Can’t pass OCLT…any suggestions?

[domshort]

Started slam seven days ago after water seemed slightly cloudy. No visible algae on floor or walls and no green water. Lowered ph to 7.2, CYA at 60 (several tests so confident) raised FC to 24 slam level. Cc was present. Pool very clear within a couple days. Other notes…

Brushing 1-2x daily and running robot, no visible algae on floor but slight ‘dust’ when brushing
Checking FC 4-5x daily
Backwashed sand filter several times though no Psi increase.
Added DE to skimmer
Had storm 3 days ago which brought some debris in pool…cleared the next morning
Pulled ladder, nothing inside
Cleaned back of both skimmer doors, foam and door had some black but not slimy
Cottonwood still blowing in pool…no run off from landscape that I see as the ground slopes heavily away
Washing vials after testing and regents new
Letting drops fall off end and using speedstir
Current loss of 2 FC overnight, started with FC loss of 4
SWG off and pump 24/7 at 1700

We are leaving for vacation tomorrow for a week. I hate to see all my hard work wasted. Should I turn back on the ic40 SWG if I don’t pass the OCLT tonight? It was keeping up prior to slamming set at 40% for 24hr. Our pool is on south side, full sun from 8am- 7pm. Any other suggestions? I haven’t pulled the drains so thinking I may have hubs do tonight. Anything else? I wasn’t sure if my led lights are removable?

 

[mknauss]

Nothing will be in your lights.

I suspect it is test error. Try cleaning your test vial with bleach. And let your FC fall to under 20 ppm and do the OCLT.

If you do not have time, set the SWCG to generate 5 ppm FC per day and go on vacation.

 

[domshort]

Thanks so much for your reply. Good to know about the lights. I have cleaned the vial and magnetic pill with bleach nightly. I also do take sample from same spot. I will let fall and retest tonight. It’s a lot of drops and though I try to be very consistent, I’m wondering about error. Is it worth it to pull drains?

 

[Katodude]

If you have time, do it. If you are in a rush to go on vacation take a hose down there with a high pressure nozzle and try to squirt it clean. Or just leave it, and do what Marty said. He is right more than he is wrong.

 

[domshort]

Let FC drop to 20 yesterday which confirmed at night testing. Early morning FC testing was 17.5, 0 cc.
Wasn’t able to check drains yesterday for possible algae source as busy getting ready for vacation. Added 1.5 gallons 10% bleach before leaving and set Swg to 60%. We will see what the return in 7 days brings. Thanks for your replies.