HELP with my SLAM/chemistry. Something is off.

[curleah]

Hello! I’ve been using this method for a number of years and have never had issues but this year I just can’t get my water clear. Had some equipment and pressure issues the first two weeks so I figured that was the problem. I’ve maintained SLAM for 3 weeks and I’ve done a very consistent job. I’m just waiting for crystal clear water.

It was green and nasty when I started but it’s been like that several times in the spring and I’ve been successful in clearing it. Three weeks ago I dropped my PH to 7.2-7.4, before SLAM, and CYA is 50. Ran a total test this AM and am including pics.

FC-22.5
CC-0
TA-60 (odd thing here is it turned clear then peach). It’s never done this before. Always to a brighter pink.
PH-7.2
CH-100
CYA-50

 

[Texas Splash]

You might try adding a 3rd or 4th drop of # 0007 before adding the #0008 (green) and doing the final drops to Barbie pink (#0009). Your reagents aren't too old are they? Not left in the heat?

 

[curleah]

You might try adding a 3rd or 4th drop of # 0007 before adding the #0008 (green) and doing the final drops to Barbie pink (#0009). Your reagents aren't too old are they? Not left in the heat?

My reagents are kept inside. Never in the heat. When do they expire?

 

[Texas Splash]

When do they expire?

The R-0013 (CYA) is generally quite stable for a long time, but the others should ideally be replenished annually each season. You might get a bit more time out of them, but always best to have a fresh batch. It's possible the elevated FC level was messing with your TA test, so let us know if the extra R-0007 drops help.

 

[curleah]

My reagents are kept inside. Never in the heat. When do they expire?

Added 2 more drops of #0007. My result is pictured. TA is 70.

 

[curleah]

The R-0013 (CYA) is generally quite stable for a long time, but the others should ideally be replenished annually each season. You might get a bit more time out of them, but always best to have a fresh batch. It's possible the elevated FC level was messing with your TA test, so let us know if the extra R-0007 drops help.

My results are below. I was wondering, I still have slightly cloudy water. Is it possible that my PH is too low? Doesn’t PH normally read high during a SLAM? Could my water be cloudy because of low PH?

 

[Texas Splash]

Could my water be cloudy because of low PH?

Probably not. Cloudy is almost always an indication of excessive organic material in the water. Still, if you have a concern about the pH, you can let the pH fall to 10 ppm, adjust if necessary, and increase back to SLAM level.