Need advice on pool chemistry

[DennyH]

15000g Intex vinyl AGP, 3000 GPH sand filter, salt water generator, Intex PO198 pool robot.. Having trouble with water being cloudy. Can see the bottom -- barely. No algae growth on sides or bottom. Salt is just over 4000 ppm I did shock it 2 days ago. Just got my TF-100 and ran my first test.
Results
Ph 7.2
C high
Free Cl 9ppm
Combined Cl 0
Total Cl 9 ppm
TA 150
CYA. 80
Hardness 50

 

[Texas Splash]

Welcome to TFP! You mention no algae growth, but the cloudy water says otherwise. Since your signature is blank, can you confirm which tests kit you are using? Also, have you tried doing an Overnight Chlorine Loss Test yet?

Pool Care Basics

 

[duraleigh]

There's a little mixup on your test results from the TF-100

It should read....
pH - 7.2 (that's good)
C-high (don't know what that means)

Everything else seems reasonable. Tell us what that C-high means.

 

[DennyH]

There's a little mixup on your test results from the TF-100

It should read....
pH - 7.2 (that's good)
C-high (don't know what that means)

Everything else seems reasonable. Tell us what that C-high means.

When you test the ph you use the little plastic block with a red side for ph and a yellow side for "C" which i suspect is a basic test for chlorine. Mine was darker than any of the color blocks. But that goes with the TC reading of 9.

 

[duraleigh]

I understand now.

Did the pool suddenly turn cloudy or has it been that way for a good while?

How long do you run the pump?

What is your current psi and what is normal psi?

How often do you vacuum?

Shoot those answers back and we'll have an idea where to go to get you SPARKLING again!

 

[DennyH]

When you test the ph you use the little plastic block with a red side for ph and a yellow side for "C" which i suspect is a basic test for chlorine. Mine was darker than any of the color blocks. But that goes with the TC reading of 9.

That should be CL BR. Chlorine and Bromine. Guess i should wear my glasses.

I understand now.

Did the pool suddenly turn cloudy or has it been that way for a good while?

How long do you run the pump?

What is your current psi and what is normal psi?

How often do you vacuum?

Shoot those answers back and we'll have an idea where to go to get you SPARKLING again!

 

[DennyH]

After i first filled it water was crystal clear for a couple weeks, then the salt level got low and i didnt notice so chlorine got off. Water clouded so i added salt ran filter constantly and added Super Blue Clarifyer and shocked it. So far i have probably used 4 cups Super blue and 2 shocks. Pool has been cloudy now for 3-4 weeks. Since we are in the middle of grandkIds pool season i have been reluctant to SLAM it. Pump runs constantly, pool vaccum every day or so overnight. The cloudyness is not so bad i cant see the bottom, it just doesnt look crystal clear like i want.

 

[DennyH]

Sand in the filter is 2-3 years old, psi gauge on the intex filter is not what id consider reliable but it generally reads 12. Thinking maybe i should change the sand. ???

 

[duraleigh]

My first choice would be to follow the precise process of SLAMming the pool. You can confidently swim in water up to SLAM value but no higher.

Short of that, I would elevate the FC to around 20 ppm and hold it there for a couple of days. Watch your gauge (Get a good one from TFTestkits when you can) and backwash if your psi reaches 25% over normal.

From your descriptions, I think that might get your pool crystal clear. You should see daily improvements.......sounds like you are pretty close to good water.

PS - Intex filters and pumps are seldom of the correct capacity they should be. You filter size could be impairing you efforts.

 

[DennyH]

Thanks for the comments. After applying About 5 gallons of 7.55 Cl it is much improved and likely will be crystal in a day or so. Now if i can just get Pool math premium to work on my phone...... Again, thanks.