Opening. Slightly green. Big chemical imbalance

[gcbpa]

Alright, things got a bit screwed up with my opening this year. Last year we had these guys vac to waste but they were unhappy with how much the pool was filled (not much over skimmer level).

I have ADHD so I forgot the hose was on and filled it almost to the brim this year. It all got pumped out and wasn't even used for vac to waste because the weather was bad so they came back a few days later. Of course, then, they vac'd to below the skimmer so I had to fill it up again. And I filled it to the brim because again I forgot the hose was on. So there's been a ton of changed water.

Anyway, here are the test numbers:
FC 0.29
TC 0.29
CC 0
pH 6.6
TA 40
CYA 5
Salt 1000

Color: a bit green.

Vinyl liner, 22k gallons, SWG, DE filter

Supplies I have:
3x 4 lb soda ash
3x 4 lb CYA
10x 1 gal 10% sodium hypochlorite
6x SunGuard Sunburst Multi Shock 1 lb

Not sure what order to add things in.

I guess get the soda ash in and a bunch of chlorine (start with liquid? since it expires?)
Should I get CYA up first? 5ppm seems so low.
Could I take advantage of the low CYA by adding chlorine in after the sun goes down?

I'm pretty sure my filter needs a backwash already. I'm afraid of getting powders etc caught up in the DE filter, is that nonsense or should I put the multiport into circulation mode while chemicals are being mixed in?

 

[mknauss]

You need to follow the SLAM Process. To do that, 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.

 

[gcbpa]

Thanks! Ordered the TF-100 Pro Salt kit.

 

[gcbpa]

Results are in

Chlorine zero
CYA below testable (<30)
pH between 6.8 and 7.2 (looks like 7.1ish)
TA 40

 

[mknauss]

Follow the SLAM Process

 

[gcbpa]

Follow the SLAM Process

Will do. I assume I should bring CYA up to at least 30 first?

"SLAMing an outdoor pool is most effective when CYA is around 30 to 40. Below 30 you lose too much chlorine to sunlight."

BTW, the TF-100 test kit was very easy to use. The instructions are really clear. Happy to not have to go to the pool store for tests!

 

[mknauss]

Will do. I assume I should bring CYA up to at least 30 first?

Correct. As you read in the article.

 

[duraleigh]

gcbpa,

You are doing a great job! It is obvious you are reading and following the advice on this forum,

Follow the SLAM article meticulously and you will have a crystal clear pool very soon

 

[Newdude]

BTW, the TF-100 test kit was very easy to use. The instructions are really clear. Happy to not have to go to the pool store for tests

If you needed any confirmation you did good, the TF100 has 2.7X the supplies that the comparably priced K2006 has.

Refills go on sale each spring for $44