This Pool is a Menace!

[nrthrnlite13]

Guys - help, before I fill this thing in.

This is NOT my first pool but it is the only one I’ve hated. I cannot keep chlorine in this to save my life. Here’s a picture from yesterday’s test, and here’s today’s. From about a 4 to zero. Also, here is the full test from the pool store. It’s been hot. It’s been sunny. This is my third season with this pool and I’m constantly battling no chlorine and algae.

Sunday I dumped baking soda in for ph (40lbs) and shocked (5lbs) at night. Yesterday’s test was decent. Today, green starting again faintly and zero chlorine.

I have a liquid test for ph and chlorine, same results.

I have 3” tabs in the chlorinator running on full 10.
Pump runs 12 on 12 off.
DE filter that is backwashed regularly.
I have a robot cleaner.
Swimmer load is our family of 5 (50% of the time for kids), and their friends occasionally.
Pool is 20x44, approx 42000 gallons according to pool store.
Located in SE PA.

Last summer I spent $800 on an arsenal of chemicals that yielded no better results. Pool store that opens and closes is of no help - and the last two years when it opens it looks disgusting, nothing like my last pool I had for 9 years.

TIA!

 

[DrewLG]

Welcome to TFP!

You have algae because your free-chlorine-to-CYA ratio is too low, and you have no chlorine because you have algae.

You need a real test kit: a Taylor K-2006C, or a TF-100 or TF-Pro from tftestkits.net. You can read about them here: Test Kits Compared (spoiler alert: the TF-Pro is the one to get).

While you wait for the test kit to arrive, download the PoolMath app and read Pool Care Basics. FC/CYA Levels explains what's necessary to keep your pool sanitized and algae-free, and SLAM Process explains how to eliminate the algae you already have. Stay out of the pool store -- they haven't helped you so far, and their advice isn't magically going to get any better.

Next steps depend on the chemistry of your pool, so when you get the test kit, post the full test results here.