***HELP*** Pool is green and NASTY.

[Krkincannon]

This is my first time posting here.

I have an 18000 Gallon +/- Above Ground Pool 18'x33'x54" Oval. It is Greeeeeennnn and nasty. I dumped 6lbs of shock in it a couple of weeks ago followed by another 6lbs the following day. The water turned cloudy and chalky white, but never cleared up.

My wife is on me daily to get this cleared and usable. I currently do not have any way to test the water other than test strips, so i know i need to order a test kit. Recommendations on which to order? K-2006, K-2006, TF-100? Also, what would be the quickest way to get one? Are there any options besides ordering? I am located about an hour south of Houston TX. Is there anything i can be doing in the meantime to start clearing it up?

Thanks

 

[Krkincannon]

Update...

I was just able to purchase a:

Taylor K2006 Complete Swimming Pool Water Test Kit Chlorine, pH, Alkalinity​

kit from Walmart and it says it will arrive tomorrow.

 

[mknauss]

Welcome to the forum!
That kit is fine. It has limited volumes of reagents and thus you will need to order refills of the R0870 and R0871 for the FC testing very soon.
The TF100 from TFTestkits.net is by far the best value.
I suggest you read through Pool Care Basics - Trouble Free Pool and even look at a few of our videos TFP-TV - Trouble Free Pool

 

[Krkincannon]

Welcome to the forum!
That kit is fine. It has limited volumes of reagents and thus you will need to order refills of the R0870 and R0871 for the FC testing very soon.
The TF100 from TFTestkits.net is by far the best value.
I suggest you read through Pool Care Basics - Trouble Free Pool and even look at a few of our videos TFP-TV - Trouble Free Pool

I can return this and order a TF-100 if you think that is the best option for me.

I have always kept the pool clear during the summer months somehow just adding this or that here and there. i always tried to do the minimum and always try to avoid taking a sample to the pool store.

 

[mknauss]

Up to you. It may take a few days for the TF100 to be shipped to you. You can just get the K2006 tomorrow and order refills for those two reagents right away.

I doubt your pool water was ever as clear and refreshing as a TFPC pool will be.

 

[PoolStored]

Add 3ppm of liquid chlorine per day until the test kit arrives. Brush daily.

When kit arrives, follow the SLAM process. Link-->SLAM Process

 

[Krkincannon]

If i order this kit, do i need any additional options?

 

[Krkincannon]

Add 3ppm of liquid chlorine per day until the test kit arrives. Brush daily.

When kit arrives, follow the SLAM process. Link-->SLAM Process

how do i figure the 3ppm?

 

[mknauss]

As you have a pool that will need the SLAM Process right off, the SLAM option would be wise. The SpeedStir is very nice to have, but not necessary.

 

[PoolStored]

Smart stir and slam option are option. Smart stir is a game changer, makes your results more consistent and accurate. Slam option just means more of the reagents for FAS-DPD, so you don't run out during slam.

I would get the TF-Pro, includes both.

how do i figure the 3ppm?

Download PoolMath. It will tell you how using the "effects of adding" function. Link-->PoolMath

 

[Krkincannon]

It this a better option?

 

[PoolStored]

Great option!

If you store this inside in a cool dark place, reagents should last two years. You can then just replace the individual reagents when needed.

 

[mknauss]

That is the premium option. Many of us have that. It is great for ease of use and has everything you need.

 

[PoolStored]

When the kit arrives, do not be overwhelmed.

Book mark the page below and use it to walk you through each of the tests.

The way the smart stir works is you put your sample in the tube. Drop the little white X pill into the tube, turn the smart stir on with the light on. The pill will swirl for you.

Extended Test Kit Directions Archives

www.troublefreepool.com

 

[PoolStored]

@Krkincannon Given the state of the pool, *Green and Nasty*, I would add 5ppm per day.

 

[Krkincannon]

@Krkincannon Given the state of the pool, *Green and Nasty*, I would add 5ppm per day.

is there a calculator for this?

 

[PoolStored]

Pool Math. Link-->PoolMath

 

[Bperry]

is there a calculator for this?

Use the link above or itll tell you about 1 gallon.

 

[Krkincannon]

So whats the difference in using liquid chlorine vs bleach or using Walmart liquid chlorine or even powder?

 

[PoolStored]

Liquid Chlorine = Bleach. However, Bleach in the stores can contain polymers (all Clorox bleach contains polymers), fragrances, softeners etc. All these additives cause more problems. Hard to tell if a bottle of bleach is just bleach or something else. Best to use LC.

Powder contains either Calcium or CYA. If you use them, they will raise CH and CYA. The only way to remove CH and CYA is to replace water. That is why we don't recommend them. If you know your existing CH and CYA, and you need some in your pool, no reason not to use it. In a vinyl pool, you don't need CH, and if CH gets too high you can get scaling. If you CYA gets too high, you can't keep enough FC to sanitize the pool.

How to Chlorinate Your Pool

Before chlorinating your pool, you should know these simple tips. Learn the best way to add chlorine to your pool.

www.troublefreepool.com