Starting SLAM but not sure if it’s algae or fine dirt. Pool is coudy, pictures attached.

[Niemeyer]

I don't know if I'm dealing with algae or dirt or....? We live in the country, acres of dry weeds and dirt around us, 50yds from a 10ac dirt lot with cows and goats. The wind blows around here. Three weeks ago the sand filter housing began leaking at a seam. It took 6 days to get it replaced - during that time, pool was on re-circulate and chlorine maintained at 9ppm with CYA of 70. The sand from old filter was deep cleaned and installed in new filter housing + 1 bag of new pool sand. Filter was run for 24/7 for 7-10 days. Pool has been cloudy since a little before the original sand filter went bad. Backwashing/rinsing not helping. Added 1/2C DE to sand filter- no change. The white stuff in the pool robot filter is zeofiber I was dumb enough to try (before the original sand filter went bad) as I haven't gotten the pool crystal clear all season. The zeo fiber in the robot filter is present daily (this, after deep cleaning sand and installing the new sand filter0. My question is; do I have algae, dirt and or a zeo fiber regurg issue? Maybe all of the above, the Tri-fecta? I think I need to start the SLAM process and see if it improves? I haven't done the OCLT test yet. Will start that tonight. Here are my test results from this morning;
FC-10ppm
CC- 0
PH- 7.6
TA - 125
CH - 125
CYA - 50
What do you think and am I thinking this through correctly? My pool is my nemesis this year. I just want to be friends again.
* Could not figure out how to attach a video

 

[PoolStored]

I haven't done the OCLT test yet. Will start that tonight.

^^^this. Rule out algae.

The DE addition to the sand filter may get the zeo. follow the process...

Add DE to a Sand Filter

A clean pool filter will increase the efficiency of your pool! ... your filter are to backwash it, clean the manifolds and grids, and add new DE.

www.troublefreepool.com

 

[Niemeyer]

^^^this. Rule out algae.

The DE addition to the sand filter may get the zeo. follow the process...

Add DE to a Sand Filter

A clean pool filter will increase the efficiency of your pool! ... your filter are to backwash it, clean the manifolds and grids, and add new DE.

www.troublefreepool.com

Thank you! I'll update on findings tomorrow.
During SLAM, I need to shut my salt cell generator off correct? I'm thinking I need to run the pump 24/7 during the process? Is it acceptable to run the pump at low RPMs, like 1550rpm so I don't have a huge power bill?

 

[PoolStored]

Off, 24x7, and low.

 

[Niemeyer]

Here's what the morning water test showed; Free chlorine loss of .5ppm, cc -0, water still looks like pictures above. There wasn't quite as much brown stuff on the ledges though. Due to cloudy water, I need to keep going with SLAM correct? Is there a limit on how much DE can or should be added to a sand filter? I added 1/2 cup about a week ago and pump pressures didn't change at all. Just curious for after I get through the SLAM. Thanks for the help!

 

[PoolStored]

I added 1/2 cup about a week ago and pump pressures didn't change at all.

I think it is likely it is the remaining Zeo. Do you have the fine filter for your dolphin? I'd consider getting those.
If it is the Nautilus Plus, I think these are correct: (CONFIRM BEFORE YOU BUY)
https://www.amazon.com/Cartridge-Replacement-Nautilus-Replaces-9991432-R4/dp/B09XK8VN9F
If you have them use them.

I've seen people put up to 11 cups, but I think that is extreme.

Backwash your filter. Run your pump on 3000 RPM when you do the DE addition. Go ahead and add up to 4 cups and see if you get a pressure rise. Do in 1/4 cup increments. After the 1psi pressure rise, turn the pump down to a lower speed, Slower speed will filter better (maybe 1400-1700rpm).

Watch your pressures by running back up to 3000rpm. When pressure rises 25% over clean pressure, at 3000rpm, then backwash and re-add DE.

 

[Niemeyer]

I don't have the fine filters but will get them ordered today. Just want to make sure I understand and follow the recommendations correctly; do I continue with the SLAM process due to cloudy water or try the fine filter for robot and add DE to see if the water clears as clouding is potentially due to the old zeo fiber?

 

[PoolStored]

If you pass two OCLTs, and you are pretty confident it is Zeo, then you can stop slam and work on getting it cleaned up.

I would to OCLT tonight, Slam tomorrow, OCLT tomorrow. You pass those two oclt, then I'd just work on getting the zeo out.

 

[Niemeyer]

Thanks for the advice, I really appreciate it! I'll follow up post on progress. Incredibly thankful I found TFP.