pool]

Hi guys, I’m a day and a half into slam, I’m not seeing any clearer water. From 6am till 2 pm (8 hours) I lost 7ppm of Fc is this normal? Is the slam doing its job? My psi only raised about 4 psi yesterday after vacuuming and brushing the pool. Am I being pessimistic or do I stay the course and continue to add chlorine as often as possible? Clarifier is a no no, correct? How long should this take in your opinion? I’ll add a couple pictures of the pool

 

[Arnprior pool]

Here’s todays pic

 

[PoolStored]

Hi guys, I’m a day and a half into slam, I’m not seeing any clearer water. From 6am till 2 pm (8 hours) I lost 7ppm of Fc is this normal?

Yes. It might take a week or two. Your pool doesn't look bad, so you are on the shorter end...

Is the slam doing its job?

Yes.

My psi only raised about 4 psi yesterday after vacuuming and brushing the pool.

What was the starting pressure. Backwash/clean the filter, not clean pressure. When pressure rises 25%, backwash/clean again.

Am I being pessimistic or do I stay the course and continue to add chlorine as often as possible? Clarifier is a no no, correct? How long should this take in your opinion? I’ll add a couple pictures of the pool

Stay the course. No clarifiers, floc no nothing but chlorine. If you can test and add FC every two hours, it will go faster.

 

[Arnprior pool]

Psi started at 13, went up to 17, I backwashed and it’s back at 13-14 now, what did you mean by clean filter? Also thank you for your comment, I was hoping to hear someone say that it’s working because I’ve been lost this spring (my 3rd year with a pool )

 

[PoolStored]

clean filter

Backwashed.

 

[Arnprior pool]

I’ve been at this for almost a week now, slowly seeing some progress. I let my kids use the pool yesterday! I checked the ph this morning and it’s at 8.
- is it safe to swim when ph is high?
- should I adjust ph during the slam?
- lastly, in the future should I lower my cya before slamming by dumping water so as to not use as much liquid chlorine? My cya is at 55(I’ve been rounding up to 60)
Thanks

 

[Texas Splash]

Ignore the pH right now as its color is skewed by the elevated FC level over 10. Maintain the SLAM and you'll be fine.

As for the CYA, that's a personal call. Sure, lowering the CYA would require a lower FC level for the SLAM. Much depends on water availability, cost of water and chlorine, or if the owner just thinks it's worth the time and effort.

 

[Arnprior pool]

Is there anything else I can do to expedite this process? I’ve gone through at least $100 in liquid chlorine this week and just lost 7 ppm of fc in the last 3 1/2 hours without any clearer water. Very frustrating. I’m adding water as we speak as I just backwashed because the filter raised by 3psi. I’ve seen posts about turning off the pump and letting the water sit with the hopes of the cloudiness settling and then vacuuming to waste, is this idea frowned upon? Should I add de as I’ve seen this mentioned in tfp.

I’m going crazy and broke here

 

[Texas Splash]

- I think you're getting close. Patience is a tough one, especially when the cost of chlorine is through the roof.
- You can try vacuuming dead stuff to waste, but it's very possible you'll just stir it up. Just don't use any floc to try and accelerate it.
- Normally we hold off on DE until you have passed the OCLT and the water is relatively clear with suspended material in there.

 

[PoolStored]

How often are you testing and replacing water? You can test/add every two hours...that will speed it up.

POOL DE is a good option...but wait until you pass OCLT...

Adding DE to sand filter

I have been adding small amounts of DE to my skimmer to help my sand filter with some cloudiness. My question is, what is a safe pressure? Im normally at 18psi but with DE it can get up to 25psi before I get nervous and backwash the filter.

www.troublefreepool.com

You got this!...it just takes patience sometimes, sand filters take the longest to clear. Don't fall prey to fancy potions...it will set you back.