Catkin Nightmare

[pool512]

I'm unfortunately used to the joys of having a large Live Oak over our pool, but the catkins are getting the best of me right now. The skimmers have been working fine, though I've had to empty them every couple hours over the last week, but we just had a downpour of rain which caused the tree to DUMP catkins which immediately sank to the bottom of the pool and clogged everything.

I scooped out enough wet catkins to fill 2 large trash cans, unclogged the lines, and backwashed my DE filter, but now I'm left with a green mess. I'm looking for any ideas to clear up the water that don't involve floc. Some people seem to recommend slime bags, but it also seems like others are saying to crank up the chlorine (SWG) to clear the water (chemistry was good as of this past weekend. Any ideas how I can get the green out? Thanks!

 

[Texas Splash]

No floc. SWG won't do it either. Time to start stocking up on chlorine for a SLAM Process.

 

[Newdude]

Weird. I had 80 red and white oaks on an acre and would pull the skimmer baskets stuffed, 2 or 3 times a day in the spring, and never went green. A little hazy from all the pollen dust, yes, but not green.


Anywho, read up on the link Pat suggested. Follow it to a T, it is a process and the more effort you put in, the easier it goes. Ask away with any questions.

 

[woodyp]

I swear.....you can walk on the pollen on my pool surface. Just now starting to improve some.

 

[pool512]

Thanks for the advice. I have slammed my pool before, and have maintained the chemistry all Winter. Wouldn't this be more of a particulate filtering issue? IOW, I don't have algae (at least shouldn't have any so quickly - pool was clear and chemistry fine 2 days ago). Thanks again!

 

[Newdude]

Wouldn't this be more of a particulate filtering issue?

Overnight Chlorine Loss Test and find out for sure.

Pass = sit back and wait for the filter
Fail = SLAM.


*if you pass and don't need to SLAM, I'd run an elevated FC level for the foreseeable future for added insurance.

 

[pool512]

OK. Good call. Will do. Thanks!

 

[tcat]

Ditto here. 2 gallons of catkins daily. Keeping FC at 10 didn't help turning from clear to green after latest rain. Hopefully filter will take care of it.