SLAM with broken pipe/can't run filter - how to add CYA

[ArkPie]

We are new pool owners. We were starting the SLAM process to our unmaintained pool when the return pipe from our filter started leaking. We've had to turn the filter off until we get it repaired. I'm not sure how long that will take since we will need to remove concrete from the deck to fix it. We have been brushing and running our sump pump to try and move the water. Our robot arrived yesterday so we are now running that daily and I've continued to add chlorine. Our CYA level is 0 and i'm not sure how to add it since I can't put it in the skimmer. Our calcium is also low so we have been using di-chlor and liquid chlorine so far. Should I just get some tri-chlor tabs to get the CYA up instead of adding pool conditioner? The FC is now at 8.5 and CC 0.5, but we still haven't got it up to SLAM level.

Should I give up on SLAM until we can run are filter and just keep add some chlorine to prevent the algae from getting worse until we can run the filter?

Thank you!

 

[Mdragger88]

Dichlor adds almost as much cya as it does fc so take that into consideration. Its also very acidic. For this reason dichlor is not recommended. Stick with liquid chlorine.

When are you getting the pipe fixed? You really need a functioning filter to do the
SLAM Process.
You can add cya via the sock method- which is how we always recommend you add it.
Put the PoolMath
prescribed amount to reach 30ppm in a regular sock or skimmer sock/pantyhose, tie a knot in it & hang it infront of a running return (in your case this would be the sump pump discharge hose) away from the pool wall. Squeeze the sock to help it dissolve. Immediately begin chlorinating at the appropriate fc level assuming the cya is in the water because it is. FC/CYA Levels
Retest cya in 24 hours.
Be sure you are brushing the area when adding liquid chlorine.
Is this a plaster, fiberglass or vinyl pool?

 

[kellyfair]

I wouldn’t try to do more than circulate chlorine by brushing and using sump pump until you can fix pump.

 

[ArkPie]

Dichlor adds almost as much cya as it does fc so take that into consideration. Its also very acidic. For this reason dichlor is not recommended. Stick with liquid chlorine.
View attachment 528948
When are you getting the pipe fixed? You really need a functioning filter to do the
SLAM Process.
You can add cya via the sock method- which is how we always recommend you add it.
Put the PoolMath
prescribed amount to reach 30ppm in a regular sock or skimmer sock/pantyhose, tie a knot in it & hang it infront of a running return (in your case this would be the sump pump discharge hose) away from the pool wall. Squeeze the sock to help it dissolve. Immediately begin chlorinating at the appropriate fc level assuming the cya is in the water because it is. FC/CYA Levels
Retest cya in 24 hours.
Be sure you are brushing the area when adding liquid chlorine.
Is this a plaster, fiberglass or vinyl pool?

It's a plaster pool. We have been brushing twice a day. We had bags of the dichlor that were here at the house. Since our CYA and Ca were low, I was just using them to get rid of them. I purchased liquid chlorine so we will stick with it the future.
The pool math app said to add 12 lbs of CYA.

Someone is coming to look at the area where we suspect the leak in 3 days. I'm not sure when it will get fixed. It is really hard to get work done where we live.

 

[HermanTX]

It is not advisable to perform a SLAM without a functioning pump & filter.

If you want to increase CYA to 30 (knowing that you have to SLAM later) then use LIQUID stabilizer. It is a little more expensive than grandular stabilizer but with use of your sump pump you can continue to mix the pool water so that should increase your CYA.
Continue to add liquid chlorine. You can add pucks to a floater at that is the only method to dissolve them without a proper pump system.

 

[ArkPie]

I wouldn’t try to do more than circulate chlorine by brushing and using sump pump until you can fix pump.

That's what I was thinking. Thank you.

 

[ArkPie]

It is not advisable to perform a SLAM without a functioning pump & filter.

If you want to increase CYA to 30 (knowing that you have to SLAM later) then use LIQUID stabilizer. It is a little more expensive than grandular stabilizer but with use of your sump pump you can continue to mix the pool water so that should increase your CYA.
Continue to add liquid chlorine. You can add pucks to a floater at that is the only method to dissolve them without a proper pump system.

It's a bummer the pipe broke in the middle of trying to SLAM. Thank you!

 

[proavia]

Add 5ppm of liquid chlorine to the pool daily until your plumbing issue is resolved.

Brush around the area where you add the liquid chlorine.
Run the sump pump to help circulate the water. Sump pump in one end of the pool, discharge hose in the other end.