Can't figure out what is going on with my pool. Chemistry is great.

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In your original post, you stated that the original pump was only about 2/3 of the way full of water (not primed). You then went on to say the new one was a bit better. From the way you worded it, I concluded the original pump wasn't priming and it sounded like the new one may not be either. But if your replacement pump primes (no air in the basket attached to the pump) then your good to go.

It's nice to see you have a good source of liquid chlorine. By all means use that, if you have a source to get that stuff cheaper than bleach... that's what I'd be doing.


I'd also add on that there is no real reason to run your pump 24/7. If you have a variable speed pump you can kick it on to low for a lot of those hours but really running the pump that long is throwing money away on your electric bill. I personally have run mine as low as 4 hours per day and still have had perfectly clear water. If you haven't already, do the math and figure out how long you need to run your pump for a full turnover of the water. Mines close to (but a little over) 4 hours (probably more like 5 hours). I bought a timer so I don't have to mess with it. Running the pump and the filter "skim" your pool and circulate chemical. The chlorine is what keeps the pool clean and clear.

Still, some people feel good about running their pumps a long time. My parents run theirs upwards of 12 hours a day and sometimes as much as 24 hours a day during "peak" season. Their pool is no clearer than mine, but alas... not worth arguing over!
 
DE isn't a filter cleaner, it's media for a DE pool filter. It can be used sparingly in a sand filter, but scattered on the top of your water really gives you another thing to clean up. Pool School - Add DE to a Sand Filter

We also don't recommend adding chlorine directly to your skimmer - the high concentration is hard on your equipment. Pour it slowly in front of a return while the pump is running. If you're adding a lot, grab your brush to help stir it and you'll be good.

I second the opinion that if you have a single-speed pump, running 24/7 is wasteful. (expensive) Program a timer, or better yet, get a programmable 2 or variable-speed pump. My VS is the best investment I've made in quite some time!
 
OK. Thank you!

I will look for an outdoor timer for my pump and run it at night then when it is cheaper.

I like the pump running most of the time to skim the top of the water, but you are right, it's not really worth the extra money.

The colour is gone out of my water now. It's just a little cloudy still.

Will the elevated chlorine levels take care of that alone?
 
Before I upgraded to a programmable VS pump, I bought extra "trippers" for my mechanical dial timer so the pump would run several times a day for about an hour each time. Those trippers only cost a few dollars, but the VS pump has saved me hundreds on electricity.

Once the green is gone, you're in the home-stretch of a SLAM, but doesn't mean all the algae is dead. It's possible that the cloudiness is DE and dead algae, but running the pump 24/7 is part of the slam process anyway. Keep an eye on filter pressure - algae and excess DE can make it spike.
 
@Serious1: Yes, I normally keep it higher. I had some issues this year with my outdoor tap and it was really difficult to connect a tap and refill. But, that is all fixed now and I maintain the water about 2/3 up the skimmer.

@Rollercoastr: My pressure gauge was broken when I purchased the house last year and I didn't realize that it was "important". So, I went to home depot last week and purchased another one. My pressure sits around 10-11. Is that the correct reading?
 
Each pool and system is different. It would be low for my pool, but it's not outside of normal. Is that your "clean" pressure? (just after a backwash/rinse?) If so, monitor that and backwash before it goes up by 25%: 12.5 - 13.75. If you still have some of that DE on hand, you can follow the procedure to add some to your filter, but with water that's not completely clear, you'll only want to do so at a time when you can make sure pressure doesn't spike. (and you'll want the water level to be high enough to accommodate a backflush)
 
The first time you add it you need to check it in 15 mins then again in 15 mins to make sure it does not shoot up too fast. After that check in an hour. Once you find out how much YOUR pump likes you will not have to check it. It is just when you are learning how much it just right that you have to check it so close.

Kim:kim:
 

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Hey Jim - Something you might want to consider since you are in Toronto:

You can order the test kit and use crossborderpickups.ca - I use this to get Taylor reagants and it's very fast. With the currency conversion and shipping you'll be around $120 CAD likely.

As an alternative - this place in Mississauga has test kits.

Aquatech Logistics(Mississauga)
https://www.aquaticpros.com/

Ridiculously expensive - so I would suggest you order from TFT and use the crossborderpickup option.

Chris
 
When you add the DE, you will increase the amount of debris the filter will catch. Keep an eye on the pressure, it’s going to rise quickly as it it trapping finer (more) dirt.
 
Just got back from Chicago about an hour ago. First thing I did was test my water, but unfortunately it was dark so I can't see the clarity of the water, but I think it is crystal clear as I could clearly see the patter of the liner in the deep end.

PH 7.5
FC - 5.5
CC - 1
** that means TC is 6.5, right?
TA - 100
CYA - 55
 
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