When to end SLAM

[SarahObrem]

I’m slamming my pool for the 1st time. I have read through lots of threads and most of the articles on the site.
I ordered the TF Pro test kit but it hasn’t arrived yet.
I needed to start the SLAM process without it or it was only going to keep getting worse.
So kind of doing it blind…
1st 2days it wouldn’t hold any chlorine. Added a total of 28 gallons and test strips continued to read 0
Yesterday it finally held the chlorine and levels are through the roof on test strips but it’s still not completely clear.
I’m assuming keep adding liquid chlorine until I get to clear?
I’m just not sure when to stop since I don’t have Taylor test kit yet. So I’m not sure when it will meet all 3 criteria to stop.
If I put in too much chlorine could that cause even more problems?

 

[mknauss]

Welcome to the forum!
We suggest adding no more than 5 ppm FC worth of liquid chlorine each day until you get your test kit.
I suggest you read through Pool Care Basics - Trouble Free Pool and even look at a few of our videos TFP-TV - Trouble Free Pool

 

[Bperry]

I’m slamming my pool for the 1st time. I have read through lots of threads and most of the articles on the site.
I ordered the TF Pro test kit but it hasn’t arrived yet.
I needed to start the SLAM process without it or it was only going to keep getting worse.
So kind of doing it blind…
1st 2days it wouldn’t hold any chlorine. Added a total of 28 gallons and test strips continued to read 0
Yesterday it finally held the chlorine and levels are through the roof on test strips but it’s still not completely clear.
I’m assuming keep adding liquid chlorine until I get to clear?
I’m just not sure when to stop since I don’t have Taylor test kit yet. So I’m not sure when it will meet all 3 criteria to stop.
If I put in too much chlorine could that cause even more problems?

You need the test kit as referenced above. SLAM cannot be done without it. Without it, your just wasting chlorine at best and at worst damaging things in the pool depending on what type it is. Fill out your signature so we can know what type of pool and equipment you have. A picture of the water would help as well.

 

[SarahObrem]

You need the test kit as referenced above. SLAM cannot be done without it. Without it, your just wasting chlorine at best and at worst damaging things in the pool depending on what type it is. Fill out your signature so we can know what type of pool and equipment you have. A picture of the water would help as well.

Ok I updated my profile and here are 2 pictures. (Sorry for delay I was at work and needed to get home to take photos and get profile info)
On Friday water was very cloudy, almost milky and opaque. Could not even see bottom in shallow end.
Chlorine was reading 0 on test strips.
Started liquid chlorine Fri, all day Sat still read 0
Sunday it registered chlorine off the charts so I’m only adding a little.
But stopped this morning when I read this.
I know I should have waited for the test kit but I was afraid it would just keep getting worse.
Also attached photo of most recent test strip.
Water is clearer on shallow end, can see bottom just a little cloudy, deep end can just barely see bottom.

 

[Bperry]

View attachment 581036View attachment 581037
Ok I updated my profile and here are 2 pictures. (Sorry for delay I was at work and needed to get home to take photos and get profile info)
On Friday water was very cloudy, almost milky and opaque. Could not even see bottom in shallow end.
Chlorine was reading 0 on test strips.
Started liquid chlorine Fri, all day Sat still read 0
Sunday it registered chlorine off the charts so I’m only adding a little.
But stopped this morning when I read this.
I know I should have waited for the test kit but I was afraid it would just keep getting worse.
Also attached photo of most recent test strip.
Water is clearer on shallow end, can see bottom just a little cloudy, deep end can just barely see bottom.
View attachment 581050

You can safely dispose of the test strips. They really are that bad. Adding 3-5ppm of liquid chlorine each day is safe and will keep it from getting worse while you wait for the test kit to arrive.

 

[SarahObrem]

You can safely dispose of the test strips. They really are that bad. Adding 3-5ppm of liquid chlorine each day is safe and will keep it from getting worse while you wait for the test kit to arrive.

Ok dumb question….
How do I calculate how much 3-5 ppm is?

 

[proavia]

Ok dumb question….
How do I calculate how much 3-5 ppm is?

PoolMath - effects of adding

 

[SarahObrem]

PoolMath - effects of adding

I have downloaded the pool math app but I can’t enter any numbers until I receive the Taylor test kit.
So I guess my question is how do I calculate 3-5 ppm without the Taylor kit or pool math app?
His advice was to only add 3-5 ppm until I get the test kit. But I don’t know how much that is.

 

[proavia]

I have downloaded the pool math app but I can’t enter any numbers until I receive the Taylor test kit.
So I guess my question is how do I calculate 3-5 ppm without the Taylor kit or pool math app?
His advice was to only add 3-5 ppm until I get the test kit. But I don’t know how much that is.

Setup PoolMath with your pool size in gallons.
Go to Effects of adding

Make sure Pool Volume is correct and in Gallons​

Chemical Type - Liquid Chlorine​

Chlorine Percentage - enter the chlorine percentage - usually 10% or 12.5%​

Amount - 1 Gallon​

​

Result will show under Estimated Effects.​

If 1 gallon isn't enough, try 1.25 gallons (1 gallon, 1 quart) or 1.5 gallons ( 1 gallon, 2 quarts) or whatever amount to get the effect you desire.​

 

[reggiehammond]

I have downloaded the pool math app but I can’t enter any numbers until I receive the Taylor test kit.
So I guess my question is how do I calculate 3-5 ppm without the Taylor kit or pool math app?
His advice was to only add 3-5 ppm until I get the test kit. But I don’t know how much that is.

28000 gallons, to go from 0 FC to 5 FC would take 1.5 gallons of 10% liquid chlorine (sold at Walmart, Home Depot, etc)