SLAMing question

[ibesal]

Hello! TFP newbie. I've treated my pool with tablets and shock for the last 5 years. Last year I was experiencing chlorine lock and spending a ton of money on pool supplies. Google helped me discover this site! I'm so thankful!

Fast forward to this year. We uncovered the pool and drained a significant amount of water. Then left town for 10 days. Came back to a partially filled pool with a dead animal floating in it and lots of green. We are currently filling the pool with a water hose (city water) but obviously that takes a bit of time. We do have enough water to vacuum, so we have the pool vacuum robot in the pool working as well. Can I begin the SLAMing process now before the water level reaches the skimmer if I am pulling thru the drains at the pool bottom?

We are about 12" from the water level we need but I am anxious to get clear water and it seems I could use less bleach if I get started with less pool water. In-ground pool. CYA is currently reading around 40. I haven't tested anything else yet because I assume levels will change a bit as more water is added.

Thanks for your help! Looking forward to learning more about having a pool that doesn't cost a fortune to maintain!

 

[Texas Splash]

Can I begin the SLAMing process now before the water level reaches the skimmer if I am pulling thru the drains at the pool bottom?

No, you need the pump running to mx the water both for chemicals and to take good test results. Be patient and let it fill, then run for about 30 minuets before confirming your CYA and pH. If the pH is high, lower it to 7.2. If the CYA is still 40, the increase the FC to 16 which would be your SLAM level. If the CYA changes, go to the FC/CYA Levels to find the appropriate SLAM FC level. Good luck!

Welcome to TFP!

 

[ibesal]

No, you need the pump running to mx the water both for chemicals and to take good test results. Be patient and let it fill, then run for about 30 minuets before confirming your CYA and pH. If the pH is high, lower it to 7.2. If the CYA is still 40, the increase the FC to 16 which would be your SLAM level. If the CYA changes, go to the FC/CYA Levels to find the appropriate SLAM FC level. Good luck!

Welcome to TFP!

Thank you for the quick reply. I waited until the pool was full and started the SLAM process earlier today. My CYA was 30 so I added enough bleach to increase the FC to 12. I understand that I should test the water at least two times a day and no more than once an hour. My question is should I be adding more bleach each time I test it if I test hourly to try to reach the FC of 12? And do I need to measure CC each time I test if it's obvious the pool is still cloudy? (I understand I need to check it to see if I am finished SLAMing.)

I've also some DE to my sand filter by creating a liquid mixture and pouring into the skimmer basket until I reached a 1 psi increase. We've had to backwash twice already. Is that normal and good? Or should I be skipping the DE for now?

Thanks for helping a newbie!

 

[Texas Splash]

After you test, if the FC dropped, simply increase the FC back to 12. You'll get in a rhythm soon. No need to test cc each & every time. I would save the Overnight Chlorine Loss Test for very last.

 

[Texas Splash]

I personally would not add DE until the tail-end of the SLAM. The sand "should" grab most of the dead algae. If after passing all 3 SLAM criteria you find the water simply looks like it needs a little more help, then try the DE.

 

[ibesal]

After you test, if the FC dropped, simply increase the FC back to 12. You'll get in a rhythm soon. No need to test cc each & every time. I would save the Overnight Chlorine Loss Test for very last.

Thank you!

 

[ibesal]

I personally would not add DE until the tail-end of the SLAM. The sand "should" grab most of the dead algae. If after passing all 3 SLAM criteria you find the water simply looks like it needs a little more help, then try the DE.

Great. I'll hold off on that for a bit. Thanks for your help!