Cloudy water and CYA confusion

[canjones]

I had to SLAM the pool a couple of weeks ago. Originally the CYA level was at a 60. Then we continued to getting daily rain for two weeks. So, I figured the CYA was lowered with all the rain because I normally have issues keeping the CYA above 30. Anyways, I was able to get more CYA reagent today and I am still SLAMMing assuming the CYA is between 50-60. The CYA test I just completed was at a 0 and the water is still cloudy. What else could be going on?

FC - 20
CYA - 0
PH- over 8.0 the water was very red
TA - 80

 

[Texas Splash]

With all the rain we've seen in the past couple weeks, I could see a small drop in CYA, but showing a CYA of zero doesn't seem right. Now that you have some new R-0013 reagent, I would try the CYA test one more time as follows:

CYA Testing:
Proper lighting is critical for the CYA test, so you want to test for CYA outside on a bright sunny day. Taylor recommends standing outside with your back to the sun and the view tube in the shade of your body. Use the mixing bottle to combine/gently mix the required amounts of pool water and R-0013 reagent, let sit for 30 seconds, then gently mix again. Then, while holding the skinny tube with the black dot at waist level, begin squirting the mixed solution into the skinny tube. Watch the black dot until it completely disappears. If it helps, pour a little, look away, then look back and pour some more. Once it disappears, record the CYA reading. After the first test, you can pour the mixed solution from the skinny view tube back to the mixing bottle, shake, and do the same test a second, third, or fourth time to instill consistency in your technique, become more comfortable with the testing, and validate the CYA reading. If you are still questioning your own results, have a friend or two do the same test 2-3 times. Share your results only after everyone is done to see if you came up with the same average results.

Your pH may be showing red and extra high simply because of the elevated FC (SLAM). When you finally let the FC drop down back below 10, then you can test the pH to see where it really is.

 

[canjones]

I retested the CYA. The water is crystal clear and I can see the dot. To be honest I am more surprised at the CYA being 60 a couple of weeks ago than I am at it being 0 now. Like I said, my CYA is usually pretty low and I have tried everything over the past two years to get it over 30 during the summer months. So, if it is genuinely at 0 what now?

My FC is now 12.5 and reading CC is 0 but water still looks cloudy.

 

[Texas Splash]

With no CYA, you definitely wat to raise it right away. At least a goal of 30, maybe even 40. This time of year no need to go much higher.

Adding CYA:
To increase CYA via granular stabilizer, place the required amount as calculated by the Poolmath calculator into a white sock and place in the poolside skimmer basket. For those concerned about suction flow to the pump, suspending the sock near a return jet or from a floating device will also suffice. Best never to allow undissolved granules to rest directly against the pool surface. Squeeze the sock periodically to help it dissipate. Once dissolved, consider your CYA adjusted to that programmed (target) level. CYA test readings should show a rise in 24-48 hours, however some pools may experience a longer delay to fully register. Best to confirm final CYA in about 5-7 days before adding any more stabilizer/conditioner.

Once you have the stabilizer in the water, you might consider doing an Overnight Chlorine Loss Test to make sure te cloudiness isn't related to algae. If you pass, it may just be a matter of filtration.