Green and brown new pool

[vfoor4]

Newbie here.
We have a 12'X30" above ground. Purchased it 3 days ago and immediately noticed our water had a greenish tint to it (approx 6 hrs after filling with Muscatine, IA city water) and our alkaline was crazy high. We shocked it. Afterwards, Chlorine was normal, PH normal but alkaline was off the charts. Added an alkaline reducer and here we are on day 3 still with green water and now we see our filter cartridge is brown. Ugh, another color to add to our mix. Chlorine high, PH normal and alkaline is high.
Help! Our kiddos are dying to swim.

 

[jblizzle]

Welcome to TFP!!!

Sounds like iron in the water which will oxidize and make the water look green (it is really yellow) when chlorine is added. Having the filter pull it out is a good thing.

Please review Pool School on water maintenance. In some ways, these small pools are more difficult that larger ones. Start with ABCs of Pool Water Chemistry and then take a look at Guide for Seasonal/Temporary Pools - Trouble Free Pool

The high TA does not matter. Ignore it.
We need to know what exactly you have added to the water and how much.
"high chlorine" does not tell us anything. We need to know the relation between the FC and the CYA (see the FC/CYA Levels) to know if the water is safe.

 

[vfoor4]

So far we've used "One Shock" Shock treatment (did an ultra shock and used the entire bag over a day=1lb)
Alkaminus powder (1.5oz)
Unfortunately, we are stuck using the Pool master 4 way combo strips (small town and it's all they had so we need to order a better kit) Our FCI (Br) is sitting at 10+.
What is the best way to remove iron? Right now filtering it catches a lot but it's been 2 days of continuously running and our water is still gross looking).
I've read people have used OxyClean but I don't get how that removes the iron and a few commenters said you don't want to swim in a pool with Oxy in it. I've read using Iron Out but they said the same thing...no swimming!

 

[YippeeSkippy]

You can hook up a cheap Home Depot lidded bucket filled with polyfil and route your water thru it to help remove the iron. Works really well for small pools such as yours.

Maddie

 

[vfoor4]

Thank you Maddie (one of my daughters is also a Maddie). We went out and got all the stuff to try this. Wish us luck over the next few days!

 

[jblizzle]

Remember, the iron is not making the pool dangerous, so your focus may be skewed.
It is much more important that adequate chlorine levels are maintained for the pool to be safe. The iron is strictly cosmetic ... after all, you are showering with and drinking that same water in your house.

 

[vfoor4]

Remember, the iron is not making the pool dangerous, so your focus may be skewed.
It is much more important that adequate chlorine levels are maintained for the pool to be safe. The iron is strictly cosmetic ... after all, you are showering with and drinking that same water in your house.

We are addressing that as well!