Second year opening, Small bit of guidance needed

[summertimesadness]

FC 0
TA 30
PH 6.8
CYA 40

SLAM target will be 16.

Before I start that, should I raise the TA or PH ?

Should I mix the salt in as well while all this is happening? (Didn't test that just yet)

 

[reggiehammond]

Yes, get your TA and pH in line using PoolMath.
Ok to add salt once you have your results - are you using a K-1766 salt test?

 

[Newdude]

Is there visible algae ? If it's spotless you can get some FC in there and Overnight Chlorine Loss Test to see if the SLAM Process is needed.

Obviously if you have visible issues, then skip the OCLT. Prepare for SLAM by getting the TA and PH in line. (60+ / 7.2).

Salt is a good thing to fiddle with late SLAM if needed. You'll need less patience if you have something to keep occupied.

Do not raise CYA to SWG level before passing an OCLT, either now or after SLAM.

 

[summertimesadness]

Yes, get your TA and pH in line using PoolMath.
Ok to add salt once you have your results - are you using a K-1766 salt test?

TF-Pro Salt

tftestkits.net

Used it last summer and it was awesome.

 

[summertimesadness]

Is there visible algae ? If it's spotless you can get some FC in there and Overnight Chlorine Loss Test to see if the SLAM Process is needed.

Obviously if you have visible issues, then skip the OCLT. Prepare for SLAM by getting the TA and PH in line. (60+ / 7.2).

Salt is a good thing to fiddle with late SLAM if needed. You'll need less patience if you have something to keep occupied.

Do not raise CYA to SWG level before passing an OCLT, either now or after SLAM.

Oh, I can't see the bottom of the pool. The winter and somewhat late opening was not kind.

I can raise the TA with baking soda, correct? I have PH increaser.

 

[Newdude]

Oh, I can't see the bottom of the pool. The winter and somewhat late opening was not kind.

Ok. Then we SLAM.

I can raise the TA with baking soda, correct? I have PH increaser.

Yup. Do TA first then see if Ph creeped up any. It's not uncommon to be considerably lower than the 6.8 it looks in the spring. Dose 6.8 to 7.2 (after TA). Mix well and test again. Repeat 6.8 to 7.2 doses / confirmation tests as needed

 

[summertimesadness]

Ok. Then we SLAM.



Yup. Do TA first then see if Ph creeped up any. It's not uncommon to be considerably lower than the 6.8 it looks in the spring. Dose 6.8 to 7.2 (after TA). Mix well and test again. Repeat 6.8 to 7.2 doses / confirmation tests as needed

Apparently I didn't have the increaser like I thought.

And use this for increasing PH?

Robot or human?

 

[Newdude]

Yup. Baking soda for TA. (13 lbs for under $10 at Costco/ Sam's/ BJ's...... a lifetime supply for most of us)

20 mule Borax for PH. (Laundry aisle anywhere that has one. $6 for 4lbs or so)

 

[summertimesadness]

Just tested FC at 11.5.
CC was .5

Added the appropriate amount of chlorine for SLAM for the evening. The slow down of chlorine being chewed away is apparent from the 1st test and 2nd test to the 3rd.

SLAM and brush continues.

 

[summertimesadness]

So far, so good. Pool is blue again, but can't see the bottom in most places.

At what point should be I throwing the vacuum in to scrub areas I missed?

 

[Newdude]

At least once a day. Do your best to maintain a pattern and you'll get it all after a few tries.

 

[summertimesadness]

FC retested, 13.5. Dropped 2.5 (SLAM level) since I put the CL in last.

As this is my first year using a VSP, I have kept it at 1400 running on 24/7.

Is that too low of a speed? The water is a bit cloudy still. Not sure if its strictly a SLAM process only or a SLAM and filtration both.

 

[summertimesadness]

Alright... I threw the robot in the pool and.. nothing.

Took it out, turned it on, it moved no problem.

Could the very cloudy water mess with its sensors that much where it wouldn't move?

 

[PoolStored]

Is that too low of a speed? The water is a bit cloudy still. Not sure if its strictly a SLAM process only or a SLAM and filtration both.

No, it is fine. Backwash your filter, run the pump on high and note pressure. Every couple hours, run the pump on high and not pressure...when pressure has risen 25%, backwash again.

Could the very cloudy water mess with its sensors that much where it wouldn't move?

No. It is likely DOA...something is wrong...

Oh, and welcome back! Been a bit since we chatted...

 

[summertimesadness]

No, it is fine. Backwash your filter, run the pump on high and note pressure. Every couple hours, run the pump on high and not pressure...when pressure has risen 25%, backwash again.

No. It is likely DOA...something is wrong...

Oh, and welcome back! Been a bit since we chatted...

Hrm, got it. Thanks. I noticed the water was a bit high I think for the skimmers to do their work. Lowered the water a little bit to hopefully improve circulation.

Robot is only a year old. Well, darn.

Likewise! I guess you could call me a summer bird (instead of snow bird) for trouble free pool forums?

 

[summertimesadness]

Stupid impeller was stuck. Little bit of TLC and it kicked right on.. sigh. More undue stress.

Still not happy with the clarity. Been keeping ontop of the chlorine, but it's not clearing as quickly as I thought.

I noticed something this morning that might have an impact on the pools cleaning ability tho.

That off section should be pointed to the right.... as I checked my previous pictures of my equipment.

Um, well, Dang.

 

[Newdude]

Still not happy with the clarity. Been keeping ontop of the chlorine, but it's not clearing as quickly as I thought.

Our entire yards are yellow right now. The wind changes direction on a whim and basically blows 360 degrees of crud into that giant hole / crud vacuum you have sitting there. It's might be funky for a week or three, even with 24/7 pump operation, on top of the SLAM.

Keep the FC elevated.

Brush and vac at least once daily.

Clean the filter as needed.

Add DE as needed.

Have a tasty beverage and take a big swig of liquid patience.

 

[summertimesadness]

Our entire yards are yellow right now. The wind changes direction on a whim and basically blows 360 degrees of crud into that giant hole / crud vacuum you have sitting there. It's might be funky for a week or three, even with 24/7 pump operation, on top of the SLAM.

Keep the FC elevated.

Brush and vac at least once daily.

Clean the filter as needed.

Add DE as needed.

Have a tasty beverage and take a big swig of patience.

Man, patience. They always said it was a virtue lol

Would that pump valve have any effect on the pool operation the way its turned?

 

[Newdude]

Man, patience. They always said it was a virtue lol

Do as I say, not as I do.

And same.

Would that pump valve have any effect on the pool operation the way its turned?

Which way is what?

 

[summertimesadness]

Do as I say, not as I do.

And same.



Which way is what?

The picture above. It had the off pointed towards one of the returns.