Getting better, still cloudy, what next?

[Awayne]

I'll try to keep this brief. Here's what I've been doing:
I've been slowly bringing down my TA for a few days (using the process taught on this forum). I've raised my CYA with stabilizer (hung sock of it in front of jet). I'm using liquid chlorine (was using trichlor pucks also until my CYA got to where it is now). Initially I used Cal Hypo shock (last week), total of 6x 1lb bags over 3 days. I'm using MA and aeration for the TA reduction (still in progress). Other than that no other chemicals have been added.

Here's my current pool conditions:
Water looks clean, but some white cloudiness still. Can see bottom but it's a little blurry basically. Filter sand is new this season, pressure looks good (backwash/rinsed recently).

Current readings
78 deg F
FC 8.0
CC 0.5 (we just swam in it for the first time yesterday, that could account for this?)
CYA 40
PH 7.3
TA 170
CH 100

FC is a little high because I added extra LC last night because at that time CYA was still off the chart low (less than 30; I couldn't hide the black dot in the view port with it full during the test), plus I figured extra chlorine wouldn't hurt. I didn't get my CYA up until late this morning.

So here's what I need some help with - I've come across a post in this forum stating high TA can cause cloudiness. I also understand the cloudiness could be algae. Should I continue lowering the TA as long as all my other numbers look like they do and see if that clears it up? Or should I just go ahead and SLAM? Or am I missing something completely?

Thanks!

 

[JJ_Tex]

I would do an OCLT to rule out algae.

Perform the Overnight FC Loss Test (OCLT)

The Overnight Chlorine Loss Test tells if the SLAM is finished or if you need to start a SLAM. This article says how to do the OCLT.

www.troublefreepool.com

 

[Awayne]

Thanks JJ. I'll do that tonight.

 

[Awayne]

I just completed the overnight test. Fc only dropped by 0.5 ppm. Cc remained the same.

So I believe that suggests no Slam is necessary. Any thoughts on how to clear up my slight cloudiness otherwise?

Thanks

 

[JJ_Tex]

Thats good, but I would still keep your chlorine elevated slightly over target. Now lets focus on your filter. Sand filters are good, but they can be the slowest to clear the water. Many users report that their filter works better when it is slightly dirty, so make sure you are only backwashing based on your rise in filter pressure.

You can also add a small amount of DE to the filter to help it along. Note the DE will be removed with every backwashing, and you can see the pressure build quickly so keep a close eye on it.

Add DE to a Sand Filter

A clean pool filter will increase the efficiency of your pool! ... your filter are to backwash it, clean the manifolds and grids, and add new DE.

www.troublefreepool.com

 

[Awayne]

So I added the DE yesterday, I think the cloudiness could be gone but right now I have my solar cover on so I can't really tell for sure. I'll remove it this afternoon and have a look. Filter pressure only climbed by about 0.5psi... But I haven't brushed yet, so I may do that as soon as I get the cover off.

My levels this morning:
Temp 84
Ph 7.6
Ta 100
Cya 40
Fc 6.5
Cc 0.5

Looks like TA took a big drop, not sure why. Should I continue with adding MA to get it and the ph down a bit? Anything else I should be doing?

Thanks for you help on this JJ_Tex!

 

[Awayne]

My ph was the same this morning. Should I be adding MA to get my TA down a bit?

 

[JJ_Tex]

I would not worry about TA right now. Just keep an eye on pH and lower it with acid when it gets to 7.8 and your TA will eventually will come down (but should have no bearing on cloudiness).

Keep at the elevated chlorine and filtering the water. How was the cloudiness once you took off the cover?

 

[Awayne]

Well I didn't get to remove cover as planned (roofers are finishing up changing my roof, protecting pool from falling debris).

I'll try to remove later today and follow up here.

Thanks

 

[Awayne]

I removed the cover yesterday and the water seemed perfectly clear. It did need brushing though, and the pump pressure was already up high enough for a backwash. So I brushed the pool, stirred up a little dirt. Then after awhile I backwashed and then put a sock in the skimmer basket.

I'll keep checking ph and lower it when it gets to 7.8. And I guess I should drop the chlorine level to normal?

Thanks again

 

[JJ_Tex]

I'll keep checking ph and lower it when it gets to 7.8. And I guess I should drop the chlorine level to normal?

So a clear pool is a good sign. I would do another OCLT tonight and check your CC and make sure both of those look good before returning to the normal ranges. Note that normal should be according to the FC/Cya chart, which won’t be a huge difference from your current level.