Don't Start your SLAM until you have the test kit in hand. Read the SLAM article and you will see you NEED that FAS/DPD test that comes only with one of the suggested kits.
Constant Dirt in Pool
- Thread starter Chrismoyer
- Start date
Thank you for the spreadsheet!
I don’t remember the specifics because it was last season but there was a SUPPOSEDLY fairly lethal combination of chlorine and algaecide treatment I did over a couple of days that I was told would clear up anything organic.
For me, the most confusing aspect is that it only happens when I run the pump on high. And it’s almost immediate, within a couple of hours. But I can leave it off or on low for days and have no issue with the dirt/algae showing up. The main issue I have with running it on low is it doesn’t deal with surface debris like bugs, etc effectively on low. They never make it to the basket lol.
I have that test kit coming in a couple days. So I can’t go ahead and slam it the next few days and then test it?
NO. The SLAM and subsequent OCLT test require the use of an FAS/DPD test and you don't have it. Re-read the SLAM article and you'll see why.
SLAM is a process requiring precise steps to get your water perfect. Don't try to shortcut it.
SLAM is a process requiring precise steps to get your water perfect. Don't try to shortcut it.
Was the chlorine liquid?
The pool stores sell you pucks or powdered chlorine and algaecide with promises of your pool clearing up in a couple days.
NOPE. Doesn't work.
Algaecide does not kill algae. And with a one time addition of massive amounts of expensive powdered chlorine with the algaecide is not enough to kill all the algae. It needs to be dosed liquid chlorine several times a day for several days in a row with the pump running 24/7 to kill an algae outbreak. (Don't bother spending your money on algaecide.)
It's what's referred to here as a SLAM= Shock Level And Maintain. Maintain the shock level for at least several days. Don't let it get lower until all the algae is all gone.
Duraleigh is helping you, encouraging you to learn what a SLAM is. To clear your pool.
If you try to vacuum the "dirt" and it goes "poof", it's algae.
You're welcome.
I just saw this "last season".
Nothing from last season carries over to this season, except CYA and algae.
Lol yeah but I had this problem last season and it didn’t stop after the treatment. So idk. Will find out soon lol.You're welcome.
I just saw this "last season".
Nothing from last season carries over to this season, except CYA and algae.
It was powder before. I just bought 8 gallons of liquid…waiting on the proper test kit to arrive and then I’m slamming.
Your CYA is probably high due to using the powdered shock too.
When you get your test kit, post these numbers:
FC
CC
CYA
TA
pH
no need to test for calcium. Your vinyl pool does not need calcium. Do you have an above ground or in ground pool? Please add to your signature what equipment and type of pool you have. It's easier to know what to help with.
If your CYA is high - check out Pool Math numbers - you'll have to drain some water to get it to manageable levels for a SLAM.
I updated the info in my profile. It looks like it shows up by my name on here? It’s a semi-inground pool…basically an above ground pool partially sunk into the ground and it has a deep end. Once I get my kit I will post those numbers you asked for.
Also, I think I made an important discovery. In preparation for the slam, I decided to take out my stairs as well. Figured they could use some TLC. My stairs are shaped like a wedding cake (best way I can describe them). When I lifted them up, a huge dark cloud like what you would see when a horde of demons is unleashed in a movie came pouring out from under them and settled throughout the pool. This is exactly what I’ve been seeing. So, I’m betting that when the pump is on high, it circulates the water enough that it was pulling this junk out from the stairs into the pool. That’s why I didn’t see it if the pump was off or on low!
Still going to slam to make sure everything is clear. However, any advice on cleaning the inside of these stairs? I obviously rinsed them out but I’m assuming there is some type of cleaner or something I should use?
Thanks for the numbers.
FC cannot be .2 and CC cannot be .4
Could they be FC 2.0 and CC 4.0?
Starting the SLAM you need LOTS of liquid chlorine. You'll be getting your FC up to 12 and maintaining that for quite some time. Vacuum up the clumps; you can vacuum to waste if it works better. You'll probably have to backwash your sand filter because those clumps will increase the pump pressure quickly.
If you click on your name at the top of the page, a drop down menu will show several categories. Click on signature and it gives you a box to add all your pool information. Like what you see at the bottom of my posts. That makes it easier to know what you have.
Flying Tivo
TFP Guide
- Jan 24, 2017
- 3,100
- Pool Size
- 7500
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Pentair Intellichlor IC-40
Using the 25ml sample each drop is .2ppm with the 10ml sample its .5ppm. I trust it is, but can be retested.
But i will bet that its 100% algae.
So when I did the FC test, the pink went away after 1 drop. It was the 25ml test. So that’s .2 right? And the CC was 2 drops which should be .4 right? And I tried vacuuming but it was all coming right back into the pool through the return. I’ll vacuum to waste tomm.
Okay, sorry. Not familiar with the 25ml sample. I always use the 10ml. Therefore, it took only 1 drop to clear the pink. Either way, basically no FC.
Do you have a sand filter? Could there be channeling in the sand? Have you looked in the filter recently?
Last edited:
I do have a sand filter. I originally thought it was bad sand or a broken lateral causing my issue so I replaced everything. Found out it was originally filter glass so definitely wasn’t the issue lol. But the laterals and sand are all new. I was vacuuming up a LOT of dead algae and junk so maybe it was too much at once? I backwashed it because the pressure had doubled so maybe when I vacuum some more tomm it will be better. But I figure if I vacuum to waste it won’t be an issue.
Woodstock1234
Gold Supporter
This is what my pool looked like when I opened. It took 7 days of vaccuuming and keeping the chlorine up for it to clear. I manually vacuumed so it didn't go back into my filter. You can clean stairs with bleach.