How much chlorine will I need (gross numbers)

Had a "doh" moment today. I have been adding chlorine to get to shock level after each test. Reading various forum posts today, I realized that I missed a key instruction -- keep it AT or ABOVE shock level!

So, how do folks typically do that? Set a higher goal in PoolMath? Always add more than suggested?

What about when the test shows it's above the shock level?

So much to learn on this site! Thanks to the owners and moderators and contributors for all the great info that's available here!
 
I realized that I missed a key instruction -- keep it AT or ABOVE shock level!

So, how do folks typically do that?
Regular testing, as often as you can. Early in the process you may need to test and add to keep the level up every 30 minutes or so.

What about when the test shows it's above the shock level?
Depending on how much above, you may not add until you test again. As you discovered with your "doh" moment, AT or ABOVE is the key. When you let it drop below the organics start to multiply again and you are going backwards.
 
Unfortunately, it won't come apart. I had a service technician come out to do a sand change and he couldn't get the bolts off using his impact wrench. So, the choices I'm aware of is get by with this one until I can't any longer, or just go ahead and buy a new one now.

I'm fine with either option -- just hate to replace the filter now if I can get another year or two out of it.
 

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I'd say keep SLAMming and see how the clear up process goes. The chlorine is going to kill the algae regardless of how well the filter works. It might just take longer to clear up once you get that lovely cloudy blue color.

At least that's my opinion... :)
 
What a funky filter! Here's the owners manual...but you do have to remove all those bolts to take it apart and replace parts etc.
http://www.pentairpool.com/pdfs/HRPBOM.pdf

That's a load of bolts to remove.

Keep the SLAM up. As long as you're circulating and chlorinating (and brushing!), the algae will die. It's the part after, clearing the dead stuff and particulates, that will take longer if your filter is being lazy (needs deep cleaning). Once you get to that point, you could try Add DE to a Sand Filter to help it out once you get to that point.

But yeah, just for serviceability and functionality, I'd look into replacement in the next few year, depending on how it works for you this year.
 
Unfortunately, it won't come apart. I had a service technician come out to do a sand change and he couldn't get the bolts off using his impact wrench. So, the choices I'm aware of is get by with this one until I can't any longer, or just go ahead and buy a new one now.

I'm fine with either option -- just hate to replace the filter now if I can get another year or two out of it.
The diagram shows bolts and nuts, not a threaded housing, which is good.

With two sockets and breaker bars and maybe some pipe added for more leverage, it should be possible to snap the bolts. It says they're 1/2", so it will take some effort, but I've broken more than a few 1/2" wheel studs in my day.

There's also the option of cutting or drilling. For cutting, a diamond cutoff wheel in a die grinder will do it. Something like this, maybe, if you don't have an air compressor.

A nut splitter is also a possibility, if there's room to get it around the nut.

Before you start, get some hardware. You don't want to be driving all over frantically so you can reassemble the thing. Luckily, it lists standard threadeds. Antiseize compound will prevent it from happening again.

ssplitter.jpg
anti-seize-pastes-25365-3314027.jpg
 
PS: I had another thought: If you're not the handy type, hire a pro. A pool tech probably doesn't have the kind of hefty tools the job requires. But a tire service company that handles big rigs will have the big guns and the air compressor needed to zap those frozen bolts like they're nothing. Make a few calls. They pull up in the roadisde truck, drag the hose in, zap, zap, done.
 
Not that you really need it but pool stores may have an old filter or two to pick from in storage that they pulled off a clients pool for some reason. They may have a one they can sell you at a discount if a new one is not in the cards.
 
I finally have some visible progress!

pool_before&after.jpg

Still a ways to go, but it does really help to be able to see that it's working. The numbers and the filter pressure showed me something was happening but seeing is believing.

We're working on getting the bolts out so that I can clean the filter. Trying PB Blaster first.

Thanks again for the all the suggestions and support!

Toni
 
It's beautiful!

pool_140601.jpg

Started my slam on 5/19. Water was clear and I passed the OCLT on 5/31. Used 44.5 gallons of chlorine.

THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!

Found that CYA was at 40 when I was done (maybe read higher because of cloudiness or lost some due to all the backwashing). Put a few tabs in the floaters for now to raise it back up. With almost constant Arizona sunshine on the pool during the day -- it needs to be a little higher than that I think.
 

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