Green Pool - do I SLAM it now?

[Aldis]

Hi y’all. My above ground vinyl pool is at 55 degrees and green. We’ve had a warm winter in SC and I guess I didn’t watch it closely enough.
Pool test shows 0 chlorine. My TA is also low at 40.
The Question: which do I do first, add the baking soda as recommended to bring the TA up? Or SLAM first?
I stocked up on chlorine and ready to go. Need to get this under control before it gets away from me this season. Will be 80 on Thursday. Ugh.
Thank you!

Moved from here.

 

[Jimrahbe]

Aldis,

If you can see algae, then it is time to SLAM.

Thanks,

Jim R.

 

[an1vrsy]

What is your CYA? How are the rest of your pool water chemistry values. SLAM is always paramount but it is a process based upon other values.

 

[Aldis]

What is your CYA? How are the rest of your pool water chemistry values. SLAM is always paramount but it is a process based upon other values.

All the other chemistry is within range. Specifically CYA is 45. I’m an absolute amateur but I’ve read enough here in TFP to know that the chemistry is all connected so thought I’d ask the question. I’ve brushed today and the Dolphin is going now so I’ll plan to go ahead and SLAM tomorrow. Thank you.

 

[Newdude]

Hit it hard and often. If you are using last years leftover bleach, it may take more of it to reach target. (20FC for 50 CYA..... always round CYA up).

You'll have a couple day head start before the water warms up enough to enable exponential algae growth. Cold water SLAMs always go easier, so you have that going for you, which is nice.

You got this. In case you need a refresher :
SLAM Process

Keep us posted.

 

[Aldis]

Aldis,

If you can see algae, then it is time to SLAM.

Thanks,

Jim R.

Thanks Jim. I do, so SLAM it is.

Hit it hard and often. If you are using last years leftover bleach, it may take more of it to reach target. (20FC for 50 CYA..... always round CYA up).

You'll have a couple day head start before the water warms up enough to enable exponential algae growth. Cold water SLAMs always go easier, so you have that going for you, which is nice.

You got this. In case you need a refresher :
SLAM Process

Keep us posted.

Yep I have gallons of new chlorine to get me started.
thanks for the support!

 

[proavia]

Did you circulate the water with the pool pump for at least 30 minutes prior to taking the water sample?

The scale on the CYA test tube is logarithmic and not linear. As such, it is not possible to measure a CYA of 45. Anytime the reading falls between two numbers listed on the test tube, round up. Since yours was somewhere >40 and <50, your CYA is 50.

 

[Aldis]

Did you circulate the water with the pool pump for at least 30 minutes prior to taking the water sample?

The scale on the CYA test tube is logarithmic and not linear. As such, it is not possible to measure a CYA of 45. Anytime the reading falls between two numbers listed on the test tube, round up. Since yours was somewhere >40 and <50, your CYA is 50.

Oh, thanks for the CYA tips.
The pump was circulating but it had been off for maybe two hours when I did my test. As I’ve reviewed the SLAM article again I see I’ll need another truckload of chlorine. The pool math app gave me a lower estimate of chlorine needed to SLAM. I’ll test CYA again prior to starting.

 

[woodyp]

It'll SLAM a lot easier now than before the water warms up.... (so I hear)

 

[proavia]

I don't think you need to test the CYA again (save the reagent) - You tested around 45, so use 50 and get that SLAM Process going now.
Use the FC/CYA Levels (be sure to select SLAM in the upper bar menu).

 

[thefloatqueen]

Hi y’all. My above ground vinyl pool is at 55 degrees and green. We’ve had a warm winter in SC and I guess I didn’t watch it closely enough.
Pool test shows 0 chlorine. My TA is also low at 40.
The Question: which do I do first, add the baking soda as recommended to bring the TA up? Or SLAM first?
I stocked up on chlorine and ready to go. Need to get this under control before it gets away from me this season. Will be 80 on Thursday. Ugh.
Thank you!

Moved from here.

Worry about the TA later. SLAM first! Oh, and we love pictures!! Show us your progress! Hope the process is going well for you!

 

[Aldis]

Thanks for the support! I should have taken a before shot but here is the after. I’m quite pleased with the result! Thanks again to all in this extremely helpful community.