Liquid CYA shelf life? Slamming can’t keep FC up

[JediKnight]

First time over wintering the pool. Left it uncovered. We’ve had some persnickety weather with warm then cold weather and the pool turned into a swamp.

I started slamming a couple weeks ago sans pump and stirred and brushed the liquid bleach in like a 16’ witches brew. Then it rained 4” in a weekend. Had to siphon some water out before the cauldron overflowed.

Fast forward and I’ve resumed the slam process and the water isn’t crystal yet but pretty clear. We had some liquid stabilizer (one half full and one unopened) and I used the half full jug to add CYA to the pool as it tested below 30.

Now I can’t keep the FC at 16 as it goes down every few hours. The pump is hooked back up with the skimmer and I’ve been vacuuming almost daily.
So my question is, did the jug of CYA lose its oomf? It’s the one test that I’m never certain of my findings. Or despite being clear the FC is still being eaten? In the sun and overnight I’m losing FC.

 

[duraleigh]

What I see from the pics is a lot of dead algae on the floor which indicates you never finished the SLAM.

I would suggest you review the SLAM article and follow it to a T to clean your pool.

A complete set of test results always helps but you have to get rid of that debris (by vacuuming) or you will always consume excess chlorine.

 

[JediKnight]

What I see from the pics is a lot of dead algae on the floor which indicates you never finished the SLAM.

I would suggest you review the SLAM article and follow it to a T to clean your pool.

A complete set of test results always helps but you have to get rid of that debris (by vacuuming) or you will always consume excess chlorine.

Yes, I’m vacuuming daily, the last pic is before-hand.
Okay, so you don’t think it has anything to do with CYA “expiring” and just not being done Slamming. I shall continue the process as planned, I just wasn’t sure if using old liquid stabilizer was not protecting what I’ve been throwing in. There isn’t a date on any of the jugs.

 

[duraleigh]

Your CYA should be around 30 for the SLAM. Where is it currently?

 

[JediKnight]

It started out below reading on the comparator as the pool was half filled for winter and rain filled it up this spring.
I’ve added the pool math recommended dosage and it tested 30. Could be 40, I always struggle with the CYA test dot.

I just wanted to know if liquid conditioner/CYA has a shelf life, especially once opened and if it can lose its potency and effect my SLAM. Obviously I’m still in the middle of the processes, but don’t want it dragged out even longer if old conditioner isn’t as good. Granted, it test well after I added it.

 

[mknauss]

CYA is very stable. The issue with the liquid is the solids drop out and when you use only a half bottle, you may or may not be getting half of the CYA effect.
Test the CYA the day after adding the liquid. It should be well mixed in by then.

 

[JediKnight]

CYA is very stable. The issue with the liquid is the solids drop out and when you use only a half bottle, you may or may not be getting half of the CYA effect.
Test the CYA the day after adding the liquid. It should be well mixed in by then.

Perfect! That’s the answer to my question. Thank you, as always.