Definitely need some help with algae. Semi newbie making mistakes.

[PoolPorch]

13,000 gallon pool SWG and using Hayward EC40 filter.

Can’t get the algae under control.

Chlorine is currently about 3-4 ppm and CYA is about 55. I know this is a bit high for CYA but initially I tried to SLAM it at 30 ppm but I couldn’t keep chlorine over night, and the sunlight has been pretty brutal. On a few occasions I would add 5 jugs to the pool and overnight it would be gone by morning.

The DE filter would run for a an hour then it would get clogged with algae. I’d pump the handle only to get another 30 minutes before the pressure would climb to 15-17 lbs. So I’d backwash and recharge the filter and again it would only last an hour before the pressure built back up. Can’t say how many times I removed the top and cleaned the filter fingers with filter cleaner or MA. I’ve gone through so much DE and liquid chlorine that I decided to drain 2/3s of the water and forgo the SWG and switch to granules. Cleared up for a little bit then we returned from vacation to this pool hulk.

I’m green behind the ears and so is this pool.

Any help would be appreciated.

13000 Gallons
Ch = 3-4 ppm
CYA 55
Ph = 7.3
Ca = 220

 

[mknauss]

Welcome to the forum!
You need to follow the SLAM Process. To do that, you need a proper test kit. I suggest the TF-100/Pro or Taylor K2006C. A proper test kit is needed to get the accurate water chemistry results needed to follow the TFP protocols.

While you are waiting on your test kit, add 5 ppm FC worth of liquid chlorine / plain bleach to your pool each evening with the pump running. This will replenish the FC lost each day to the sun and also inhibit any algae in the water from growing further.
I suggest you read through Pool Care Basics - Trouble Free Pool and even look at a few of our videos TFP-TV - Trouble Free Pool

 

[ajw22]

Welcome to TFP.

You don't control algae. You eradicate it from your pool water using the SLAM Process and get your pool algae free.

Clear water does not mean the water is free of algae. Only the Overnight Chlorine Loss Test will tell you if your water has no algae.

Then you maintain algae free water with proper FC and CYA levels....

What Are My Ideal Pool Levels?

Use our tool to find ideal chemical levels for any swimming pool. Check TFP recommended levels on pH, free chlorine, cyanuric acid, and more.

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

 

[PoolPorch]

Welcome to TFP.

You don't control algae. You eradicate it from your pool water using the SLAM Process and get your pool algae free.

Clear water does not mean the water is free of algae. Only the Overnight Chlorine Loss Test will tell you if your water has no algae.

Then you maintain algae free water with proper FC and CYA levels....

What Are My Ideal Pool Levels?

Use our tool to find ideal chemical levels for any swimming pool. Check TFP recommended levels on pH, free chlorine, cyanuric acid, and more.

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

Thank you for the insight! Will I need to keep backwashing my DE filter through out the whole SLAM process? That was part of the reason I gave up on my first attempt.

 

[ajw22]

Will I need to keep backwashing my DE filter through out the whole SLAM process? That was part of the reason I gave up on my first attempt.

You should have an MPV with a RECIRCULATE setting.

Do the SLAM in two phases. In phase 1 put the MPV in RECIRCULATE To bypass the filter and focus on killing the algae. Your pool may turn grey with dead algae from green.

When you are home and have the time move to filter mode and put the MPV on FILTER and watch the filter PSI and backwash the filter as necessary.

Cycle between RECIRCULATE and FILTER when you are away from home and can't tend to the filter and when you can.

 

[PoolPorch]

You should have an MPV with a RECIRCULATE setting.

Do the SLAM in two phases. In phase 1 put the MPV in RECIRCULATE To bypass the filter and focus on killing the algae. Your pool may turn grey with dead algae from green.

When you are home and have the time move to filter mode and put the MPV on FILTER and watch the filter PSI and backwash the filter as necessary.

Cycle between RECIRCULATE and FILTER when you are away from home and can't tend to the filter and when you can.

Thank you soooo much! I don't have an MPV with a recirculate setting, but I've been removing the filter and just running the pump directly. Seems like I have some plumbing work ahead of me.

 

[ajw22]

Show me pictures of your equipment pad.

 

[PoolPorch]

Show me pictures of your equipment pad.

Here's a pic of this embarrassing piece of equipment. There's no backwash valve, so I just disconnect and feed directly into the return when needed.