Question regarding cloudy water weeks after opening.

[Bigredman7]

Hello everyone - New member to TFP. I have been unable to get my water clear this year ever since opening 3 weeks ago. It's very cloudy even after a couple of trips to the local pool store. I'm moving away from their recommendations and looking forward to using the resources here. I received my TF-100 test kit today and here are my readings. I am in the process of SLAM as we felt some white slime in the corners and on the side of the steps. It has gotten slightly better the past 2 days but still unable to see the bottom in the shallow end.

Pool Size: 25000 gal
Vinyl Liner, in ground, new sand filter (this year)
ph = 7.2
FC= 24.5
TC = 25.5
Calcium Hardness = 675
Total Alkalinity = 140
CYA = 55

Water is still cloudy. Any ideas on the next steps?

Thanks!
Jack

 

[YippeeSkippy]

Heya Jack, welcome to TFP
You are sooooooo smart for getting that test kit and beating us to the punch by giving us test results we can trust!

First I'll say that if you felt your CYA "looked like" 55, its really 60. SO you want to dose your SLAM at the corresponding 60 CYA/FC amount.
see? --> FC/CYA Levels

Scoop any solid debris out of the pool, careful to not damage the liner.

Keep your filter monitored and back wash when the pressure rises 25% over your clean pressure. Keep the pump running 24/7

Next step is to test and re-dose as often as you can- at least 3-4x a day at least.

Use PoolMath to help you with dosing amounts. PoolMath

Maddie

 

[Bigredman7]

Hi Maddie,

Thanks!! And definitely a wise decision!

I appreciate the tips! I have been keeping the pump running 24/7 and been brushing 3-4x a day and will now test more since I have the kit.

How long should I keep everything at the SLAM levels?

Thanks again!

 

[mknauss]

How long should I keep everything at the SLAM levels?

Read the SLAM Process article. It details the three criteria for a successful SLAM.

 

[Msch99]

A slam takes longer than a quick “shock” but once you are algae free and maintain the proper FC/CYA level you will have a long lasting crystal clear pool!
Another acronym POP. Pool Owner Patience.

 

[Bigredman7]

Thanks! I'll keep on with the SLAM and work on my POP . Below are a couple of pictures of its current state. Current FC = 21.5 and TC = 23 so I just added some more chlorine.

 

[Bigredman7]

Thank you for the tips and advice, the process worked extremely well! Water is now crystal clear and all levels are back to normal.