First SLAM

[iowapools]

Our water went cloudy a few weeks ago. Unfortunately followed pool store instructions for the last 8 years and got fed up with it. After two weeks of adding not near enough chlorine apparently I started searching to deal with this on our own I found this awesome place.

Started our SLAM on Friday afternoon once the TF test arrived to test the higher FC range. CYA of 50 and using the poolmath app to determine SLAM level. Besides overnight we are testing and adding liquid chlorine every two hours.

So looking forward reassurance. Two days in and we had a overnight loss of 10. Water is clear and do have full sun and cover is off with the SLAM going on. SWG is off right now. Just making sure this is normal at the beginning and not missing something while we fill up the recycling bin with jugs.

Thanks!!

 

[PoolStored]

Welcome to TFP!!!!

You are on the right path.

Post pictures of the pool.

Scrub everything.
Remove main drain covers and scrub inside (pump off).
Scrub behind lights.
Scrub inside and outside of ladders.
Scrub Skimmers
Check weir doors for algae.
Scrub seams of vinyl liners and around steps.
Scrub autofills

 

[iowapools]

Had an overnight drop of 6 so a little better then the night before

 

[PoolStored]

Scrub everything I noted.

Turn pump off and scrub drains. Do you have a ladder?

 

[iowapools]

We have the built in steps in the wall. My wife scrubbed the list yesterday while I'm traveling. Only one we didn't do yet is the light.as she wasn't comfortable taking it out.

Thank you!

 

[PoolStored]

She took the drain covers off and scrubbed the covers and drains? Turn off the pump when you do it…

 

[iowapools]

I missed that part too, nope. I'll have the pool company walk her through it. She is stopping in today just to confirm our readings. For some reason I can't get the TF test working for the CYA level. The dot never disappears but their reading comes back at 45 as of two weeks ago.

 

[PoolStored]

For some reason I can't get the TF test working for the CYA level. The dot never disappears but their reading comes back at 45 as of two weeks ago.

This means your CYA is 0. I'd add 30ppm of dry chlorine stabilizer.

To confirm how to do the test, here are instructions.

CYA - Cyanuric Acid Test

Cyanuric acid (CYA) is the chemical name for the product commonly called “pool water stabilizer” … Read more…

www.troublefreepool.com

 

[iowapools]

We've added a couple bottles of stabilizer in the last three weeks via a sock in the skimmer baskets. Was trying to get it up to 60 since we have SWG. I don't know the amounts each was supposed to add with not being home currently. We'll get more added. Thanks!

 

[PoolStored]

Is the tube clear all the way to the top when you put in test mix?

Explain how you are doing the test before adding more.

You said “bottles”. Was it liquid stabilizer?

 

[iowapools]

Is the tube clear all the way to the top when you put in test mix?

Explain how you are doing the test before adding more.

You said “bottles”. Was it liquid stabilizer?

Yep, clear to the top. Pool store reading was 5 today which makes sense compared to our test results. How they were getting a 45 two weeks ago I have no idea.

Was adding the pool sample to 7 ml in the small bottle. Filled it to 14 ml of the solution. Mixed and added to the other container with the black dot on the bottom. That is from memory half a country from my pool but believe that's what we did.

I was using this stuff from Menards.

Utikem® Pool Chlorine Stabilizer & Conditioner - 1.75 lbs.

This product helps to minimize chlorine evaporation and protect chlorine residual from the effects of sunlight, heat, and heavy bather loads. It comes in a 1.75-pound container to help you maintain the correct chlorine levels all summer long.

www.menards.com

 

[iowapools]

Wanted to circle back and thank you @PoolStored ! Past the SLAM and SWG is actually pushing the chlorine level too high. Finally think I have a handle on this and no longer dread dealing with the pool!

Thanks!!

 

[PoolStored]