Green algae pool. New filter fitted as old blew.

[pool shy]

Thank you for setting up TFP. I am new to Houston, indeed America and have a swimming pool which was being cleaned weekly by a pool company. I was away and during that time they informed me that the Filter blew up. I have got a new one put in but not started it as the pool is totally green and algae filled. Water sample: Free available chlorine:0.15(Low); PH Level 8.6;(High); Calcium Hardness 128 (Low);Total Alkalinity 79 (Low); Cyanuric Acid/Stabilizer 2 (Low); Copper 0; Iron:0; Saturation Index 0 (Balanced)

The above was from a Swimming pool service where I took a sample. They suggest emptying the pool and will send someone to see. Another company which only asked for pictures say no need. They can do for $1000 plus.

I have ordered the test kit recommended by you.

Would appreciate any views on the above issue! Many thanks again.

 

[Mdragger88]

When your test kit comes do all the tests and post the results here like this

Fc
Cc
Ph
Ta
Ch
Cya

Until then you can add 5ppm worth of liquid chlorine each day slowly infront of a running return away from the pool wall. Brush the area.
Use PoolMath to calculate amounts.
You can put your filter on recirculate if you won’t be there to clean it/backwash when necessary.
We recommend backwashing when psi reaches 25% over clean psi.
Read up on the SLAM Process & get yourself some liquid chlorine (at least 10 gallons to start) with a good source for more. (Pinch a penny, hasa dealers, ace hardware, lowes/Home Depot, Walmart are good sources)
Following the slam process will clear your pool.

 

[pool shy]

Thank you. Test kit has been shipped. Meanwhile filter is switched off since it got replaced as we are worried about it clogging up again. So for now, I start with the chorine. And SLAM. As have had pool cleaner, will need to buy brush etc. Sorry to be asking so many things but like the test kits are there any special brushes etc to get.
Also, the test people said to drain the pool till 3/4s. Is it better to first add chorine and go through SLAM? Thank you again.

 

[Mdragger88]

When you have algae the filter will get clogged quickly and you’ll need to backwash & replenish de as needed. Thats just how it is. If you need help with that we can guide you through it. If you can’t be home to watch it and backwash when necessary just leave the multi port valve set to recirculate until you return.

If you need to drain/exchange any water we will let you know after you report your results with your kit.

For now- just add the 5ppm worth of liquid chlorine each day - nothing else.
That’s 1 gallon of 10% liquid chlorine in your 20k gal pool.
This is not the slam process, just a safe amount to keep things from getting worse until you can actually do the slam process with precision when your kit arrives.

As for equipment, you need a brush and pole and also a way to vacuum the pool.
Manual vacs are comprised of a vac head, pole & hose. You can use the same pole you use for the brush if you like.

 

[pool shy]

When you have algae the filter will get clogged quickly and you’ll need to backwash & replenish de as needed. Thats just how it is. If you need help with that we can guide you through it. If you can’t be home to watch it and backwash when necessary just leave the multi port valve set to recirculate until you return.

If you need to drain/exchange any water we will let you know after you report your results with your kit.

For now- just add the 5ppm worth of liquid chlorine each day - nothing else.
That’s 1 gallon of 10% liquid chlorine in your 20k gal pool.
This is not the slam process, just a safe amount to keep things from getting worse until you can actually do the slam process with precision when your kit arrives.

As for equipment, you need a brush and pole and also a way to vacuum the pool.
Manual vacs are comprised of a vac head, pole & hose. You can use the same pole you use for the brush if you like.

Thank you very much for this. My testing kit has arrived. Meanwhile I got someone to come in to switch on the new pump and start the process as I was terrified I would blow it up.

Pool is blue again but still cloudy. They say the filter needs cleaning so am going to look here to see what needs to be done. The person also told me someone tried and blew themselves into two as they didn't switch off the pump....

One of the skimmers has stopped working as has a light.

I also have a question about pop up cleaners; they dont seem to be working. Are they worth replacing?

 

[Lake Placid]

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How many skimmers do you have? Do you have a main drain? If you have multiple skimmers, the “broken” one, the light, and the IFCS can wait for diagnosis until you clear the water.

Cleaning a filter is pretty straightforward. You have a DE filter correct? I’ve heard of buses running people over. I guess I shouldn’t ride one according to your filter diagnostic/cleaning guy?

You can do this. Everyone here will help you along the way.

 

[pool shy]

Ok. Yes. Thank you. I realize I sound stupid. It's just so new.

Yes ,multiple skimmers. Well, 4. One on each side. Yes , a main drain.

So will concentrate on the water. Can that get clear if the pump filter needs cleaning?

Thank you all . Sorry for so many questions.

 

[pool shy]

Sorry two skimmers

 

[Lake Placid]

So will concentrate on the water. Can that get clear if the pump filter needs cleaning?

You will likely need to clean the filter multiple times during the slam. The chlorine will kill the organics, the filter is the mechanical means by which the dead organics are removed from the water. Let us know exactly what filter you have and we can assist you in the best way to clean it.