Cartridge cleaning

[Frank in FL]

I have a brand new pool that is going on 28 days old. In the beginning I was cleaning the cartridge filter several times a week to get all the plaster dust out of the pleats. About a week ago I noticed a thick slimy substance on the filter. I called my builder and he said he was bringing me a new filter and would acid wash the old for me and give it back.
He did install the new filter and also put 400lbs of salt into the pool. The pressure is 13 psi. After 4 days the psi climbs to 17 psi. Took filter out and cleaned it, psi was normal again then it creeped back up.

I looked at the filter he acid washed and noticed that when you spread the pleats there is still some grime on the back side. Seems like its a little bit of algae? Do I need to give this filter a good soaking in pool chlorine?

Ive read on here that folks are washing their filters a few times a year when their psi creeps up and I feel like I am doing it a few times a week.

 

[Texas Splash]

It really sounds like you have algae begging to grow in the water. That would explain the increase in psi after each rinse. Can you post a full set of test results? That would be our first place to start. Also keep in mind that simply acid washing a filter can ruin it if not properly degreased by a good TFP detergeant first. The oil will bond to the fabric reducing its ability to filter through thte paper.

If it is algae, you'll need to follow the SLAM Process. We'll look for your water test results and go from there.

 

[Frank in FL]

hardness is 500 ppm
total chlorine is 300 ppm
free chlorine is 300 pp,
PH is between 6.8-7.2
Alkalinity is 0-40
Cyanuric Acid is is 0

Attached is a pic of the test strip on left hand side

 

[Texas Splash]

Frank, I suspect you have an algae issue about to start which is why you are noticing the slime in your filter. Something we see quite often here at TFP is that a builder will give marginal to poor chemical advice once the pool is completed. In your case, a new salt pool with nothing but test strips just makes your job much harder. The first thing I would recommend is dumpning the test strips and getting the TF-100 test kit. You should also get the Taylor K-1766 salt test kit. Test strips are simply horrible.

If the builder never added stabilizer/conditioner, your chlorine is exposed to the sun without protection. You should have a CYA of at least 30 ppm. At this point though, we really need accurate test results from a TF-100. With that we can really coach you through the chemical process without wasting time and money.

 

[Frank in FL]

So I’m into this test kit for around $200?

 

[Texas Splash]

You definately need the TF-100. You don't need a seperate pH meter as the TF-100 has pH drop testing. The salt can be tested with the K-1766 or test strips, no need for both. The magnetic speedstir is a fantastic tool to help mix the solutions, but if you chose to wait you can. You appear to have algae starting, so the XL option has additional reagents most commonly used during the SLAM Process, but you can wait on that for now as well and see how everything goes. You do not need the borates product either.

 

[Frank in FL]

The builder never added stabilizer or conditioner. Only thing they added in the beginning was a couple of tablets in the skimmer and they poured some kind of chlorine granules in the pool.

 

[Texas Splash]

The builder never added stabilizer or conditioner. Only thing they added in the beginning was a couple of tablets in the skimmer and they poured some kind of chlorine granules in the pool.

Typical. Well Frank, we'll help you from here. Up until now, you've probably not been using the salt generator right? Just manually adding chlorine (aka regular bleach) during plaster the break-in period? So until your test kit arrives, you can continue with adding chlorine/bleach manually. Those strips are aweful. Until you get a TF-100, you can swing by WalMart and grab one of their HTH 5/6-way test kits (drop solutions). At least you will have a better pH, TA and FC reading.

FYI - We never place tabs in the skimmer because they are too strong (acidic). If you don't have an inline chlorinator, then you should get a pool "floater" that holds chlorine tabs safely in the pool. You'll learn more about how to use chlorine tabs later.

 

[Frank in FL]

Last week when they came to put the salt in the pool they hooked up the salt chlorinator. I ran it at 100% for the first two days and ever since then it has been set at 70% per
their instructions. Prior to them adding the salt I was instructed to dump in 3 gallons of 12.5% of chlorine about 1 week after we filled it.

 

[Texas Splash]

Last week when they came to put the salt in the pool they hooked up the salt chlorinator. I ran it at 100% for the first two days and ever since then it has been set at 70% per
their instructions. Prior to them adding the salt I was instructed to dump in 3 gallons of 12.5% of chlorine about 1 week after we filled it.

Fairly common builder instructions. But if they failed to add any stabilzer/conditioner as you mentioned, the chlorine was being elliminated by the sun extremely fast. The SWG would not be able to keep up the Free Chlorine (FC) demand required to keep algae away. Do your best to keep the chlorine level around 4-5 for now with whatever tools you have available until the good (TF-100) test kit arrives. Use 12.5% chlorine if needed to suppliment chlorine levels. Results from that TF-100 will be key. You'll see.

Until that time, take a few monents to review the following pages that will apply to you:
ABCs of Pool Water Chemistry

Determine Pump Run Time

To figure out how many hours you need to run your pump, you need to know how fast your pump works. You can find this here.

www.troublefreepool.com

Water Balance for SWGs

Saltwater pools are becoming more and more popular. We discuss How salt generators work and water balance tips for SWGs to run them.

www.troublefreepool.com

Salt Water Chlorine Generators

Salt Water Generators are designed to produce small amounts of chlorine continuously. This is perfect for day to day use and reduces work for the homeowner.

www.troublefreepool.com

What Are My Ideal Pool Levels?

Use our tool to find ideal chemical levels for any swimming pool. Check TFP recommended levels on pH, free chlorine, cyanuric acid, and more.

www.troublefreepool.com

Recommended Pool Chemicals

Which should I buy? TFP's recommended pool chemicals are cheap, easy, and won't unbalance your pool water.

www.troublefreepool.com

 

[Frank in FL]

I’ll be sure to read these tonight. I appreciate the advice!

 

[markayash]

What are you cleaning your cartridge filter with? treat the water and the algae but a regular hose doesn’t get enough pressure between the bends. There are several cartridge filter nozzles on Amazon but a lot of people just buy one that’s a Straight strong stream

 

[Frank in FL]

I’ve got the one that looks like a dog comb and shoots water out as you comb the filter.
Also have a pin point nozzle that directs all the pressure into one area.

What are you cleaning your cartridge filter with? treat the water and the algae but a regular hose doesn’t get enough pressure between the bends. There are several cartridge filter nozzles on Amazon but a lot of people just buy one that’s a Straight strong stream