Newbie needs SLAMing advice, and how much sodium hypochlorite in Clorox Bleach?

[JFB]

Darlene13... Check your fliers. It's on sale at crappy tire again this week!

Oh. And I think something in your filter is broken as well. Would explain pretty much everything...

 

[TomBorg]

I went back and re-read the first post of the thread:

I have battled algae for years. The pool always starts off not bad, kind of cloudy/milky (which is as good as it gets)......

This makes me think the filter wasn't assembled properly when it was first installed, and what we're seeing now is just a worsening of the problem. If the filter had been working properly, the pool would rarely have been milky like that. In the past, did your pool people use floc to make the milkiness (dead algae) drop to the bottom so they could vacuum it to waste?

In any case, I'm even more certain that you'll need to open up the filter (and probably remove the sand) to diagnose the problem.

It looks like the pipes were glued into the valve, rather than using quick-release unions. So it's going to take some work getting it apart. You may have to take a hacksaw to the pipes (or use a PVC pipe cutter). Lots of videos on youtube for repairing PVC pipe and installing unions. Just remember to cut two inches or more from any other fitting or bend, so you'll have room to attach couplers and new fittings. Always keep in mind that you want things to be as easy as possible the NEXT time you have to take everything apart.

 

[Beens]

I switched out the intex fittings on my pool this year to standard hayward 1.5 inch fittings.

I didn't want to add any more pieces than absolutely necessary so instead of ball valves I got 2 of the return plugs. I got them in Leslie's.

They screw in to the fittings the same as the eyeball. Incidently, I didn't like the eyeball that I bought and I ended up using a 1.5 inch threaded pvc elbow in it's place. It gives me an amazing whirlpool!

Here is a link to show what the plugs look like.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B002EL3YCE?pc_redir=1405110521&robot_redir=1


When I need to work on the filter or pump, I remove my elbow (lol for you it would be the eyeball) and screw in the plug.

Since I don't have a skimmer like yours my intake is the same as my return and all I have to do is pull out the hose for the over the wall skimmer and screw the other plug in.

The plug will solve the return shut off problem for you. Now we just have to figure out what to stick in that skimmer to plug it!

BTW, I just did my first deep clean 4th of July weekend. I didn't remove any plumbing but I just have a hose connecting the filter to the pool and the flexible pvc (clear with the criss crossy lines in it that came with the filter/pump) from the pump to the filter and not any rigid pvc. Once I had the top free (by removing the collar thing) I used a handy dandy bungee cord to support the top of the filter (with hoses attached) I hooked it to the frame of the pool.

Anyway.... I wanted to jump in with my plug experience because I've been following your thread for a while and I want to help too!

 

[kimkats]

Got you covered with a video!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=venC56OlYX8

WONDERFUL video to show you how a union works. The union is what you need to to put in the black pipe from the pump to the filter so you can take the top off.

Now I am not sure if you will need the ends with the screws on it. I THINK my union just had the pvc pipe "glued" into the union.

Did you see the rubber ring inside the union? I put the o-ring lube on it to help it make an even better seal.

The link Beens sent you http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B002EL3YCE?pc_redir=1405110521&robot_redir=1

would be purrrrrfect to close your return!

Now to find a way to close your skimmer. Tennis ball, big cork, any thing that will plug the hole and NOT go through and you can get back out!

I think you have found the problem for the long run.

The water IS getting clearer. I bet it was the turning of the eyeball to move the water better.

SO close!

I am SO proud of you for working all of this out! Your pics have helped so much!

Kim

 

[Darlene13]

Darlene13... Check your fliers. It's on sale at crappy tire again this week!

Right you are, JFB! It's on for $3.99 again Good timing!!

Oh. And I think something in your filter is broken as well. Would explain pretty much everything...

I agree, thanks!

 

[Darlene13]

This makes me think the filter wasn't assembled properly when it was first installed, and what we're seeing now is just a worsening of the problem. If the filter had been working properly, the pool would rarely have been milky like that.

It is entirely possible, TomBorg. I was not responsible for supervising the installation or maintaining the pool, so I have no real way of knowing whether it was ever working correctly!

In the past, did your pool people use floc to make the milkiness (dead algae) drop to the bottom so they could vacuum it to waste?

My ex did use floc on more than one occasion. As to whether he vacuumed to waste afterwards I have no idea! If he didn't is that an issue? I do know that floc is NOT supposed to get into the sand filter, but I don't know why and how problematic that would be.

In any case, I'm even more certain that you'll need to open up the filter (and probably remove the sand) to diagnose the problem.

:-( That's what I was afraid of!

It looks like the pipes were glued into the valve, rather than using quick-release unions. So it's going to take some work getting it apart. You may have to take a hacksaw to the pipes (or use a PVC pipe cutter). Lots of videos on youtube for repairing PVC pipe and installing unions. Just remember to cut two inches or more from any other fitting or bend, so you'll have room to attach couplers and new fittings. Always keep in mind that you want things to be as easy as possible the NEXT time you have to take everything apart.

I guess before I do ANY of that, I need to install a shut-off valve from the incoming pipe from the skimmer to the pump. Once that one is done, then I can do the pipe from the pump to the sand filter. And then I can start removing the pipes from the sand filter to get at it.

 

[Darlene13]

Hi, everyone!

I just picked up my DE:

Here are the instructions on the back of the bag:

Well, I don't have a DE filter, so these instructions aren't exactly that helpful! For the size of my pool (24' Above Ground), how much would I typically need? I realize that I do have some kind of issue with my sand filter, but I don't think adding the DE would harm anything, right? And I am hoping that it would trap that debris that is coming back via the return jet. Or would the DE also come out the return jet as we see with TomBorg's paper experiment?

 

[TomBorg]

Yes, the DE would flow right through. I wouldn't add DE until the filter is fixed. :-(

But once the filter is fixed, you're going to have the cleanest pool in the province!

 

[Darlene13]

Yes, the DE would flow right through. I wouldn't add DE until the filter is fixed. :-(

That wasn't the answer that I wanted to hear

But once the filter is fixed, you're going to have the cleanest pool in the province!

I sure hope so, TomBorg! This is taking a lot of time and energy!!

 

[Butterfly]

The filter could just be channeled and the deep cleaning would fix that

 

[kimkats]

D, Did you see my post up above with the video?

Butterfly, she did a DEEP clean and is still seeing the trash

I would keep doing what you are doing but maybe put the mesh bag on the return and keep it there during the pump run. Clean it out when you get home. Just an idea.

Kim

 

[duraleigh]

It is very, very unlikely that debris like I see in post #188 can get through a working filter....virtually impossible.

I am late to this dance but a filter allowing debris that size to pass through is a broken filter. Whether it is torn laterals, improper assembly or something else, debris that size is just not really possible

I would disregard EVERY other aspect of your repair until I took that filter apart, removed the sand, and discovered how that debris was making it's way through the filter.

If I am overlooking something in this lengthy thread, then I apologize but debris that size cannot get through a properly working filter.

 

[Beens]

I think that is the unfortunate conclusion we have come to. Or should I say "They" since I didn't actually post any input on that aspect but I came to the conclusion on my own....lurking.

It's just too bad that it has to be so complicated for Darlene to get the filter apart. Darn plumbing nightmares!

 

[zea3]

I would not try running a tablespoon through the plumbing! If you want to try the experiment again use little pieces of plastic instead. Try cutting up a plastic grocery or trash bag.

 

[Darlene13]

I would not try running a tablespoon through the plumbing! If you want to try the experiment again use little pieces of plastic instead. Try cutting up a plastic grocery or trash bag.

No, no, LOL! Not an actual tablespoon but a tablespoon of GLITTER! It would be highly visible and wouldn't disintegrate like the paper. I definitely wouldn't be putting a spoon down the plumbing!

 

[Darlene13]

D, Did you see my post up above with the video?

I did, Kim. Honestly, I haven't had a chance to sit down and watch it yet...just too many things on the go at the moment. But THANK YOU, and I promise I will look at it, and I sure do appreciate your constant help and support!!

Butterfly, she did a DEEP clean and is still seeing the trash

I think Butterfly means doing the deep cleaning of the sand filter with the garden hose, which I haven't done yet. I've done two long backwashes with 3 rinse cycles for each but haven't actually gotten the sand filter open yet!

I would keep doing what you are doing but maybe put the mesh bag on the return and keep it there during the pump run. Clean it out when you get home. Just an idea.

Good idea. That would at least keep the debris from coming back to the pool. Only problem is finding a way to affix it to the return jet!! I'm going to have to play with it. Thanks, Kim!!

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The filter could just be channeled and the deep cleaning would fix that

I hear ya, loud and clear, Butterfly! If only it was that easy to just crack open the sand filter to take a look!! I just need to deal with the plumbing issues first. I have no way to open up the sand filter right now

 

[Darlene13]

It is very, very unlikely that debris like I see in post #188 can get through a working filter....virtually impossible.

I am late to this dance but a filter allowing debris that size to pass through is a broken filter. Whether it is torn laterals, improper assembly or something else, debris that size is just not really possible

I would disregard EVERY other aspect of your repair until I took that filter apart, removed the sand, and discovered how that debris was making it's way through the filter.

If I am overlooking something in this lengthy thread, then I apologize but debris that size cannot get through a properly working filter.

Hi, Dave! First off, your site is wonderful!! I have never known a more welcoming group of strangers who volunteer their time and expend so much effort to help others to fix their pool problems! There is no expectation of receiving anything in return, and it's truly a wonderful atmosphere where people are here out of the goodness of their hearts and sharing their knowledge with one another! Honestly, I never would have made it this far without everyone's support. The amount of knowledge that I have gained in the short time that I've been here is unbelievable. You've picked my brain and helped me to diagnose my multitude of pool problems! I wish that I could give you all a group hug!!

With the amazing support and suggestions from everyone who's been following along on my epic saga, we've come to the same conclusion that there is something wrong with the sand filter. I thought all along that algae was my primary issue, but I believe now that it's the result of the sand filter's poor circulation/filtration. It's definitely been a BIG learning experience, and I'm nowhere near done yet, I'm afraid! My plumbing set-up is less than ideal (if you go back through earlier posts and view the photos) and gives me no way at the moment to get at the sand filter. As soon as I can deal with the plumbing, then I can open up the filter and see what's going on in there!

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Here is a link to show what the plugs look like.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B002EL3YCE?pc_redir=1405110521&robot_redir=1

Thanks for the link, Beens. I definitely don't have one of those! That's on my buy list.

The plug will solve the return shut off problem for you. Now we just have to figure out what to stick in that skimmer to plug it!

I still need to get a tennis ball to see if that's large enough to sit on top of the opening.

TAnyway.... I wanted to jump in with my plug experience because I've been following your thread for a while and I want to help too!

I appreciate that, Beens! Thank you!!

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It's just too bad that it has to be so complicated for Darlene to get the filter apart. Darn plumbing nightmares!

:sad: I know, LOL!! I am definitely learning a lot, though. I'm really nervous about tackling the plumbing, but I just can't afford to pay someone else to do it so I will have to attempt it myself and hope that I do it right!!

 

[JFB]

:sad: I know, LOL!! I am definitely learning a lot, though. I'm really nervous about tackling the plumbing, but I just can't afford to pay someone else to do it so I will have to attempt it myself and hope that I do it right!!

Darlene13. As with everything in life, there is always a first time for everything. I bet once you're done, you'll wonder what you were worried about since it turned out to be so easy. As we all have done already, we will help you through this. We will make drawings, show you pictures and videos, and make it easy for you...

If you want, all you need to do right now is the plumbing connecting the filter since you will probably be cutting those pipes. The rest can wait until you have more time. But I bet once you do the filter, you'll realize it's easy and will want to tackle the rest...

 

[Chrissykr]

I am a newbie here but I just wanted to say....Darlene you rock! Tackling all this by yourself is a huge project and you are so inspirational taking this on. Also, the help and support on this site is nothing short of amazing. Folks offering support, help, videos, drawings etc. is really top notch what a great group of folks here!

 

[Darlene13]

Darlene13. As with everything in life, there is always a first time for everything. I bet once you're done, you'll wonder what you were worried about since it turned out to be so easy. As we all have done already, we will help you through this. We will make drawings, show you pictures and videos, and make it easy for you...

You are absolutely right, JFB. You are all helping me through this! You are all fantastic, and I'm so fortunate to have found this forum!!

If you want, all you need to do right now is the plumbing connecting the filter since you will probably be cutting those pipes. The rest can wait until you have more time. But I bet once you do the filter, you'll realize it's easy and will want to tackle the rest...

LOL, you certainly make it sound do-able, JFB! I think I need to do the pipe from the skimmer to the pump first so that I can block that flow so then I can work on the pipe from the pump to the sand filter.