Passing OCLT but still cloudy water

[mirhath]

Ive been slamming my pool since Wednesday. I'm not losing chlorine at night but my water is still so cloudy that I can't see the bottom. I've been checking and adding chlorine as needed at least 6 times a day.
Is there anything else I should be doing?

 

[SpringPool]

Re: Passing OCLT but still cloudy water

Please if you can post a picture of the water. Here are a few questions that can help solve the problem.

What is your CC number? Are you on well water? What type of filter do you have? Have you been running your filter continuously? Do you backwash the filter when the pressure rises (if necessary) Have you been brushing your pool?

 

[mirhath]

Re: Passing OCLT but still cloudy water



- - - Updated - - -

I did a full set of tests on Wednesday before I started the SLAM process. My CC level was .5.
I do not have well water.
I have a sand filter that has been running nonstop since I opened my pool on Mother's Day. I only really backwash once a day bc my pressure is fine and the water is clean. I've been brushing it several times a day.

 

[mknauss]

Re: Passing OCLT but still cloudy water

I only really backwash once a day bc my pressure is fine and the water is clean.

Wait until your filter pressure rises by 25% above clean pressure prior to back washing. A dirty sand filter will filter out the fines better.

Take care.

 

[mirhath]

Re: Passing OCLT but still cloudy water

Is there anything else that I can be doing to help clear up my pool?
I feel like I've hit a plateau. I've used more LC this last week than I've used in the entire 5 summers I've had a pool.

 

[tim5055]

Re: Passing OCLT but still cloudy water

You could also add DE to your sand filter to allow it to filter the fines better: Pool School - Add DE to a Sand Filter

I actually use a cellulose fiber DE replacment and find it works well: Pro Guard 23793BPG Cellulose Fiber

 

[mirhath]

Re: Passing OCLT but still cloudy water

I've never used DE. I'm going to town today. I will pick some up.

Do I have an algae problem?
Should I vacuum to waste?

I'm confused because of the OCLT. I'm not losing chlorine at night. Just during the day. Which it has been pretty hot and humid here.

 

[Mendy48]

Re: Passing OCLT but still cloudy water

Yes! you may have an algae problem. One of the criteria of ending the SLAM process is that your pool needs to be clear. I, too, would recommend DE as it will help removing the fine particles better.

 

[tim5055]

Re: Passing OCLT but still cloudy water

I've never used DE. I'm going to town today. I will pick some up.

Do I have an algae problem?
Should I vacuum to waste?

I'm confused because of the OCLT. I'm not losing chlorine at night. Just during the day. Which it has been pretty hot and humid here.

If you pass Overnight Chlorine Loss Test, then you don't have an algae problem.

 

[mirhath]

Re: Passing OCLT but still cloudy water

I will pick up the DE to use today and continue to SLAM.
I'm hoping and praying that I can get this under control soon.

Should I vacuum it? It's been since last week that I vacuumed.

 

[Mendy48]

Re: Passing OCLT but still cloudy water

yup. Missed that...

Tim is correct. since you passed the OCLT test, you don't have an algae problem...

If you pass Overnight Chlorine Loss Test, then you don't have an algae problem.

 

[mirhath]

Re: Passing OCLT but still cloudy water

So what is my next step?

 

[mirhath]

Re: Passing OCLT but still cloudy water

Could I use floc?

 

[tim5055]

Re: Passing OCLT but still cloudy water

Could I use floc?

Could you, yes. Should you, no.

We find that floc creates it's own issues like gumming up filters and basically not working - then you have more junk floating around in the water.

 

[mirhath]

Re: Passing OCLT but still cloudy water

Okay, then. I will not use that method.

Should I keep Slamming?
I just bought DE to add to my filter.

 

[tim5055]

Re: Passing OCLT but still cloudy water

Okay, then. I will not use that method.

Should I keep Slamming?
I just bought DE to add to my filter.

I am always reticent to tell someone to stop a SLAM Process until all three tests are passed, so that decision is up to you. You have passed Overnight Chlorine Loss Test but I don't see where you have said what eh CC tests?

 

[mirhath]

Re: Passing OCLT but still cloudy water

The CC was .5 on Wednesday when I tested.
I will continue to SLAM. Something has to give sooner or later (even though I'm going broke)!

 

[tim5055]

Re: Passing OCLT but still cloudy water

The CC was .5 on Wednesday when I tested.
I will continue to SLAM. Something has to give sooner or later (even though I'm going broke)!

Bleach is a lot less expensive than the PhosFree, Algecide and Clarifier the pool store will tell you you need.

 

[Mendy48]

Re: Passing OCLT but still cloudy water

I say keep SLAMing until you pass all three criteria Overnight Chlorine Loss Test. Make sure your pump is running 24/7, and your filter is set to "filter" and not "re-circulate".


The DE basically forms a fine layer on top of your sand to filter out tiny particles that might otherwise get through the sand. See Adding DE to Sand Filter. Just mix 1/4 cup of DE with water in a bucket, slurry it around and slowly add to skimmer basket. Check pressure 2-3 minutes later. Repeat until PSI goes up 1 tick. After that check PSI every 30 minutes or so, and backwash when it goes up 20-25% above baseline (or 10 PSI depending on your preference).

 

[mirhath]

Re: Passing OCLT but still cloudy water

Is it normal that it only took one add to make the pressure go up one tick?