Green Pool in need of SLAM

[Limbsmith]

I am wanting to start the process of cleaning the pool. It is green. There is a layer of algae on the bottom. I got the leaves up as best I could. My thought was to vacuum, roughly clean the bottom first and bypass the filter to waste. I have filled to near top of the skimmer opening in preparation for the water dump understanding the need to keep the water level replenished as it drops.
I have tested the water with my brand new TP-Pro.
ph-8.2
cya-less than 30 ( test never even got cloudy)
FC- 0
where the heck do I start? I have watched TP videos, pool school etc. not clear what the order to proceed though

 

[ajw22]

Welcome to TFP.

Start by reading...

SLAM - Shock Level and Maintain

We’ve all had to deal with a green pool. Clear algae from your pool with a SLAM! Read here to use shock level and maintain to clear your pool.

www.troublefreepool.com

and follow it step by step with no shortcuts.

Ask questions here on what you don't understand.

 

[IceShadow]

I would start with posting all of the test results.

Next step: with no FC or CYA, verify you don’t have ammonia. Add 10ppm of FC. Let mix for 15 minutes. Test FC and CC. Let us know the result.

 

[Limbsmith]

I should have been more specific. SLAM process starts with ph at 7.2. Start there? FC without CYA is a waste. Start there?
I am going to vacuum to waste, add 10ppm FC, test, and post. Thanks

 

[ajw22]

I should have been more specific. SLAM process starts with ph at 7.2. Start there? FC without CYA is a waste. Start there?

1. Add 30 ppm of solid stabilizer CYA using the sock method
2. Lower pH to 7.2-7.4 if necessary
3. Set pump to run 24/7
4. Raise FC to 12ppm using liquid chlorine and MAINTAIN 12ppm.
5. Continue following SLAM - Shock Level and Maintain

 

[mknauss]

Dustin was recommending you check for ammonia in the pool water. Always a concern with 0 CYA, 0 FC, and very green pool.

The follow what Allen described.

 

[Limbsmith]

Just wanted to update. Things are looking good. Moving in the right direction. Following ajw22’s recommendations(thank you!) Last test before I had to leave: FC 11- added 3 cups OF 10% bleach per pool math. CC-.5
Vacuuming blind as I can’t see the bottom. brushed sides and steps.
per pool math, have hung 8# of stabiliser, 4# each sock in 2 different locations in front of jets opposite ends of pool.
yesterday, added 4oz of muriatic acid per pool math. Ph was down to 7.6 from 8.2 after 30 minutes. today it was 6.8. I understand SLAM makes that impossible to get accurate reading during process???
followed pool math to adjust TA- forgot to log numbers

It was amazing how quickly the pool responded. The “green” was gone in a couple of hours turning the current color. Still cloudy but looking more clear(until I stirred it all up vacuuming and scrubbing).
Filter pressure was up 14 psi when I got there today. Reluctantly backwashed and rinsed. I understand you aren’t supposed to do that if adding CYA. Let me know if that was stupid.

Feeling more confident about doing this. Thanks everyone.

 

[ajw22]

You should not be adjusting PH during the SLAM Process.

pH test is not valid when FC is over 10ppm.

Just test FC, CC and ocassionally CYA during the SLAM Process

 

[Limbsmith]

Still working on the pool. Very close. Can finally see the shallow end bottom and slope to deep end to vacuum. Chlorine consumption is slowing. Following SLAM still. Should I still be using the 12ppm target for chlorine or back off to the 10ppm? Thanks again.

 

[PoolStored]

Should I still be using the 12ppm target for chlorine or back off to the 10ppm? Thanks again.

Your target is 12! Slam on!!!

Your ladder has hollow tubes. I would remove the ladder clean and scrub the inside with a flexible brush and bleach chlorine solution. My slam went 3 days longer than necessary because my ladder had algae in those tubes and I didn't realize it!!!

https://www.amazon.com/Brushtech-2-Inch-Diameter-120-Inch-Cylinder/dp/B003Q823ZI/ref=sr_1_4?crid=39WKM42KI7FZZ&keywords=1.5+flexible+brush&qid=1656471718&s=home-garden&sprefix=1.5+flexible+brush%2Cgarden%2C103&sr=1-4

Do you have a light? Remove it and scrub behind it.

Algae is SNEAKY!!!

 

[Limbsmith]

I would love to remove the ladder. Tried at the end of last season. No joy. Is there a trick? There is a light. Remove it below water line?

 

[PoolStored]

I would love to remove the ladder. Tried at the end of last season. No joy. Is there a trick? There is a light. Remove it below water line?

Not sure I'm a great resource on "HOW" to remove the ladder. Just know that those tubes are hollow and likely harbor algae. If you don't remove and address, you may be in for a very long SLAM. Some TFP threads below that may help with ladder removal. On the light, depending on the type, they are removable by taking out a single screw. Can you post a pic of your light(s)?

Google search results

www.troublefreepool.com

 

[IceShadow]

I would love to remove the ladder. Tried at the end of last season. No joy. Is there a trick? There is a light. Remove it below water line?

For the ladder: See if the stainless steel pieces on the deck where the ladder goes down into it slide up the ladder sides. If so there should be a spot underneath where you can loosen a bolt and get the ladder out. Can you see if those go up and take a photo?

For the light - it depends on the light. Some are nicheless and don't let water (and algae) behind them. Others are set into a niche and water flows into it to cool them. Those can harbor algae. Can you post a closer photo of the light?

 

[Limbsmith]

For the ladder: See if the stainless steel pieces on the deck where the ladder goes down into it slide up the ladder sides. If so there should be a spot underneath where you can loosen a bolt and get the ladder out. Can you see if those go up and take a photo?

For the light - it depends on the light. Some are nicheless and don't let water (and algae) behind them. Others are set into a niche and water flows into it to cool them. Those can harbor algae. Can you post a closer photo of the light?

 

[IceShadow]

The ladder is missing the bolts that press a piece of metal against the ladder below the concrete surface. It should be able to be pulled up and out of the pool to be checked.

The light will have a niche. It may have a screw at the top of the inner ring that holds it to the niche (the outer circle screws should stay put, that seals the niche to your liner). Then the inner ring and light can lift out.

 

[Limbsmith]

The ladder is missing the bolts that press a piece of metal against the ladder below the concrete surface. It should be able to be pulled up and out of the pool to be checked.

The light will have a niche. It may have a screw at the top of the inner ring that holds it to the niche (the outer circle screws should stay put, that seals the niche to your liner). Then the inner ring and light can lift out.

Yes, I removed the screws when trying to remove the ladder at the end of last season. I will try penetrating oil and rubber-hammer-persuasion. Someone suggested a car jack in one of the old threads. Might try that as last resort.
I will tryto get the light out per your instruction. Thank you for the guidance!

 

[IceShadow]

Let us know what you find in them. Keeping the ladder out for the SLAM and scrubbing behind the light when the rest of the pool is scrubbed is probably a good idea until you're out of your SLAM.

 

[Limbsmith]

Just reporting in. Was finally able to remove ladder using PB Blaster, rubber hammer, floor jack, and strong language. Inside of tubes a little funky as was underside of treads. Just have them out until I can clean them thoroughly. Going to pull light this afternoon for scrubbing. Very pleased with results. I have not been able to be as intensive since life and work are happening, and I live an hour from the pool. One more thorough vacuuming/scrubbing as well as a couple of more days of SLAM before I start to consider winding down SLAM. I will bug y’all again then. Thanks again for the guidance.

 

[Limbsmith]

Ladies and gentlemen that is a clear pool! OCT FC down 1ppm. One more day of SLAM as precaution. CYA finally registering at 37(16 lbs later). Still have couple pounds in a sock currently. Should I remove? Will run full testing tomorrow for the other parameters. Thanks once again.

 

[Snoobug]

Congrats it's beautiful!!!! Way to stick to the process!