Helping a freind whose pool got away from him

[wireform]

Disregard pool in signature:

Was called to a friend's pool over the weekend to correct a cloudy condition. Have never been there so first order of the day was to pull out my TF-100 testing kit and run a complete test.
The pool is 3 years old, vinyl, IG 20' X42' at approx 38000 gallons. 1.5 hp pump coupled with a Jandy CV460 cartridge filter,Delta E-40 Ultraviolet Sanitizer/Clarifier System, Raypack PR406AENC heater, automatic pool cover and a robot. No SWG.
For the test results, here are the numbers:
FC-0
CC-0, couldn't get reading as there's no chlorine
CH-225, and of course the PH was at the lowest reading if not off the charts
TA-10
CYA- nothing or too low to register on the vial. Got to the top and black dot was clear as if no test was happening.

The pool surface was slimy but no visible colored algae with the exception of some white colored particles floating when I brushed.
Need all the help I can get because I'm not sure where to begin. Thanks to all in advance, Allan

 

[mknauss]

Use Baking soda now to raise TA to 60. Check pH after the addition (do in a few batches) and see if the pH is in the 7's. Aerate any way you can. The low pH is destroying the heater and / or the plaster.

The get 30 ppm CYA into the pool and SLAM Process.

 

[wireform]

Thanks,
Can I start bringing the CYA up before the TA as the baking soda has yet to arrive?
Also what method do I use to put in baking soda, mixing in bucket, dumping that into pool.....

 

[Flbeachluvr]

Thanks,
Can I start bringing the CYA up before the TA as the baking soda has yet to arrive?
Also what method do I use to put in baking soda, mixing in bucket, dumping that into pool.....

No expert by any means but when I've added baking soda I've just sprinkled it around the pool and then brushed to dissolve. Walmart sells 12# bags here and they're less than $10.

 

[wireform]

Progress report:
TA - 70
PH - 7.2
In the in midst of raising CYA now.
Question, can I raise the PH with borax rather then aerating. I can't babysit this pool and all they have is that motorized cover for safety so aerating isn't an option.

 

[Dirk]

----

 

[mknauss]

No need to raise the pH. It is fine at 7.2

 

[wireform]

Thanks guys. I knew I'll be put back into my comfort zone. I'll report back in a few days with more progress.

- - - Updated - - -

Oh one more. What's the soonest to check the Cya and get somewhat accurate numbers?

 

[Dirk]

How did you add it? What kind did you add (solid or liquid)? How sure are you of your water volume?

 

[wireform]

Solid form. The capacity was close but I reverse calculated after the first batch of baking soda when the results were a bit off and the second batch was almost on the money . Now I'm very close to spot on I think.
Cyanuric acid was hung in front of active jets.

 

[Dirk]

If solid CYA was dissolved in front of a return, directly into the pool (not the skimmer), you should get a good reading the next day. I'd circulate all night to be sure. If you're confident in your pool's volume, and the amount you put in, but don't get the test result you were expecting, then I'd give it another day to show up. You don't want to overshoot CYA...

 

[wireform]

Yes, into the pool not skimmer. Pool math had me go for 8 lbs but to be on the cautious side I went with 6 lbs. So unsure what I get. I'll do pool math with my new number once I get it. If it still has me going with 2 lbs more I know the pool capacity is right.

 

[Dirk]

As long as the FC is holding sufficiently, with whatever amount of CYA is in there, you can afford to be patient and "creep up" on the final CYA amount.

 

[wireform]

Well in my first post I included the numbers and there was no chlorine, no Cya and a TA of 10. TA is done and so is the PH. I need some kind of reading of my Cya which I haven't obtained yet then I will slam. I will get my first CYA in the morning and go from there. Thanks
This friend didn't realize it's not just the fancy pool, cabana, robot and the rest of stuff. It needed to be maintained chemically which he was ill informed.

 

[Dirk]

Ha, like the guy that didn't think to put oil in his fancy new sports car, 'cause the dealer didn't tell him to!?

You're a good friend!

 

[wireform]

Update:
FC- dropped like a rock but now it doesn't loose as much any more. Will explain below.
CC-1
TA - 70
PH-7.2
CH- didn't check but should be in the area of 200-250
CYA- 30-40
Pool builder said it's a 30,000 gallon pool but not sure if he was just shrugging me off. I am careful and doing all additions in batches anyhow.
So here we go:
SLAM #1 went to zero
SLAM #2 went close to it but not zero
SLAM #3 after 10 hours had FC of 5.5
Tonight I slammed again and checked 1 hour later and I was at FC-14
I will see in the morning what I have left in my FC. I brushed very well but did not vacuum. Have the robot moving but not sure if it's needed now or not as the water is very cloudy. As I stated in an earlier post there is a serious algae problem but it's white and sticks very well to the walls untill I brushed it of. I guess I keep slamming until my CC is .5 or less and the FC doesn't drop. I'm hoping in the interim the water will clear up.
Oh, and I took the cartridges out and did a good house cleaning as it was terribly dirt laden.
Question, do I need to clean cartridges again due to all the algae it's catching or let it go. And, can I add some DE to a cartridge filter?
I'm all ears for any tips or advice. Thanks to all for putting up with me, Allan

 

[Lilypad]

Clean the cartridge filter when it's 20-25% over clean pressure. Check that the pressure gauge is working correctly. Does it go to zero when the pump is turned off? DE will clog a cartridge filter. That technique is occasionally used with a sand filter.

 

[wireform]

update:
This morning FC-7 and water starting to become more clear. Continuing with slam.

 

[YippeeSkippy]

Is the actual pool owner helping you with all this at all? They need to get some skin in this game or they won't learn a thing.

As soon as I read your description of their equipment I thought for sure they'd fallen for the old UV/Ozone myth of sanitation. Amirite?

Maddie

 

[wireform]

Is the actual pool owner helping you with all this at all? They need to get some skin in this game or they won't learn a thing.

As soon as I read your description of their equipment I thought for sure they'd fallen for the old UV/Ozone myth of sanitation. Amirite?

Maddie

I guess it's all sales pitch. I asked him what has he been doing before I came aboard and shows me a little of this and that kind of stuff. Some kind of shock packets but he's using it without any rhyme or reason. I'm new to the pool game as of spring 2017 when my son bought a house/pool. I find it relaxing and challenging at the same time but never the less fun too. You can actually have a pool and know what you're doing and know the pool company's are just taking advantage of you. I'm recommending a SWG for next year and forewarned him that they may try to sell him on the frog system and he should stay the h3ll away from that product. That pool builder pushes the product because we all know why. You'll be back for cartridges and .......