Swamp

[Jenna.kamp]

It’s my second summer trying to figure this all out so bear with me.
We opened our pool about a month ago and it was crystal clear but it was still cold so the salt cell hadn’t even turned on yet. Long story short, it warmed up super quickly and now my beautiful pool is very swampy. I added about a gallon of liquid chlorine a week ago (the start of the cloudiness) to try and get FC up (it was at zero from opening). I tested today and got zero again for FC. Does that mean I have algae eating my chlorine? I’m assuming start slam?!
I also added 5 lbs dry stabilizer last week and that is also barely registering?
Last year I did barely anything and the pool stayed beautiful all summer help!

 

[clambert1273]

First thing... do you have a test kit? If so, which one. If so, put up full set of test results or use poolmath app & share then we can see all your tests & guide better.

 

[Jenna.kamp]

Taylor-2006 salt test kit

 

[PoolStored]

Does that mean I have algae eating my chlorine? I’m assuming start slam?!
I also added 5 lbs dry stabilizer last week and that is also barely registering?
Last year I did barely anything and the pool stayed beautiful all summer help!

Since your CYA and FC has disappeared, it may be that you have ammonia. Follow this protocol:

Ammonia - Further Reading

www.troublefreepool.com

When your FC holds, then switch to the SLAM process to clear your pool:

SLAM - Shock Level and Maintain

We’ve all had to deal with a green pool. Clear algae from your pool with a SLAM! Read here to use shock level and maintain to clear your pool.

www.troublefreepool.com

 

[Jenna.kamp]

Should I leave my SWG on for this or does it matter?

 

[clambert1273]

Should I leave my SWG on for this or does it matter?

For slam & ammonia testing, turn it off

 

[Jenna.kamp]

I’m assuming also backwashing, brushing, and a pool vacuum would all be helpful or should I just focus on the the ammonia testing/slam?

 

[clambert1273]

For now until ammonia ruled out Just focus on that. Once slam starts you will be doing all of that

 

[Jenna.kamp]

Update: the pool is FINALLY holding chlorine after adding nearly TEN GALLONS! Now it’s very foamy?! I’ve heard this could be algaecide they used during closing last fall? Or is this just dead organic stuff finally dying off?
Hoping we’re moving in the right direction

 

[PoolStored]

Post a picture of the chlorine that you used.

 

[Jenna.kamp]

From Lowe’s

 

[PoolStored]

Well, that should not have caused the foaming. Not sure. Many times if you use bleach that is splashless, clorox with chloromax or with softeners they will foam.

I wouldn't sweat it at this point, SLAM should handle it over time.

 

[mknauss]

Pretty typical to have what you have after defeating a significant ammonia issue. Follow the SLAM Process

 

[Jenna.kamp]

“Defeating” is a good word…. Feel like I’m losing the fight sometimes!!
Keeping up with the SLAM and hoping for clearer days ahead!

 

[Jenna.kamp]

Also, is there a way to avoid this ammonia issue in the future since we close over winter and of course get to zero FC. Jump on it sooner after opening maybe?

 

[PoolStored]

Also, is there a way to avoid this ammonia issue in the future since we close over winter and of course get to zero FC. Jump on it sooner after opening maybe?

Close late and open early. In Ohio, I close end of October. I "open" the pool on the last frost date for my area, april 15. I opened with 2 FC. Water below 60 degrees significantly slows algae growth. If you close with water below 60 and open below 60, you have the best luck.

Follow this closing advice (below), close late and open early.

Closing Pool for Winter - Further Reading

www.troublefreepool.com

 

[Jenna.kamp]

Still in the SLAM process. Water is definitely looking better every day! I know I need to add some more stabilizer, but do I need to worry about the ph or TA during all of this?

 

[Jenna.kamp]

Still in the SLAM process. Water is definitely looking better every day! I know I need to add some more stabilizer, but do I need to worry about the ph or TA during all of this?

 

[PoolStored]

pH test is invalid with FC >10. Just test FC. If you pass OCLT, test CC on that sample.

 

[Jenna.kamp]

UPDATE: I CAN SEE THE BOTTOM!!! Feeling very encouraged (finally!) Cannot thank you all enough for your help.