Low CYA, low chlorine, high phosphates - maybe some algae?

[ksmith23]

We bought our house with a pool a couple years back and unfortunately the pool was green when we moved in. We did everything we could based on advice to fixed it and it resulted in a losing battle that wound up with us draining our entire pool.

After refilling we wound up hiring someone to take care of it that was sort of a hit and miss experience with our pool turning green off and on over the next couple years. Now, we are looking at trying some maintenance ourself. The last service from the pool company was a week ago and yesterday we went and got the water tested at Leslie’s. See attached photo.

Based on their recommendation we added product to help with alkalinity, waited about 5 hours and then shocked the pool at night (3 pounds). Using a basic testing kit this morning - only tests ph and chlorine - the ph still shows high and chlorine is barely detectable.

We have ordered CYA and more shock based off of what we’ve seen here but are wondering if we are on the right track…

The pool is getting heavy use this year but has only been open like a week and a half…and we are worried there may be some algae bloom starting too. Any advice is appreciated.

44,000 gallon concrete pool
Sand filter
We use a robot cleaner

 

[mknauss]

Welcome to the forum!
You need a proper test kit. I suggest the TF-100/Pro or Taylor K2006C. A proper test kit is needed to get the accurate water chemistry results needed to follow the TFP protocols.

While you are waiting on your test kit, add 5 ppm FC worth of liquid chlorine / plain bleach to your pool each evening with the pump running. This will replenish the FC lost each day to the sun and also inhibit any algae in the water from growing further.
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

 

[ksmith23]

Thanks for the info Question, if our CYA is so low though, won’t the liquid chlorine/bleach burn off even faster than the shock would? Or should we not be concerned about that yet?

 

[mknauss]

When you get your proper test kit, run a full set of pool water chemistry tests and post them here. We can provide guidance based on that data.