Chlorine vanashes

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Debra Joan

Bronze Supporter
Jun 18, 2020
95
Peachtree Corners, Georgia
My husband died leaving me, a total inexperienced pool person, with the task of pool maintenance. I've read many posts and reviewd Pool School several times. It's time for me to ask for your help.
From reviewing posts I believe you'll want to know what I have:
Inground, vinyl, 18 X 36, 26,000 gallon with 1 skimmer, 3 jets (1 near stairs) and no bottom drains, variable speed pump and Hayward 300 lb. sand filter.
I have not purchased the TF-100 test kit yet, I only have a chlorine/pH kit and have been relying on a local national chain for testing.
This is yesterday's test:
FC - .11
TC - .11
pH - 7.3
TA - 63
Calcium hardness - 11
Cyanuric Acid - 57
Phosphates - 879
TDS - 200
72 degrees

I uncovered the "swamp" seven weeks ago. I used "Green to Clean" with sodium dichloro shock adjusting pH (soda ash) and TA (baking soda). The chemicals were from my late husband's supplies. After about 3 weeks, running the pump 24/7 at 3000 gph, it went from dark green to light green to dark blue to light blue (with many backwashes as pressure increased 15 lbs.). It never got clear and I noticd no matter how much powdered shock I use it tested no chlorine. The pool store told me that my CYA was 110, nitrates above 30 and I needed to exchange water. I've done 4 partial drains and refills (dropping water about 4 inches below skimmer each time) running the pump for a few days inbetween drains to mix/circulate water. The CYA came down a bit each time and with yesterday's being '57' I decided to add shock. Instead of using powder on hand, not knowing how old it was and after reading many posts I've decided to use HDX chlorinating liquid (dated May 15, 2020). I'm a little confused exactly where to pour in the liquid (in front of the jets or in front of the skimmer) and decided to dilute 32 oz. with 32 oz. water and very slowly poured mix in to the skimmer. I used the calculator to figure amount, not sure if I'm using it right, and last night I eventually added a total of 96 oz. liquid shock. I'm testing 0 chlorine this morning ... HELP!

Debbie
 
Hi, and welcome! I'm a newer member too. Sit tight and a more knowledgable member or moderator will be along shortly to help.
Very sorry for your loss. Losing a loved one is never easy...
Have you had a chance to read the ABC's of Pool Water Chemistry? Also read about the SLAM process.
You will need to add a bunch of liquid chlorine to kill off your algae. The PoolMath tool makes calculating the quantities needed very easy.
 
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Welcome. We recommend pouting liquid chlorine directly in front of a running return slowly. No need to pre-dilute it. Let it circulate for at least 30 minutes to distribute. By adding that little dab of bleach, you only raised the FC by 2. ANYTHING active (algae) would eat that in a heart beat.

Please see how to SLAM your pool in Pool School using the correct FC additions to maintain it for your CYA level until you're done.
 
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Sorry for your loss. You seem to have a better grasp than most of the new folks we see. The national chain for testing needs to go and you need your own kit. Having to SLAM Process right now with us guiding you instead of the pool store will pay for the TF-100, probably a few times over. Especially because you can just test as many times as you need, not wait until you can go back to the store and ask them. A few hours can allow the algae to tale full control of the pool again, it grows exponentially. It sounds like you have managed to keep it from getting worse, but it hasn’t gotten much better either.
 
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Just ran some calculations. For a 26000 gallon pool with 0 chlorine and a CYA of 60, it looks like you need to add 6.5 gallons of 10% liquid chlorine to reach the SLAM level of 25ppm of chlorine.
www.troublefreepool.com

The Free Chlorine and Cyanuric Acid Relationship

Managing your cyanuric acid and Free Chlorine levels is key to stabilizing your pool. Learn how these two items affect each other.
www.troublefreepool.com www.troublefreepool.com
 
So sorry for your loss. I'm sure you feel a little lost with more than just the pool. The people here will help you. If you've read on this site much, you'll know that we do not put a lot of stock in pool store testing. The method we follow is based on owner testing and adding only the chemicals to the pool that it needs. You're going to have some learning to do, however you don't need to know everything. My advise to you would be to order a K2006C or TF100 (tftestkits.net), while you are waiting for the kit add 5 ppm of liquid chlorine/bleach to the pool daily. Don't add anything else to the pool. Once the kit arrives, run a full set of tests and post them here. The kind folks here will help you take it from there.

Also, please fill out your signature with everything you know about your pool. You can use any of ours as a guide.
 
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Debra,

Welcome to TFP and so sorry for your loss. I hope we can help at least with the pool.

Familiarity with Pool School is a great way to start. The swamp that got worse from pool store recommendations is sadly a story we hear all the time... almost every day at times. Stop going there, re-read Pool School and ask any questions you have. You cannot use our process without a recommended test kit. So get it on order ASAP... very next thing you do. We recommend two different brands and I think TF100 is what you'll need based on description of your pool. That's what I got. Also, be confident we don't make any recommendations to you based on trying to sell you something. Unlike your pool store, we sell absolutely nothing. We just have real experts that volunteer their time to help people like you. After you get the test kit on order here are a few things to do while you wait:
  • I would not try to treat the pool until you know what you have going on. You can't do this without test results you can rely on or you may make the situation worse. Just add 5 ppm liquid chlorine daily 'till your test kit arrives.
  • Fill in your "signature". It will get you answers from our experts quicker. Here's how: Create Your Signature - Further Reading | Trouble Free Pool
  • Learn how to clean your filter. Ask any questions you may have.
  • Learn how to brush your pool. Ask any questions you may have.
  • Watch the video at the bottom of this post. You'll probably need to do a SLAM. Ask any questions you may have.
  • Learn how to use Pool Math. Ask any questions you may have
While you wait you'll become well-prepared to get your pool in shape and you'll learn everything you need to know to keep it that way with very little effort and as inexpensive as possible.

Again, thanks for joining TFP and I hope we can help with your pool problems. Once you get everything straightened out we'll always be here to have your back if anything else crops up with your pool.

I hope this is helpful.

Chris

 
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So sorry for your loss! This a a great forum with tons of pool-care support!
Debra Joan said:
... after reading many posts I've decided to use HDX chlorinating liquid (dated May 15, 2020) ...in front of the jets ... I used the calculator to figure amount, not sure if I'm using it right, and last night I eventually added a total of 96 oz. liquid shock. I'm testing 0 chlorine this morning ... HELP!
Click to expand...
You are getting a handle on the situation!
Yes please pour liquid chlorine in to the pool, in-front of the returns with pump running (for best disbursement)
Debra Joan said:
Thank you all. I'll order a kit and fill in the signature page.
I'll read over and watch the Slam video again (and again!) For right now, would I add "you need to add 6.5 gallons of 10% liquid chlorine" all at once?
Click to expand...
  • You might have some ammonia still in the pool from some of the algaecide treatments.
    • If you feel up to it, can you use the Poolmath calculator to add enough liquid chlorine for a target of FC/6 (from 0), and retest in 15min? (Poolmath tells me that is 1.5 gals of 10% liquid chlorine)
    • Keep repeating this until your OTO testing block shows you the top shade of yellow color
    • You can do that until your full test kit comes in.
      • And sometimes, if you aren't getting a FC reading, it is a way to save the more expensive FAS-DPD testing reagents until you are getting a FC reading.
 
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Debra Joan said:
I've poured in 1 gallon of liquid chlorine.
Click to expand...
Can/did you retest FC after 15-30min? (with the OTO drops)

Debra Joan said:
Can someone please confirm ... do I add 5.5 more gallons today or 1 gallon each day?
Click to expand...
If you can retest 15-30min after adding the first gallon and you get a FC reading with the yellow OTO drops, you can just add that amount (1-1.5gals chlorine) in the evening until your test kit arrives. Adding some chlorine daily helps to keep the algae from getting worse in the meantime.

Debra Joan said:
Also, should my filter be set on "filter" or "recirculate" when I add the liquid chlorine?
Click to expand...
It can be either until you are able to test levels and follow the SLAM Process steps. If on filter, watch the pressure and backwash when 25% over clean pressure.
 
Debra Joan said:
I'll add liquid set on "filter" and watch the pressure.
Yellow cap, 5 drops, DPD Reagent #1, still shows clear.
I appreciate the help.
Click to expand...
Hope things are going smooth!

Debra Joan said:
Should I be concerned about phosphates or hardness?
Click to expand...
Phosphates are irrelevant when FC is kept at correct levels. :)
You don't need to add calcium for vinyl pools, but don't let it get to high (over 400-500), as it can cause scaling.

Have you gotten your test kit?
 
If you have a heater, you should have a little calcium but if not, I don't worry about calcium in my vinyl pool.

Welcome to the forum. I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your husband. This forum is a wonderful support not just for pools but all the way around life. We'll get you set up.
 
Thank you again for your kind words ...

Update: I became a Bronze Supporter! That was kinda a no brainer. In just a few days I've been made welcome, no one has made me feel like a total idiot and I've seen positive results "pool wise" because I can now see the bottom of my pool!! What value for my dollar (and hope to upgrade in the future)! It's not crystal clear at every depth but vast improvement. I'd say half, down to 5 feet, is very clear. The pump has only increased 4 lbs.. I've ordered the TF-100 kit, taking advantage of the $10 Bronze Supporter discount, and am now waiting for it's arrival.

I probably misunderstood the directions for adding the liquid chlorine (SLAM). I watched the video a few more times and did a few more searches to learn more. I did not add 6 gallons the first day. I've been adding a gallon each night and morning and added gallon 6 this morning. I still show no chlorine and the pH is off the chart, above 8.2.

I'm out of liquid chlorine. I've ordered more from Home Depot already. When I get the text that the order is ready I'll put on my mask and head over for curbside pickup.

Please let me know what I should do while waiting for the kit.

Happy Father's Day!
 
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Peachtree Corners, I love it.
You are in a holding pattern until you can test your pool water with a proper test kit. Adding liquid chlorine daily will slow the algae until you determine your eradication plan. You are on your way to a trouble free pool. Good on you for taking charge of your pool system and prepare to be amazed at the huge group of people who make this site possible.
Welcome. :cheers:
 
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Awesome! You are definately on the right track.
Adding a gallon a day seems to be helping, but you still have organics growing which is using up the chlorine. putting a bunch in all at once overwhelms the organics (algea) and kills most or all of it.
That's the idea behind the SLAMing process. Elevate the chlorine to a level (based on your pool waters CYA level) and maintain that level until the criteria for a successful SLAM have been met. From there you just maintain your chlorine level (again based on your CYA level) by replacing what gets used up each day.
You could add some muriatic acid to lower your PH ( don't add acid & chlorine at the same time, wait 20-30 minutes between) using Poolmath, 64 ounces of 31% muriatic acid would lower your PH about 0.6, from 8.2 to 7.6. I would suggest if you do this, do so in two steps. Add a quart (32 ounces) with the pump running, wait about 30 minutes and retest. After testing, you can add more based on the new test results.
Also, brushing the sides & bottom of the pool is always encouraged.
 
While waiting for my test kit to arrive and out of nervousness I brought a water sample in to the local store to be tested. The pool looks sparkling clean.

Here are the results:
Nitrates 5
FC 7
TC 7
pH 7.7
TA 80
CYA 57
Calcium Hardness 30
Phosphates 300

I added 32 oz. liquid chlorine last night. The pool temperature is 75 degrees. I'll be happy when the test kit gets here so I can learn how to do my own testing. Please let me know what I should do until then. Thanks in advance
 

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