Thanks, Abigail. I'll do that this afternoon.
Test #25:
SLAM: 16 ppm FC
FC: 19 ppm
CC: 0.5 ppm
Newbie needs SLAMing advice, and how much sodium hypochlorite in Clorox Bleach?
- Thread starter Darlene13
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Thanks, Abigail. I'll do that this afternoon.
Test #25:
SLAM: 16 ppm FC
FC: 19 ppm
CC: 0.5 ppm
Hi, everyone! Sorry that I've been MIA. My niece had her wedding yesterday, and my little one was the Flower Girl and it's been a busy weekend! But I've been keeping the FC level up even though I haven't been around much.
Test #26 (Friday evening):
SLAM: 16 ppm FC
FC: 18 ppm
CC: 0.5 ppm
Test #27 (Saturday morning):
SLAM: 16 ppm FC
FC: 23.5 ppm
CC: 0.5 ppm
Test #28 (Saturday evening):
SLAM: 16 ppm FC
FC: 17.5 ppm
CC: 0.5
Test #29 (Sunday morning):
SLAM: 16 ppm FC
FC: 21.5 ppm
CC: 0.5 ppm
Test #30 (Sunday afternoon):
SLAM: 16 ppm FC
FC: 18 ppm
CC: 0.5
CYA: 40 (I retested it as Abigail had suggested)
I managed to get the drop-in steps out this afternoon, and my girls have been scrubbing them down with a 50/50 bleach solution as was suggested. I will take out the light in the steps and ensure that I scrub underneath there.
I vacuumed with my Manual Catfish Pool Blaster, and there is not much debris down there. Water is still blue but not clear. I think it's close, but honestly I don't know how much longer that I can give it. Our summers here are so brief. It's only warm enough to swim for eight weeks, and I feel horrible that I've kept my girls out of the pool. It's so hot here right now, and the pool is the perfect temp for swimming. Even though it's not clear, the water still looks better than it has in years!! I will do a deep-clean of the sand filter tomorrow, but I don't know what else that I can do. I think I'm going to give it another week and then let the FC level drift down so that the girls can swim. If that happens, I will SLAM again in September when it's too cool for swimming and try to get the water clear before the pool is closed for the year.
Anyways, I'm keeping my fingers crossed that the water clears this week! I've been SLAMing since June 21st, and we want our pool back!!!
Still looks the same:
Test #26 (Friday evening):
SLAM: 16 ppm FC
FC: 18 ppm
CC: 0.5 ppm
Test #27 (Saturday morning):
SLAM: 16 ppm FC
FC: 23.5 ppm
CC: 0.5 ppm
Test #28 (Saturday evening):
SLAM: 16 ppm FC
FC: 17.5 ppm
CC: 0.5
Test #29 (Sunday morning):
SLAM: 16 ppm FC
FC: 21.5 ppm
CC: 0.5 ppm
Test #30 (Sunday afternoon):
SLAM: 16 ppm FC
FC: 18 ppm
CC: 0.5
CYA: 40 (I retested it as Abigail had suggested)
I managed to get the drop-in steps out this afternoon, and my girls have been scrubbing them down with a 50/50 bleach solution as was suggested. I will take out the light in the steps and ensure that I scrub underneath there.
I vacuumed with my Manual Catfish Pool Blaster, and there is not much debris down there. Water is still blue but not clear. I think it's close, but honestly I don't know how much longer that I can give it. Our summers here are so brief. It's only warm enough to swim for eight weeks, and I feel horrible that I've kept my girls out of the pool. It's so hot here right now, and the pool is the perfect temp for swimming. Even though it's not clear, the water still looks better than it has in years!! I will do a deep-clean of the sand filter tomorrow, but I don't know what else that I can do. I think I'm going to give it another week and then let the FC level drift down so that the girls can swim. If that happens, I will SLAM again in September when it's too cool for swimming and try to get the water clear before the pool is closed for the year.
Anyways, I'm keeping my fingers crossed that the water clears this week! I've been SLAMing since June 21st, and we want our pool back!!!
Still looks the same:
wow, are you and your girls are gonna be surprised when you see your new TFPC pool! Sparklypoolitis will be the new buzz word 
Good. It is time. Let us know what you see/find.
The girls (or anyone) can swim NOW if the FC is below normal SLAM level and the water is clear enough so that you can see anyone on the bottom.
You can take the pool to SLAM level first thing in the morning. With sun, FC will drop below SLAM level fast, let anyone swim, then resume SLAM in the evening. As long as you get at least two SLAMs in daily, it (the SLAM process) will work - only slower since folks will be swimming and the SLAMs are fewer.
The more you an SLAM after the sun is off the pool, the better
I will, but it's gonna be messy! I'll have to flood my garage to do it
The girls (or anyone) can swim NOW if the FC is below normal SLAM level and the water is clear enough so that you can see anyone on the bottom.
You can take the pool to SLAM level first thing in the morning. With sun, FC will drop below SLAM level fast, let anyone swim, then resume SLAM in the evening. As long as you get at least two SLAMs in daily, it (the SLAM process) will work - only slower since folks will be swimming and the SLAMs are fewer.
The more you an SLAM after the sun is off the pool, the better
I didn't realize that, Butterfly! I've been trying to keep it higher between SLAMs so that I don't have to test as often, but if that's the case than I'll only go to SLAM level in the morning (if even needed) and it should burn off in the hot sun by the time I'm home from work in the early afternoon and then we can go swimming!
Just remember, it will take longer to complete the SLAM.
Gotcha! I understand that. As it turned out, the FC level did not fall below SLAM level all day so we weren't able to swim!!
Test #33:
SLAM: 16 ppm FC
FC: 17 ppm
CC: 0.5 ppm
I need help with the deep clean of the sand filter! I viewed the video for how to do it, but it starts off assuming that the top has already been removed and I don't know how to do that!
This is the top view of the sand filter:
I removed those six screws and that did not remove the top of the filter.
This is a front view of the sand filter:
There is a screw on either side of that black collar. I am assuming that this is what I unscrew, right? But I don't see any way to lift that collar away from the sand filter because it's connected to all the plumbing leading to the filter! Am I supposed to slide the sand filter out from beneath it?? And how exactly am I to do that because it's full of water and I assume very heavy!
Help!! Thanks.
Take a picture of the whole system as in all of the hoses/pipes leading to and from it.
I had to have my husband put in unions as it was not done by my installer.
I REALLY do not think that most people would be able to move a full filter!
Kim
I had to have my husband put in unions as it was not done by my installer.
I REALLY do not think that most people would be able to move a full filter!
Kim
Okay, Kim...here goes!
This is a view of the whole system inside the garage from the front:
This is a top view:
And these are the close-up shots from left to right:
And this is on the other side of the garage wall, viewing from the outside:
[so from Left to Right: Waste, Return (which is taken up to the solar panels on the garage roof), another pipe which leads up to the solar panels on the roof, from underground leading from pool to Chlorinator, from underground leading from pool to Pump]
And this is the entire view of the back of the garage:
And this is at the pool with the two pipes from underground, the one on the left leading up to the skimmer and the one on the right leading up to the return jet of the pool:
And this was this morning's test results:
Test #34:
SLAM: 16 ppm FC
FC: 22 ppm
CC: 0.5 ppm
Great pics! I want to really look at your set up when I am fresh LOL! That is quite a set up you have there! I have a couple of ideas.
I will get back with you tomorrow.
Kim
I will get back with you tomorrow.
Kim
Thanks, Kim! I really appreciate it!!!
Test #35:
SLAM: 16 ppm FC
FC: 19 ppm
CC: 0.5 ppm
I hope the pic unloaded. It should be your second pic. looking down at everything.
I see the black valve thing that if I am seeing it right goes to the return. Does it close so that water cannot come/go?
See the long, black pipe coming from the pump to the filter? I am thinking it comes from your skimmer. Is there any way to stop water from coming/going from it?
Do you have a shop vac?
I will wait for you answers before I go to my ideas. I am trying to save you a mess of water and get you set up so it will easy in the future to service your equipment.
Kim
Good morning, everyone! Will take a photo this afternoon in the sunshine.
Test #36:
SLAM: 16 ppm FC
FC: 22 ppm
CC: 0.5 ppm
Test #36:
SLAM: 16 ppm FC
FC: 22 ppm
CC: 0.5 ppm
Wow! I am impressed with this thread and time line. Your tenacity at trying to beat this problem is nothing short of inspirational.
Being a thin-blooded south westerner, we get warmer weather and a lot more pool season than you all north of the border. So I totally understand your burning desire to get that water crystal clear.
Excellent post with lots of great pics. Should be required reading in pool school.
Best of luck to you
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Being a thin-blooded south westerner, we get warmer weather and a lot more pool season than you all north of the border. So I totally understand your burning desire to get that water crystal clear.
Excellent post with lots of great pics. Should be required reading in pool school.
Best of luck to you
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Still going strong, Matt. But I'm losing hope this will ever be done!!! I just can't get the water to go clear
At this point, I'm wondering if this is more of a filtration issue than an algae issue! I really see no difference over the last two weeks.
Hi, Kim! I notice now when I took this top view photo that the pump all the way on the left was cut off. Let's try this shot:
I'm not sure which black valve thing that you are referring to, because there is a black flippy thingy (I'm so technical, LOL! sorry, I don't know what to call it!) on the white pipe which is the one that allows water up to the solar panels. Then there is a Jandy Valve on the Return pipe at the junction between the Chlorinator and the Sand Filter.
I am going to send a series of photos below with those two valves in the two different positions that I regularly use and maybe between the two of us we can figure this out, because that is my concern as well whether the valve can be closed so that the entire pool does not back up into my garage!
This is the position of the Jandy Valve and the black flippy thingy when the solar panels are OPEN:
This is the position of the Jandy Valve and the black flippy thingy when the solar panels are CLOSED:
This is the downwards position of the Jandy Valve, which is the position that I think it needs to be to close the valve leading to the pool. This is the only option that I see. I have no idea whether or not that I am right, so please pipe in with your comments!!
Yes, that long black pipe from the Sand Filter to the Pump is the one that I believe runs underground to the pool skimmer. Check out the photo above and see if I'm right about whether this is what I need to do.
Yes, I do.
You are a lifesaver, Kim! I really appreciate your help with this!!
Wow! I am impressed with this thread and time line. Your tenacity at trying to beat this problem is nothing short of inspirational.
Being a thin-blooded south westerner, we get warmer weather and a lot more pool season than you all north of the border. So I totally understand your burning desire to get that water crystal clear.
Excellent post with lots of great pics. Should be required reading in pool school.
Best of luck to you
Why, thank you SunnyOptimism (love that name!)!! I sure would love to invite all of you folks on the Pool Forum to visit my backyard to help me figure this out, LOL!! I wish that it was that easy! I am so, so thankful that this forum exists so that I am not having to struggle to figure this out all on my own and am grateful for the wonderful support, but it is starting to get frustrating for me because I am following all the rules but the progress has seemed to have hit a plateau.
Again, GREAT pics! okay words to know-------black flippy thingy and Jandy valve. Got it and love it! Girl talk at its finest!
So what I am seeing is that there is no way to to stop/block the water from/to the pump/skimmer. How do you open your pump basket to clean it without flooding?
Okay here goes----------see that long black pipe that goes from the pump to the filter? I would put a union like this on it.
http://www.amazon.com/Spears-Series...8&qid=1404939015&sr=1-1&keywords=pvc+fittings
With that you can undo all of the pipes/hoses to the pump. All of the other hoses look like you can just unscrew the clamp and pull the hose off.
Where I am going with this is allowing you to block/stop the water from coming to the filter when you want to work on it.
Once you have blocked the water with valves (black flipping and Jandy) you should be able to disconnect all of the hoses/pipes going to the filter. There will be some water that will try to come out. Just have a few towels ready on the floor and a something ready to throw them in to take outside.
Now this is where I get a little stuck BUT you should be able to do a search on your filter make/model to see how to take the top off. Once you get the top off you can start using the shop vac to suck the water out.
Now this is where I have another idea or two for cleaning your sand. With your filter being in the garage you will not want to do what I do----------just stick a hose in it and let it go! Water and gunk up and over!
I am thinking of one or two things-------wheelbarrow and large, clean garbage can. IF you shop vac rolls good just vac up as much sand as you can and roll it out to the garbage can. Have the girls help you get the sand from the vac to the can. While you are getting more sand out of the filter have the girls rinse the sand in the can. If your vac does not roll good you can put it in the wheelbarrow.
BUT if you want to spring for new sand...................just vac it out and put it on the yard or where ever.
Once you get all of the sand out look over the inside stuff to make sure there is nothing wrong with it. Clean it all up, put sand back in and get back to slamming!
I hope this makes sense to you.
If ANYONE has any other ideas please feel free to share!
Kim
So what I am seeing is that there is no way to to stop/block the water from/to the pump/skimmer. How do you open your pump basket to clean it without flooding?
Okay here goes----------see that long black pipe that goes from the pump to the filter? I would put a union like this on it.
http://www.amazon.com/Spears-Series...8&qid=1404939015&sr=1-1&keywords=pvc+fittings
With that you can undo all of the pipes/hoses to the pump. All of the other hoses look like you can just unscrew the clamp and pull the hose off.
Where I am going with this is allowing you to block/stop the water from coming to the filter when you want to work on it.
Once you have blocked the water with valves (black flipping and Jandy) you should be able to disconnect all of the hoses/pipes going to the filter. There will be some water that will try to come out. Just have a few towels ready on the floor and a something ready to throw them in to take outside.
Now this is where I get a little stuck BUT you should be able to do a search on your filter make/model to see how to take the top off. Once you get the top off you can start using the shop vac to suck the water out.
Now this is where I have another idea or two for cleaning your sand. With your filter being in the garage you will not want to do what I do----------just stick a hose in it and let it go! Water and gunk up and over!
I am thinking of one or two things-------wheelbarrow and large, clean garbage can. IF you shop vac rolls good just vac up as much sand as you can and roll it out to the garbage can. Have the girls help you get the sand from the vac to the can. While you are getting more sand out of the filter have the girls rinse the sand in the can. If your vac does not roll good you can put it in the wheelbarrow.
BUT if you want to spring for new sand...................just vac it out and put it on the yard or where ever.
Once you get all of the sand out look over the inside stuff to make sure there is nothing wrong with it. Clean it all up, put sand back in and get back to slamming!
I hope this makes sense to you.
If ANYONE has any other ideas please feel free to share!
Kim
ROTFLMAO!!!!! Oh, Kim...I am totally in stitches! I am so glad that you knew what I meant!
Act quickly!
In all seriousness, I just open it and take it out and the water spills all over the place. Yes, there should be a better way! So, do I only need the one union fitting on that black pipe from the pump to the sand filter? Or should I also put one on the pipe between the Jandy Valve and Sand Filter?
That's where I guess I'll have to play with it. I think that I need to have that Jandy Valve in the down position. That's the only thing that I can think of, since that is the only position that I never use, LOL!
I think that I need to undo the screws on either side of the black collar:
But, again, it's not like that will lift up or anything with the other hoses attached. So, I'm guessing that I need to first install the union fittings and then I'll be able to disconnect those pieces??
I like up and over! Messy, but I can deal with it. The other option sounds too labour-intensive!!
About how long does it take until you have clear water running over instead of gunk? I need an idea of how much mess I could potentially have in the garage and whether I want to bite the bullet and do it the messy way or the clean(er) way.
Yes, Kim, it does! This helps a great deal, but I still need to figure a few things out!