Green pool but chemistry is good, questions

[PerpetuallyClueless]

My pool water chemistry is good but my pool is green. I haven't been able to run the pump in about 3 months due to a problem with my multiport valve. I finally got that fixed and I want to get the pool cleared up. Please help me with the following questions:

1. Should I take the filter apart and hose it off daily until the pool starts to clear up?
2. If so, do I need to recharge it with DE every time (as in daily)?
3. I have a variable speed pump. Since I have to leave it on for several days, can I run it on the lowest setting to save on power?
4. Any other tips?

Info about my pool is here: My dad just died, feeling overwhelmed with the pool, the house, and everything else

 

[tim5055]

To clear the pool you need to follow the SLAM Process process.

During that process you need to backwash the DE filter when the pressure rises 25% over the clean pressure. Every time you backwash you do need to recharge it with DE. But you rechare with less than if you had taken the filter apart and totally cleaned it. I'll let one of our DE experts flesh out that detail.

Yes, you can run the pump on low speed, you mainly need to keep the chlorine circulating as it kills the algae.

Be patient, it will take a little time but it will be beautiful.

 

[SpringPool]

I see in your other thread that it was recommended to get a test kit. Did you get either the Taylor 2006c or TF-100? Without it you won’t be able to SLAM properly.

if you have test results from a pool store or test strips those are more then likeley inaccurate.

 

[Deb04]

My condolences on your Dad.

A SLAM takes some attention. Do you have someone you cam put in charge of doing the SLAM (spouse, adult, or older teenage child?) while you other stuff you need to do?

 

[PerpetuallyClueless]

I know it is against the mantra of this forum, but I currently have a chemical guy that comes to test the water every week. That may change in the future when my life isn't so hectic, but for now it is what it is. I don't have my own test kit. I can have them come out as often as needed to test and add chemicals, but I was under the impression that if the chemical levels were okay, then all it needed was a lot of filtration and not necessarily more chemicals. Is this logic inaccurate?

 

[mknauss]

Algae is a chemistry problem, not a filtration problem.

If you wish to not follow TFPC that is your choice. You will not get a clean, sanitary, cost effective pool without it.

 

[SpringPool]

What type of test kit do they use? Are they adding pucks to a chlorinator or basket?

Chances are they are not using liquid chlorine and they are not properly testing for CYA.

At the end of the day it is your choice. If you decided to go the TFP way after a SLAM it is very easy to maintain and usually needs no more than 5-10 min a day to maintain a crystal clear pool.

If next year you decide to rehab your pool look into a salt water chlorine generator and maintaining the pool become even easier.

 

[PerpetuallyClueless]

I don't know what kind of kit they use. They are not using pucks. They put liquid chlorine at the bottom of the pool using a tank and a hose. My CYA levels are good, according to my water being tested at a pool store (which is apparently inaccurate). I've been running the pump all day today and don't see much of a change to the water yet, except that there's no longer any visible debris on the top of the pool (I skimmed it for several hours yesterday and today). I cleaned out the filter with a hose again today (lots of green came out) and just recharged it with DE. It looks like DE is going back into the pool but I can't really tell for sure because the water is so green. I guess I'll just keep the pump going again tomorrow and clean out the filter again and recharge with DE again.