HELP - green pool, teaming with bugs

[momspool1]

Hello,

I recently took over the care of my family’s pool. It is green, cloudy, and has thousands of tiny bug larvae swimming in it.

I ordered the wrong Taylor test kit which I am going to return, so I only have access to the test strips we already had which test FC, pH, and Alk.

My first reading was FC 0, Alk 0, pH <6.2.

I read somewhere on here (I can’t find the thread anymore) that I should fix the Alk first with soda ash until ~50, then fix the pH with borax, then fix the FC with bleach.

I added 6kg of soda ash and the following day my readings were FC 0, Alk ~40, pH <6.2.

My dad then suggested SLAMing the pool before finishing my other adjustments.

What do you recommend is the best course of action??

Thank you in advance for your help.

Edit: I’m not sure I added my signature correctly because I can’t see it on my post. Toronto, vinyl, 38000g, chlorine, sand filter, unsure about pump, older than 2000.

 

[Texas Splash]

What do you recommend is the best course of action??

Nothing. Except for adding about 1 gallon of liquid chlorine per day, don't adjust anything else until you get the right test kit. Those test strips are horrible and you could be wasting time, money, and products. Don't let yourself get frustrated, just wait on the kit. Once you get it, post a full set of numbers and we'll walk you through the SLAM Process. Be sure to save our Pool Care Basics to your FAVs as well. We'll be here to help.

Welcome to TFP!

 

[Texas Splash]

Your signature does show, but you have some things listed as unknown. We may be able to help if you post some pics of your equipment from different angles.

 

[scdaren]

Before doing anything else, I'd probably scoop out everything you can with a net, and just start dumping chlorine in and running the pump. Pool that size, probably a couple gallons a day, at least until green is gone, then once your test kit comes in see where things stand.