SLAM Question

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L

Luxy

New member
Apr 7, 2022
3
Austin
Pool Size
9582
Surface
Vinyl
Chlorine
Liquid Chlorine
I've been doing the SLAM since April 30th. This is also my first time using liquid bleach (using Clorox Disinfecting Bleach with 7.5% Sodium hypo with 7.1% Available Sodium Hypo). I did not have bad algae, it was small puffs when brushing, but it was algae that needed to go.

4/30 @4:30 PM
FC 2.5
CC 0.0
pH 7.2
CYA 50
TA 70
Temp 74
Added 244 oz Bleach and brushed
4/30 @ 5:40 PM
FC 19.5
Added 7 oz Bleach
5/1 8 AM
FC 16.5
This goes on, I've been checking regularly throughout the day, and adding bleach but starting using the 7.1 to calculate the amount to add. I don't know if you can see my logs from the app, hopefully you can! I have dead algae on the bottom, small amounts, that I have brushed hoping my DE filter would catch it. Vacuuming may be the only way, but I've done that in the past (to waste) and it always comes right back. The only way I finally was able to get rid of it was using Leslie's ClearAid. This was last year with the sand filter that came with the pool. I have switched to a DE filter now. Can I just vacuum to the filter instead and let the filter catch the dead algae? My DE filter gauge hasn't gone up much at all so I haven't backwashed. This filter was just installed maybe 6 weeks ago so it's brand new. Will this dead algae eat up the chlorine? Also, I'm only testing the FC during this SLAM process. Is that correct? Since I never had CC before, I didn't see the point in doing that until I get to the early morning test without loss of FC.
 
Luxy, let's review a few things you asked:
- Test and maint6ain the proper SLAM (FC) level as much as needed (or possible based on work) for your CYA. CYA of 50 = an FC SLAM level of 20.
- Try to avoid the Clorox brand bleach. They have been known to use fabric polymers which might make the water cloudy or interfere with your chemistry. Instead, try Walmart's Pool Essentials (10%), or hit-up Home Depot's 3-pack boxes (10%). If you have HEB's, you can use their regular Bravo bleach (8.25%).
- Dead algae will fall and needs to be vacuumed. You can vacuum to waste or simply to the filter and backwash later. If the filter pressure doesn't increase, it may not be ready for a backwash. This is a new (to you) filter, so you'll just need to monitor that for a bit.
- Right now, just focus your testing on the FC until the water is crystal clear. Once you have the clarity, you can do a CC test (which should be good) and then an Overnight Chlorine Loss Test last.

I hope that addresses your concerns. If I missed something let us know.
 
I did get HEB's Bravo brand and used that a few times but the levels actually trended downward faster on a really cloudy day so I went back to Clorox. Am I correct in using the 7.1 Available chlorine and not the 7.5 to calculate the amount? It was the same amount as the Bravo bleach. I will check out Walmart's pool bleach, hopefully, they have some in stock. Thank you!!
 
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