taking too long

[Rick P]

Scenario:
Opened pool May 7th and running pump 24/7 since opening. Water is still green and cloudy, although making slow, very slow progress and I’m getting impatient. Chlorine is at shock level and PH has been kept high since opening. Added algaecide yesterday, but no progress since then. This is first year this is taking so long (had pool 13 years).
Question:
Since I am doing things the same way for 13 years and have never encountered such resistance, I am wondering if my problem could be the filter cartridges. (sta rite system 3 S7M 120) I have never changed them. They were fine last summer. Any suggestions?

 

[tim5055]

Welcome to TFP!!

Filters don't remove organics and algae, chlorine does.

What are you using for testing?

So, We base our pool care system on accurate testing and only adding what the pool needs, when it needs it. To do that you need your own accurate test kit. Whe I see the answer to what kit you are using we can advise if it is suitable to use to follow our methods. To effectively practice the TFPC methods, the FAS/DPD chlorine test is essential as it can measure up to 50ppm of FC with an accuracy of .2 when needed, very few kits have this test.

To clear your pool we would follow a procedure called a SLAM Process. Instead of a one time "shock" of the pool, we bring it up to shock level (the SL) and maintain it (the AM) at shock level constantly until we can prove through testing (remember that FAS/DPD test I talked about) that all of the organics in the pool have been eliminated.

 

[jblizzle]

Welcome to TFP!!!

I am going to go with a chemical issue as well as the likely cause. Are you following the SLAM Process process and maintaining the proper FC levels?

 

[woodyp]

How about some CYA test results and FC level? Scratch the algaecide.

 

[Richard320]

How about some CYA test results and FC level? Scratch the algaecide.

Beat me by mere seconds! :grrrr:

I'm curious if the pool has been fed a steady diet of trichlor pucks with the occasional bag of dichlor shock. this would lead to triple-digit CYA numbers, which would necessitate chlorine values far in excess of anything you've ever had in the pool.

 

[Rick P]

Thanks for replies! Wow that was fast!
It’s dark and cold out right now and I don’t feel like going out and testing. I can only test chlorine and ph levels (red & yellow reagents) and won’t be able to give CYA results until I get a test kit. Will give the Chlorine & PH results tomorrow morning.
In the meantime,
How often do the paper filter cartridges need to be replaced? I’m wondering if small particles are passing through and going back into pool.

 

[tim5055]

How often do the paper filter cartridges need to be replaced? I’m wondering if small particles are passing through and going back into pool.

Like many things else in life - it depends.

With good care and regular cleanings filters can last years. Any abuse shortens their life span. So, it's hard to say.

 

[Rick P]

Like many things else in life - it depends.

With good care and regular cleanings filters can last years. Any abuse shortens their life span. So, it's hard to say.

But is it possible . . that this could be the problem?

 

[tim5055]

But is it possible . . that this could be the problem?

Possible, but doubtful

 

[kellyfair]

I’m with Richard. I bet your CYA has crept up every year and that’s why your chlorine isn’t dealing with the algae. Hope test kit is on order! Don’t worry, once you have good data, your next steps will be easy to figure out.

 

[Casey]

Without a proper test kit, you may not be achieving SLAM levels and it's why you are not getting results. You have a chemical issue at this point.