From Green to Clean!!!

[steve1staf]

I just had to post this transformation! We opened our pool on Friday (3/29/19 at 1pm) and by Saturday (3/30/19 at 2pm) the change was SIGNIFICANT to say the least. This site has been such an invaluable resource and I wanted to give back by showing everyone how effective the SLAM process can be! There is still work to be done as I continue the SLAM (water still isn't crystal clear) but it is a testament to the science behind TFP and water chemistry in general. No magic potions were used during the transformation, just good old liquid chlorine, a great test kit (Taylor K2006) and some CYA. Total cost thus far has been $19.06 for 6 gallons of 12.5% liquid chlorine from Job Lots, $15.78 for some Clorox Stabilizer at Walmart and aeration to raise PH.

 

[kimkats]

You are the poster child for TFP!!!

 

[Casey]

Its really that simple. I'm getting ready to clean a swamp here soon.

 

[Texas Splash]

Looking good!

 

[steve1staf]

I'm still in the process of my SLAM but that may be my fault because I haven't been able to give my pool as much attention during the week as I did last weekend... Also, I tried to add CYA but it just wouldn't dissolve... No matter what I did, it just barely dissolved after 7 days! I believe my struggles are mainly due to the temperature of my water which is 52 degrees! I'm in the Boston area and I wouldn't usually open this early but I'm supposed to get my liner replaced (under warranty) so I decided to get things opened early. So I'm left with a not so clear pool at the moment.. Two questions: Do you guys think this is related to the low temp of the water? Is Chlorine as effective in very cold water as it is in 70 - 80 degree water?

This weekend I will clean out my filter cartridges and give the pool a good vacuum.

Here are my current test results:

FC 10
CC 0.5
TA 70
PH 7.4
CH 60
CYA 0 (i can't get any in there!!! )

 

[gonfishin]

Are you testing at 52 or letting the water warm to room temperatures? I've seen in other threads, the test is sensitive to water temperature.

 

[steve1staf]

I let the testing water warm up to room temp. The problem I’m having is that the CYA will barely dissolve in my water..... I’ve never had that problem but I’ve also never tried to do this when the water is so cold..

 

[steve1staf]

So I'm on my 11th day of my SLAM and I've passed all 3 criteria but my water is still not CRYSTAL clear.... It's clear but doesn't have that TFP shine! Last year when I started my TFP journey I got to see what crystal clear water looks like and now I can't go back to anything but perfection! After reading MANY different threads regarding similar issues I've come across the use of Clarifiers and FLOC. I have a cartridge filter and I'm beginning to think that it's not getting the very fine particles... I'm willing to try a clarifier but I'd like to hear some people's thoughts over this somewhat controversial chemical on TFP I am a nut when it comes to my pool maintenance and following the SLAM guidelines but I'm starting to think in this particular instance I should be working smarter than harder. Thoughts?

Here are my current test results:

FC 12.5 (held over night without ANY loss)
CC 0.5
TA 70
PH 7.4
CH 60
CYA 30

 

[kimkats]

Do NOT use any of those unless you have a way to vacuum to waste! You will have an even bigger mess on your hands if you even try it.

 

[MIpoolAL]

WOW ! now that's a turnaround!