New pool owner, looking for guidance

[barfe1jd]

Hi,

I just purchased a home with a saltwater pool and we just moved in last week. The pool is pretty bad and covered in algae. As of today, I am receiving these issues for low salt and flow.

I cleaned out the skimmer today and ran the robot to clean up the bottom. I plan on getting salt tomorrow morning at the store. I did water testing today and Ph is 6.8 and chlorine level doesn't even register it’s so low.

As someone who knows nothing about this, any advice would help. I called the pool store and they can’t get someone out there to help and show me what to do for 2 weeks.

Thank you in advance for you patience and help. I really don’t know where to start here. I’ve been trying to find the answer on the blogs but no success yet.

 

[HermanTX]

Welcome to TFP.
There are multiple things to be done but most importantly is do not listen to the pool store rep as their goal is to sell products which may or may not help.

Low flow and low salt -
low flow likely implies that the filter is clogged and there is insufficient flow to activate the flow switch. What type of filter do you have? Need mfg. And model. The worst case is that the flow switch on the SWCG is broken but since you have algae, it is most likely due to a clogged filter.

Low salt - means what it implies but the only way to know is to test the pool water for salt level. Do not add salt unless you first test for salt and know what you have to add. However that is the least of your issues now.

Since you have algae, you need to address that first. There is a process we call SLAM Process. You require your own test kit to test for FC (free chlorine) levels and CYA (stabilizer level).
The first thing to do is to purchase liquid chlorine (Walmart or Home Depot are 2 places that carry it). Buy at least 10 gals to start.
What size pool volume?

The SLAM process can take a couple of days or a week or more - it just depends how bad it is.
Can you post a photo of your pool so we can see?

Suggest you purchase a recommended test kit. You can get it in a couple of days. Also, get a kit that has Salt testing with it as you will need that.
Test Kits Compared

We are here to help - the SLAM works. Many members have come here just like you and have been successful. However it does require you to test your own pool water, be diligent in testing and using liquid chlorine to kill all algae.

 

[HermanTX]

Also, after you complete the SLAM and clear out all the algae, we can teach you to manage your pool with ease and low cost. You already have a great SWCG (saltwater chlorine generator) so that is a good start.

We need to know details about pool volume, type of pump, type of filter, etc. Please update your profile and also Create Your Signature - Further Reading

 

[ol_whistle_britches]

Was the pool pump running when you took that picture of the SWG? That’s an important piece of information.