Self-doubter about to SLAM

[CourtRob]

I’ve been putting off doing a SLAM for a while, just because I doubt myself. I think one of our pool lights could be causing the yellow dust/algae…but I’m not sure. I’ve been using liquid chlorine, according to pool math measurements. Every time it gets too low, the yellow gift appears. We have a Jandy cartridge filter. What do I need to keep an eye on while SLAMing, as far as the filter is concerned?

Here are my latest test results:
Ph - 7.2
FC - 1.5 (was 11 last night)
CC - 0
CH - 375
TA - 40
CYA - 50

Should I raise the alkalinity before doing the SLAM? Our plaster is stained (pool installed by previous owner in 2012) and that’s where the yellow dust accumulates. I’m about to vacuum (it has rained here the last 2 days and pool isn’t usually this dirty).

 

[reggiehammond]

Does the yellowing area lift up when brushed - poofing away? You call those stains - but I want to know which area you're referring to with the yellow dust.

Your FC should never fall below minimum based on FC/CYA Levels. It's a pretty safe bet you're dealing with algae and need to SLAM Process.

What test kit are you using? Want to make sure you're set-up for success. Those stains (if not algae) could be metals.

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You'd really benefit from a salt water chlorine generator in your area, and really all of Texas.

It might seem impossible now, but if you get after it - this could be you too.
How Clear is TFP Clear?

 

[CourtRob]

Yes, the yellowing lifts up when brushed. It looks like a cloud. The yellow seems to always be on top of the 'stains' that are always there. Sometimes they are lighter, sometimes they get darker. I have the TF-Pro test kit.

I'm doing my best with the liquid chlorine. Having never been a pool owner and having a couple of terrible pool companies when we moved in, I've been trying to figure it out myself. It is a lot, but I know I'll get there, at some point.

That's good to know about the salt water chlorine generator.

 

[dereksanders]

Are you certain about the 9.5 FC loss?

 

[CourtRob]

I tested once the sun went down last night and again this morning (it was daylight here but overcast) and the pool was a lot more yellow than it was yesterday. I could be way off but would love to get to the bottom of the stains/algae. I'm going to do the stain test linked above today, to see what I can come up with. I think that's why I've been struggling so much keeping enough liquid chlorine in the pool...because I've got these huge swings in numbers.

 

[dereksanders]

Reggie has you on the proper path with SLAM. With that degree of FC loss you need action now.

 

[kimkats]

Here comes your shopping list:

-liquid chlorine-LOTS of it! Where do you get your liquid chlorine from? Make sure it is fresh. No more than 3 months old. Let us know if you need help reading the date code.

-Toothbrush- you will use this to brush all around the returns, skimmer, etc.

 

[CourtRob]

Great! I usually go to Pinch a Penny for the liquid chlorine. I just started the slam. Here’s a better picture of the yellow that is on the walls. So I guess I have stains and algae. I did the organic stain test and it looked a bit lighter after 10 minutes, so here’s hoping the SLAM process works.

 

[kimkats]

Well done already! Got a good test kit and some good, strong chlorine..............now get and keep the FC up to your SLAM level for your CYA as much as possible. If you are around the house then test and add every other hour if at all possible. If you are out of the house do it when you get up, just before you leave for the day, as soon as you get home, after you take your shoes off, after dinner, etc.

 

[CourtRob]

One last question: I read the thread about the suncoast liquid chlorine. I have it set at 10.5% because that’s what’s on the label, but it might be anywhere between that and 12%. Does that really matter when we’re talking 11,000 gallons of water?

 

[dereksanders]

After you add it give it a few minutes then test. That will provide you with actual results and you can base future additions off of that.

 

[kimkats]

Test the FC level.
Add enough chlorine to get your FC up 5 ppm saying the chlorine is 11%.
Let the pump run on high for about 15 mins or so after you add the chlorine.
Retest the water.

Did you hit the 5ppm gain mark? Is it lower or higher or right on? I will tell you I prefer to run mine a bit higher to be on the safe side.