Help! Fine white sediment - pool water cloudy

[poolnewbie12345]

Hi,

We are relatively new pool owners, and have had our fiberglass inground pool for two and a half summers. We have a very fine white sediment in our pool that sinks too the bottom when not in use. When cleaning or swimming, the sediment gets lifted up so that the pool water is almost totally opaque (can't see feet). There is also a film on the pool that is gritty, only under the water surface. Above is smooth. Is this a calcium imbalance? pH or alkalinity? Any advice on how to fix the problem?

Some possibly helpful info:

- Chlorinating with powdered chlorine one cup every second day, at home test says pH is fine and chlorine within upper limit (maybe high at times).
- Not green, no obvious algae problem
-No burning when swimming
-Sunlight until 2pm, then shade
-Glass filter medium
-Backwash window has difficulty becoming clear
-Location is southern Quebec

Thank you in advance!!!

 

[Texas Splash]

Welcome to TFP! I'm going to toss a few things back at you for consideration with the understanding we know you'll be closing soon:
1 - Test strips are just horrible. Accurate home testing is the cornerstone of TFP. You need a Taylor K-2006C available in your area. Or if you have access down south across the border, order a TF-100 (best value). With either of those kits you're guaranteed to get accurate results, and anything you try to do starts with accurate results.
2 - If you don't have a salt water generator, then using liquid chlorine on a regular basis is the best way to maintain the proper FC level as noted on the FC/CYA Levels. Bags of shock and stuff like that increases your CYA level too quickly.
3 - While there are many members who use glass media, we believe sand is the best media. It's been the industry standard for decades, never goes bad, and does a great job.
4 - The cloudiness you are experiencing might be related to filtration, chemical levels, or could be dead algae. But without accurate testing we'd just be guessing.

Be sure to visit our Pool Care Basics page for easy references all in one location. We'd love to help you more in preparation for closing and again when you open next spring. If you have more questions please let us know. Enjoy the forum.

 

[poolnewbie12345]

Hi Texas Splash,

Thank you for the detailed message. I see that without testing it's hard to find the source of the problem.

Indeed, we'll be closing soon. We opened it ourselves this summer with an Aquarius pool opening kit.

Usually we have someone close the pool because we're worried about leaving water in the pipes (we don't have a compressor to push the water out), but it's cheaper to DIY. Is it doable without the compressor?

Thank you!

 

[poolnewbie12345]

Also, do the testing kits need to be bought every year? I read that the solutions go bad and thus need to be repurchased.

 

[Texas Splash]

Is it doable without the compressor?

While some people with short lines and simply plumbing routes can get by with a ShopVac, the "Cyclone" blower is really the ideal tool to have. It pays for itself after about one closing.

Also, do the testing kits need to be bought every year?

Some regents yes, while others maybe not. Just depends on how much you use each season and how well you store them. The FAS-DPD is one of the most important to have fresh each year for accurate FC and CC testing.

 

[poolnewbie12345]

Thank you!!