This pool stuff is driving me crazy

[Bschmeling]

Hey there!
I just moved into a new house, and with it came a pool. I’ve never had a pool before, and I only like to swim in a pool that is well maintained and crystal clear. I don’t want to be the guy with a pool no one wants to swim in, so I need to become an expert in pool maintenance.
During the 2 weeks between previous owners moving out, and my family moving in, the pool chemistry was not kept up, and we had a minor algae problem.
I knew my pH was very low, but followed the directions of the folks at the pool store, and after spending quite a bit on chemicals, finally got the water clean and clear. And then it rained this afternoon, and while the water is still clear, it now has a fairly green hue to it.
Reading before rain:
FC = 21
CC = 1
pH = 7
TA = 190
CYA = 100

Reading after rain:
FC = 12
CC = .5
pH = 7
TA = 220
CH = 150
CYA = 100

Do you have any ideas as to what’s causing the green hue, and what I might do about it? Thanks!

 

[Wulfdan]

You need to SLAM the pool. That’s algae. Check out the Pool School book and go buy a whole bunch of liquid chlorine

 

[JimMarshall]

How are you testing? No way rain caused you to lose that much FC.

A SLAM Process is in order but first you’re going to need a good test kit if you don’t already have one.

 

[zea3]

Hi, welcome to TFP! Your CYA is very high and you probably have a nascent algae bloom that is ready to cut loose! Are you doing your own testing or are these pool store test results? We recommend using an FAS/DPD test kit such as the TF 100 or the Taylor K2006. If the CYA result is correct you should drain and refill about 60% of your pool to lower the CYA level to between 30-50 ppm. You will also need to use the SLAM Process procedure to get rid of the algae. Since your pool hasn't gone full green it shouldn't take long at all. If you would like to know more about TFP care read ABCs of Pool Water Chemistry for more information.

 

[aussieta]

beware the cya test maxes out at 100ppm
so you could be substantially higher
oh yes, spent a fortune at the pool store and a week later back for more
time to buy your own quality test kit and go from there
fc 21 suggests you already have one of the recommended test kits
if you do have a quality test kit perform a diluted cya test Extended Test Kit Directions

 

[Bschmeling]

Thank you all! I am thinking that new algae was reintroduced to the pool by the robotic cleaner after I got the water cleared up. I started SLAMing today (I do have the Taylor K-2006 test kit), and already the water seems to be getting more clear, and FC levels are increasing. Having just purchased the house, cash flow won't allow me to do a 60% drain & refill, and I'm hoping I can keep things clear for the rest of the summer. I know we need to replace the vinyl liner either this year or next, at which time we'll be restarting with fresh water, and hopefully I can keep CYA levels at bay.