First time doing SLAM

nitenday104

New member
May 17, 2025
1
Fort Pierce, FL
Hi from Fort Pierce, Florida! I am doing SLAM for the first time and have 2 questions. I have a plaster in ground rectangular pool that holds approximately 18,000 gallons. Besides some yellow/orange algae that would constantly rear its ugly head, my pool water was perfectly balanced (according to Leslie’s Pool Supply) at the start of SLAM. I just completed Day 2.
1. Typically, how many days should I expect it to take to complete the process?
2. Once complete, should I need to continue adding algae treatment every week?
 
1. Typically, how many days should I expect it to take to complete the process?
It can takes days, it can take a couple weeks. There are so many variables. The more frequently you test and add FC, the faster it will go. Stay on top of cleaning/backwashing your Filter.
2. Once complete, should I need to continue adding algae treatment every week?
You should, if you maintain your FC for your CYA, never need an algae treatment of any kind. Follow this:..Link-->FC/CYA Levels
 
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You can't do a SLAM process having to run to a pool store for their (often inaccurate) tests multiple times a day.
You need your OWN GOOD test kit- one that comes with an FAS-DPD tester for Free Chlorine (FC) at higher levels than most pool stores test for.
Test Kits Compared
SLAM Process
FC/CYA Levels
Pool Care Basics

We can talk you thru it if you tell us levels (using a GOOD) test kit:
FC
CC
pH
TA
CH
CYA
Salt if applicable

The more often one tests and doses the pool to keep the level of Free Chlorine up at the right spot, the quicker it goes. One soldier clearing up the family pool the weekend before deployment set his alarm to test/dose every 2 hours that weekend. Amazing, but it passed muster!

Maddie :flower:
 
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