Help!!! My pool is terrible shape and I’m about to lose my mine

[Whitkelsey]

Hi, we need help. We opened the pool and we had a hole in our cover, the pool was disgusting. We got all the debris we could see and shocked it. It turned blue but very cloudy. After a week or so it would green again . We used the green to blue shock treatment. It just seemed to bring algae to the top of the pool to sit. Can’t skim it out because it breaks up and goes through the skimmer net. We vacuumed the bottom although we can’t see it… we just guessed. Now it’s green again with all this gunk on top…. Please help

 

[HermanTX]

Welcome to TFP.
We can definitely help as we have seen pools worst than yours.
A one time shock does not work as you have found out.
We use a process call SLAM Process and may take days or couple of weeks depending on pool size, amount of algae.
An important part is to have a proper test kit. You need to be able to do your own testing and test FC above 10ppm because that is required when you SLAM. See Test Kits Compared. Plan to purchase one.

Right now plan to just add liquid chlorine until you get a test kit and read through the SLAM process.
You did not saw how many gallons your pool is so that is needed to give you some initial guidelines.
Go buy liquid chlorine as that will be used alot.

Also, skim the algae off the top and try to remove as much debris as feasible.
Is is feasible to drain the pool or not?

 

[Whitkelsey]

Hi, it’s a 10,000 gallon pool. We would rather not drain since we have worked so hard trying to get it opened. If we end up draining, we will not refill because I’m just over it. Do you think it’s possible to get it clear ?

 

[JJ_Tex]

Hi, it’s a 10,000 gallon pool. We would rather not drain since we have worked so hard trying to get it opened. If we end up draining, we will not refill because I’m just over it. Do you think it’s possible to get it clear ?

It is possible to get it clear, with chlorine, your filter, a lot of testing and re-adding of chlorine, plus some elbow grease to vacuum and brush. Just know its going to be 2 weeks or more of work to completely kill off the algae.

Draining/partial drain may help speed it along a bit, but it would still take a week or longer.

If you are willing to put in the work, we can get you crystal clear and able to enjoy your pool.

 

[Whitkelsey]

It is possible to get it clear, with chlorine, your filter, a lot of testing and re-adding of chlorine, plus some elbow grease to vacuum and brush. Just know its going to be 2 weeks or more of work to completely kill off the algae.

Draining/partial drain may help speed it along a bit, but it would still take a week or longer.

If you are willing to put in the work, we can get you crystal clear and able to enjoy your pool.

Ok, we are committed. Where do we begin? Would it be best to buy bleach or chlorine? Going now to get supplies. Wish I had can’t across this page before I spent all I have, for nothing.

 

[HermanTX]

Do you think it’s possible to get it clear ?

As outlined by @JJ_Tex it is very doable. Draining could possibly speed it up as noted but not necessary. As stated before, we have seen worst and have achieved great results.

 

[JJ_Tex]

Step 1 is get a good test kit. I recommend the TF100

Swimming Pool Test Kits Compared

What pool test kit should I buy? Why shouldn't I use test strips? Our recommended test kits will pay for themselves in no time!

www.troublefreepool.com

Step 2 is wait for it to come in. While waiting, add 5 ppm of chlorine to your pool on a daily basis. If you tell us how big your pool is, we can calculate how much chlorine that is. You also need to find a good source for liquid chlorine. My go to is Walmart Pool Essentials (white jug).

Step 3, also while waiting for your test kit is to read the SLAM process multiple times. Also explore Pool School and ask us any questions.

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

Step 4: Once your test kit comes in, post up the full set of results and we can guide you through the SLAM.

 

[HermanTX]

Bleach and Liquid Chlorine are one in the same. Go to WalMart or Home Depot and purchase Pool Essentials. It will be rated as 10% sodium hypochlorite. Suggest you purchase at least 10 gallons now.

Do you have a proper test kit? We need a kit that can test free chlorine (FC) above 10ppm. We also need to test CYA and pH before you start.
Test Kits Compared.

Please read SLAM Process

 

[VinnyinNJ]

First thing you need is a good test kit - TFtestkits.net

You can use bleach with no other additives or smells but that's getting harder to find, I think it's labeled "disinfecting bleach" these days. Or go to Walmart and pick up many jugs of liquid chlorine, here in NJ they stop selling it after a while. Use liquid chlorine (bleach) vs anything else. Read the slam process that was posted, I've used it and it works.

Good luck!