Day 8 of SLAMing

[Junta]

I have been slamming my pool since 8/21. And almost eight days in and I can’t seem to get ahead. How much longer is this going to take? (I know, it probably takes what it takes) but I have never gone this long before when doing this. Plus, my pool water is crystal clear, my CC reading is zero and I don’t see any signs of algae in my pool. I have scrubbed the pool and even changed my DE one week before I close the pool for the summer. I had one night where my OCLT was less than one. But that must have been an erroneous reading. I guess I’m just looking for some assurance I’m doing everything correctly. It’s hard to feel confident with my pool looking the way it does. Am I missing something? Thanks!

Test results below. My shock level
Is high on 8/28 for my CYA (50) but that was due to some data entry errors on poolmath and I just kept with the 22 ppm of liquid chlorine.

8/23 - 21.0 @ 6:50 AM
8/23 - 19.5 @ 10:50 AM
8/23 -20.0 @ 2:45 PM
8/23 - 16.0 @ 6:40 PM
8/23 - 25.0 @ 8:50 AM

8/24 - 18.5 @ 6:50 AM
8/24 - 12.0 @ 11:50 AM
8/24 - 16.5 @ 2:15 PM
8/24 - 18.0 @ 6:30 PM
8/24 - 19.0 @ 9:30 PM

8/25 - 20.5 @ 6:40 AM
8/25 - 18.0 @ 10:00 AM
8/25 - ?? @ 12:00 PM
8/25 - 14 @ 4:00 PM
8/25 - 19.5 @ 10:00 PM

8/26 - 19.5 @ 6:45 AM
8/26 - 19.5 @ 12:20 PM
8/26 - 16 @ 5:15 PM
8/26 - 18 @ 10:00 PM

8/27 - 16 @ 5:20 AM
8/27 - 19 @ 10:00 AM
8/27 - 18 @ 2:00 PM
8/27 - 19.5 @ 4:15 PM
8/27 - 23.5 @ 6:45 PM
8/27 - 23.5 @ 9:30 PM

8/28 - 21.0 @ 6:30 AM
8/28 - 22.0 @ 8:45 AM
8/28 - 21.0 @ 10:45 AM
8/28 - 20.0 @ 1:15 PM
8/28 - 16.0 @ 6:00 PM
8/28 - 23.5 @ 8:30 PM (I tested this twice, as it’s above 22. I added the correct amount of chlorine and it went above what was entered into poolmath, not the first time this has happened.)

8/29 - 21.5 @ 6:45 AM
8/29 - 18.5 @ 10:30 AM

 

[jsygrls]

So first, I'm not a TFP expert here, but I guessing the steps COULD have something brewing here, unless you tell us they have been pulled and cleaned with bleach, just could be your (missing something).

 

[mknauss]

No dead algae in the pool either, correct?

If so, let the FC drift down to low teens or just above 10 ppm. Then do your OCLT.

 

[duraleigh]

Why are you testing so much? The OCLT only calls for two tests daily......once in the evening and once in the AM before the sun hits the pool.

 

[Junta]

So first, I'm not a TFP expert here, but I guessing the steps COULD have something brewing here, unless you tell us they have been pulled and cleaned with bleach, just could be your (missing something).

Maybe. I may have to give that try.

 

[Junta]

Why are you testing so much? The OCLT only calls for two tests daily......once in the evening and once in the AM before the sun hi

No dead algae in the pool either, correct?

If so, let the FC drift down to low teens or just above 10 ppm. Then do your OCLT.

No dead algae. I think I’ll Start doing this today.

 

[Junta]

Why are you testing so much? The OCLT only calls for two tests daily......once in the evening and once in the AM before the sun hits the pool.

I thought the idea behind SLAMing was to maintain the shock level? From the SLAM howto: “Test and adjust chlorine levels as frequently as practical, but not more than once per hour, and not less than twice a day.”
My son was still on summer beak so I had him test for me while I was at work. And the guide only says not less than twice a day. I figured testing several times a day would keep the shock level more consistent. My last test of the day is used to to set the bar for my OCLT the following morning. Is there a negative to testing more frequently?

 

[duraleigh]

I understand what you are reporting now.

So all you need to stop the SLAM is to pass the OCLT. I agree with mknauss to let your FC drift on down and perform the OCLT.

The inconsistency of your tests indicate some possible small testing errors. On this and all other drops based test, hold the dropper vertical and allow the drops to form and then fall from the tip. Try not to squirt them out. Then you keep adding drops and counting until the LAST drop you add makes absolutely no color change. Subtract that last drop and that is the endpoint of the test.

(PS - I am personally not a fan of testing FC more than 3 times daily when SLAMing your pool. TFP protocol suggests more frequently is better but that is a topic for another thread)

 

[Junta]

Just to bring things full circle and to help out anyone viewing this in the future….so there is definitely an issue with my testing. Whether it’s the bottle (I have a slightly different bottle than before), how accurately I measure my 10 ml of pool water or having different people measure, something is just a little bit off. Last night I tested about 9:45 Pm and got 20.5 ppm. I did that twice as I thought I miss counted. This morning I tested at 6:45 and got 22.0 ppm. I’m pretty sure that isn’t possible but I know I was on with my drop counting so it’s something else. But anyway, I am taking this as a win and am going to do what was suggested above and let my chlorine drops to around 10 and then do the overnight test one more time. I’m also planning to pull the stairs today and give the underside a wipe down with bleach just to make sure. I close the pool down for the year in about a week and want to be sure I’m starting off completely clean for next years pool season. I appreciate all the help.

 

[Texas Splash]

I’m also planning to pull the stairs today and give the underside a wipe down with bleach just to make sure.

Always a good idea. Sounds like you set yourself up in a good position for closing. Good luck.