First time opening | Need help

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kstoutdog

kstoutdog

Member
May 22, 2023
20
Vevay, IN
Pool Size
17177
Surface
Vinyl
Chlorine
Liquid Chlorine
Second year pool owner..
1st year I used an AquaSmarte system..
This year I plan on TFP method all the way

I refilled pool to proper level and ran pump for about 40 minutes.
Tested and got
CYA - less than 30, black dot never disappeared
pH 8.2
FC 0

Pool is vinyl 17177 gal
2speed pump with cartridge filter

I do not have any chemicals on hand other than 12.5% chlorine...

I just added 1.5 gallons... What's next?
 

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Howdy, KStoutdog...welcome to TFP :wave:

So no stabilizer...without that any chlorine you put in will be more harsh, but also burned off quickly by the sun. Since the pool is green you're going to need to do a SLAM process. This is not a "one-and-done" chlorine addition, its a level of chlorine that initially stuns the algae into submission and over time as it kills any that are reproducing.
www.troublefreepool.com

SLAM - Shock Level and Maintain

We’ve all had to deal with a green pool. Clear algae from your pool with a SLAM! Read here to use shock level and maintain to clear your pool.
www.troublefreepool.com www.troublefreepool.com

You need a good test kit for this. I personally like the TF-Pro (Salt version) but others like the K-2006C. The TF-Pro comes from www.tftestkits.net while the K-2006C from various online sellers. The TF kit is actually a better deal cost wise considering the size of the reagent bottles and it comes with a Speed Stir type device.
www.troublefreepool.com

Swimming Pool Test Kits Compared

What pool test kit should I buy? Why shouldn't I use test strips? Our recommended test kits will pay for themselves in no time!
www.troublefreepool.com www.troublefreepool.com

You will also need to buy plain Liquid Chlorine... some pool stores sell it in refillable carboys at a decent price. You can also get it at Walmart in the pool section, Lowes and HD, as well as farm and janitorial supply shops. Start with about 10 gallons. You also need to get enough stabilizer (CYA) to put 30ppm in your water. One whole gallon of the liquid CYA (rinsed out well) ought to get you 22ppm, 68 ounces of granular stabilizer will give you 30ppm, assuming you're at zero now? Put granular type in a sock and hang it off the side not touching the walls, and let it dissolve. A little squeeze now and then speeds it up.

Read the SLAM directions and ask any questions that arise.

Some basics:
Pool Care Basics

Maddie :flower:
 
Last edited:
Welcome to TFP! :wave: You will also need some muriatic acid to lower the pH. We recommend lowering the pH to about 7.2 before starting the SLAM Process. Please be sure to update your singature wiht all of your pool and equipment info. If you are on a well, list that as well.

Enjoy the forum. :swim:
 
I do have the TFPro test kit with smart stir.
Added 1 cup muriatic acid last night
Added about 2 pounds CYA...

I had FC up to 10 last night before bed...
Was running late for work this morning, no time to test, dumped 2 gallons of 12.5% and ran...

How long before I should see a testable difference in CYA? I have a hard time believing I started at zero due to the amount of 3" tabs I used last year...

Pic attached is this morning
 

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kstoutdog said:
How long before I should see a testable difference in CYA?
Click to expand...
If you used the sock method and then squeezed all the mushy stabilizer out of the sock, the CYA should reach most of its desired goal in the next day or so. You can do a follow up test in 2-3 days if you wish. So if you were hoping to achieve a CYA of 30, then your FC SLAM level would be 12. If you find your CYA went slightly higher to 40, then your FC SLAM level would be 16. Be sure to review the SLAM Process page for best success. Hope that helps.
 
I'm keeping FC at slam level... checking every 3 or 4 hours.
Last set of tests
FC - 9 (added LC to bring back to slam)
CC - 1.5
TC - 10.5
CALC - 250
TA - 120
CYA - 20 (added 1 pound)
PH 7.2

water is still pretty cloudy... am I missing something?
 
kstoutdog said:
am I missing something?
Click to expand...
Not really, but if the CYA (~20) isn't a solid 30, I would add another 10 ppm worth to be sure. We know that test is tricky, so be sure. But if you feel the dot never really disappears, then you need a little more. Even if you over-shot and ended up with a CYA of 40 it's not horrible, it would just mean an FC level of 16.

Stick with the inspecting & brushing. It's very important at this stage. Good luck!
 
I would go ahead and clean it at this point.

After you clean it, note your "clean" filter pressure. Do this every time you clean your filter.

When your pressure rises 25% from clean pressure, clean it again.
 
I know ya'll have seen this play out a million times... am I looking at another few days of this, or weeks?
I've got 40 gallons of 12.5%LC on hand if needed, but I sure hope I don't have to use it all on SLAMMING
 

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Are you aware that liquid chlorine degrades over time, particularly with high temperature?

(40 gallons seems like alot to have on hand, unless you just purchased it for a slam.)
 
RLP said:
Are you aware that liquid chlorine degrades over time, particularly with high temperature?

(40 gallons seems like alot to have on hand, unless you just purchased it for a slam.)
Click to expand...
This is my first year SLAMMING ... had no clue how much I'd need, and it's over an hour drive to store.
I'm storing indoors... seems like I'll definitely have enough to last me the season and do a proper close.
 
Just a quick update to let readers know.. the TFP method works! Pool is sparkling clear! Took a little longer than I thought it would, but I'm so glad I waited it out.
I have crystal clear water, I've passed the OCLT, cc .5
But I think I have developed F.O.S.T.S. (Fear of stopping the slam).. I never want to go back to green water!
I guess I am okay to just let the FC drift down to recommended levels?
Also, I am nervous about putting my steps back in.... any advise to keep algae from developing under steps? Drill holes?
 
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