Correct SLAM process?

[VST]

Hi,
I haven't been able to hold chlorine for months, but I didn't have any CC, no significant overnight FC loss (less than 1), and pool has been clear.

I had tried everything to hold chlorine, including replacing the salt cell, but had no success.

Just last week, I began to fail the overnight test, but still no CC and clear pool. I started the SLAM process yesterday at 1 pm. I have added 7 gallons of liquid chlorine so far (10.5%). My target FC is 24 for a CYA of 60 per the chart.

Last night at 1 am I had 25 FC. This morning at 7 am down to 19. My understanding is to continue SLAM today, even though the pool is crystal clear.

Just want to confirm, as I'm new to this.
Thanks

 

[HermanTX]

Last night at 1 am I had 25 FC. This morning at 7 am down to 19. My understanding is to continue SLAM today, even though the pool is crystal clear.

Just want to confirm, as I'm new to this.

Yes. Continue to SLAM.
Brush the pool sides. Also clean any ladders or rails that may be in the pool. Do not put on a pool cover during a SLAM.
If you have a traditional light that can be removed from the wall then clean behind it.

There are some algae somewhere that is causing you to fail the OCLT.

 

[HermanTX]

I had tried everything to hold chlorine, including replacing the salt cell, but had no success.

Turn off the SWCG during a SLAM.

 

[VST]

Turn off the SWCG during a SLAM.

Thanks I have had the salt cell off and have been brushing.

In the SLAM protocol and indications, I don't see phosphates or nitrates mentioned. How do those factor in?

 

[PoolStored]

In the SLAM protocol and indications, I don't see phosphates or nitrates mentioned. How do those factor in?

Nope ignore them for the life of your pool.

 

[pjt]

@VST How are you testing?

 

[VST]

Using the Taylor 2006c test kit

One scoop of powder, 10 mL pool water, 0871 dropwise, dividibg by 2

 

[HermanTX]

Using the Taylor 2006c test kit

One scoop of powder, 10 mL pool water, 0871 dropwise, dividibg by 2

Please Create Your Signature to help us understand what your current setup is and this will help responders to quickly see your equipment and pool details without having to keeping asking for the information.
Include the type of test kit as well. Thanks

 

[VST]

Done
Thanks

 

[VST]

Done
Thanks

Just want to provide an update on the process. I started SLAM on Sat afternoon. This morning (Tuesday), my overnight chlorine test showed a difference of 1.5 -2. So, I added another gallon of chlorine to get back to SLAM level. Hoping I'm nearing the end, as the overnight test was off by as much as 6 or 7 on Sun morning.

Interestingly, I bought a nitrate test kit yesterday out of curiosity, and it showed my nitrate level to be about 10. Nitrites 0. I know the philosophy here is that nitrates are irrelevant. I'm just trying to understand all of this as a new pool owner. Is the idea that if we maintain the FC high enough, based on the recommended FC/CYA chart, then nitrates and phosphates don't matter because the FC is at a level that offsets the effects of these compounds and provides enough residual for sanitization? So even if I didn't have the proper FC level since the pool was first built 7 months ago, as long as I SLAM and maintain the proper FC/CYA ratio going fwd, the pool should be balanced and hold chlorine?

Thanks

 

[HermanTX]

The goal is to NOT TO SLAM. Many members have not had to SLAM since joining TFP for over 7 years, some longer.
The FC/CYA chart is the main component to keep the pool properly sanitized.
Using PoolMath app helps track your test data but it most important feature is to have it calculate CSI. Keeping CSI in the acceptable range for all your chemical - TA, pH, CH, etc maintains your overall pool in balance.

 

[VST]

Thanks for that tip. I will research CSI next. I'm only familiar with LSI.

 

[HermanTX]

Thanks for that tip. I will research CSI next. I'm only familiar with LSI.

CSI and LSI - Further Reading

www.troublefreepool.com

 

[VST]

CSI and LSI - Further Reading

www.troublefreepool.com

I passed the overnight chlorine test and am stopping the SLAM process. I just have a few questions. I would greatly appreciate your input.
1) During this process, my pool professional discovered high nitrates. He is attributing the problem to this and is recommending a partial drain of the pool. I am ignoring this, given the discussion on this thread. I will just move forward by mainting my CYA at 60 and FC accordingly.
2) At the begining of the SLAM on Saturday, my CYA was 60. Today, it is 40. Since the pool was built 7 months ago,I have always had a hard time holding CYA. Any thoughts on this? I have heard that some bad batches of CYA are in circulation from overseas. Is this anyone else's experience?
3) Since my CYA has dropped to 40, I have a lot of chlorine in the pool. My FC is 23, which was originally set for a SLAM with a CYA level of 60. Should I add more CYA today? Am I potentially hurting the plaster or equipment with such a high FC and reduced CYA?

Thanks!

 

[PoolStored]

Nitrates are not an issue.
CYA degrades over time, faster in warmer water. Has nothing to do with the quality of the CYA.
High FC will not hurt the plaster or equipment.
Go ahead and raise your CYA to 60. Confirm 48 hours after it is dissolved.
See how 60 works for you. If it is ok, I'd use that while you learn to maintain FC for your CYA.
When you are confident that you can keep FC up, then raise to 70 or 80.

 

[VST]

This morning, just before dawn, my FC was 23. My CYA is 40. Now, at dusk, my FC is 16.
I'm in FL. Is this a normal amount of FC loss for a summersl day in FL? Or should I be concerned that this may indicate an incomplete SLAM?

I began the SLAM on Saturday and passed the overnight chlorine test this morning.

 

[PoolStored]

Nope, normal. In florida, you really want to raise your CYA.
Go ahead and raise your CYA to 60. Confirm 48 hours after it is dissolved.
See how 60 works for you. If it is ok, I'd use that while you learn to maintain FC for your CYA.
When you are confident that you can keep FC up, then raise to 70 or 80.

 

[VST]

Nope, normal. In florida, you really want to raise your CYA.
Go ahead and raise your CYA to 60. Confirm 48 hours after it is dissolved.
See how 60 works for you. If it is ok, I'd use that while you learn to maintain FC for your CYA.
When you are confident that you can keep FC up, then raise to 70 or 80.

Is this conditioner fine to use? I have it left over from when I bought it a few months ago.
I just put in a brand new cartridge filter today.
I will repeat the overnight chlorine test tonight just for peace of mind.

 

[PoolStored]

Yep, that is fine. Use the sock method to get it in the pool. Put it in a sock, tie it off and hang it in the pool, at least 6' away from the side, in front of a return. After about 30 minutes soaking, you can start squeezing and it should dissolve. May take a few sockfulls to get it all in.

 

[VST]

Thanks for your help. I have always put it in a sock that I hung in the skimmer. You're saying it's better to hang it on a pole where I have put a blue circle in the picture? There is a return jet in the nearest corner there.