Persistent brown pool water since heavy rain on Monday

[TanyaK140]

We experienced around 5.5 inches of rain in less than 2 hours on Monday. The oak tree behind our pool has grown and limited grass growth in that area. As a result, a large amount of dirt/mulch washed into our pool. We have been running our cartridge filter almost non-stop since Monday and have been hosing off the cartridge filters at least once per day. The first day they were pretty much black and now less so each passing day. We do not seem to be making much progress with getting the pool back to blue. We have added a lot of extra chlorine to ward off an algae bloom. It is possible the dirt is too small for our filters? Or is this simply a case of needing to be more patient and just keep doing what we are doing? We have decided today to drain off about 25-30% of the pool volume to see if the continued dilution of the dirt will help the filter out. We also bought 4 new filters (the others are close to 5 years but are still in decent shape) and are thinking of popping the new cartridges in with the next hose off. We have also been running our little Dophin robot but she hasn't really been pulling out much dirt, even with the micro filters in. Has anyone run into this issue before? We know that floc is a no-no but wondering if a clarifier would serve some purpose in this special situation. We have been managing our pool using the TFP method for 9 years, and this is the first time we've really been stumped. One other interesting thing we have noted, is that when you grab a container of water from the pool, it appears clear. I am sure our neighbors are wondering why we are draining what appears to be perfectly clear water to the street.

Pictures were taken:
Sunday - nice and clear
Monday - after the deluge
Today (Saturday) - not a lot of improvement. Jug shows how clear the water "appears" to be

Thanks!

 

[Texas Splash]

Or is this simply a case of needing to be more patient and just keep doing what we are doing?

You hit it on the head. This happens several times each year and it's just a mess. Don't do the clarifier as you'll have the same issues as with floc. If you had a by-pass valve after the pump you could vacuum to waste, by I don't suspect that's the case, so just keep doing what you're doing. Good choice to keep the FC increased as well. The water is under a LOT of stress right now.

 

[TanyaK140]

You hit it on the head. This happens several times each year and it's just a mess. Don't do the clarifier as you'll have the same issues as with floc. If you had a by-pass valve after the pump you could vacuum to waste, by I don't suspect that's the case, so just keep doing what you're doing. Good choice to keep the FC increased as well. The water is under a LOT of stress right now.

Appreciate the feedback. We would love to have been able to vacuum to waste, but it seems to be completely suspended in the water. It's like koolaid crystals after you give 'em a stir. Ha! We turned the pump off overnight one night this week and in the morning, it looked the same. Nothing had fallen to the bottom. We'll stay patient. Would love to clear it up before next weekend. Fingers crossed!