I was using swimtrine algaecide, but haven't put anything in now for several days, except the 2 pkg of shock last night. The pool store I went to today was not the one I usually go to, as they were closed. I was surprised ths stor said I had OVER chlorinated, and it was off the charts, so just wasn't registering. They told me to wait a few days then do another read, meanwhile don't put chemicals in and just brush the sides and clean the filter (or backwash, which of course we know I can not do).
--- SO DO I FOLLOW THIS ADVICE??
So, now it seems even more green at the moment, but that may be for all the time I spent today brushing the walls, and stirring up the algae and debri. I have been trying to get up what I can in the net as well.
I did not bring the manifold (and never planned on bringing it) into the store, it is very heavy and WET. That is why I took pictures. Yes, it is chipped on top of the plastic, but would that really effect how efficiently the filter is running? After I returned from the pool store, I again cleaned out the filter, and it was dark green.
---SO HOW OFTEN SHOULD I BEGIN THIS PROCESS AGAIN, OF CLEANING OUT THE FILTER. NUMBER OF TIMES A DAY/ WEEK?
Regarding the valves, the discharge valve is set right in the middle between pool and spa. THe suction valve had been set in the middle (between pool and spa), but then I moved it all the way over to POOL. THe pool store I normally go to said to do that. The suction seems strong, but it also seemed to be working well set in the middle.
I wasn't sure what they meant by "PULL FROM THE SKIMMER, AND NOT MAIN DRAIN". When I asked if that was the suction, and if should be pointed towards POOL, the pool store said yes.
---So, is that correct, and will that help it clear more quickly??
I thought I posted closeup pictures of the backwash valve, both with the lever attached (really, it's just sitting on top) and off. I bought a temporary replacement lever from the pool store, but it doesn't fit on properly. I am not able to push down or up, it seems stuck regardless, and I don't know how to dissemble the backwash unit.
--IF I CAN'T BACKWASH AT THE MOMENT, WILL THIS KEEP ME FROM GETTING THE POOL CLEAR?
I now have the filter running 24/7 (followed your instructions with the timer). Please tell me what I need to do next. I am very anxious to see this clear up. THANK YOU!!!
Please Help - Extremely Green Pool!!! No Progress
Please Help - Extremely Green Pool!!! No Progress
sptygl wrote:I was using swimtrine algaecide, but haven't put anything in now for several days, except the 2 pkg of shock last night. The pool store I went to today was not the one I usually go to, as they were closed. I was surprised ths stor said I had OVER chlorinated, and it was off the charts, so just wasn't registering. They told me to wait a few days then do another read, meanwhile don't put chemicals in and just brush the sides and clean the filter (or backwash, which of course we know I can not do).
--- SO DO I FOLLOW THIS ADVICE??
I would continue to brush and clean filter as needed. You could go to your regular pool store and see about testing. In trying to clear algae you really can't over chlorinate. It can throw off the pH testing. Assuming you have a high FC level right now then you don't need to add chlorine. The key to killing algae and clearing the pool is getting a high FC level and keeping it there. With a proper test kit you can measure FC up to 50PPM.
I can feel your frustration. You want a clear pool you can use and you're not sure what advice to follow.
What to do?
Get the leaves and debris out. Hire a neighborhood boy if possible and get the junk out.
Maintain a high FC level until the pool clears. The level you need to maintain is based on your CYA level. If you can't get someone to test that level you have to play it by ear for the FC level.
Run the filter and clean it out as necessary.
Brush the pool. Yes, it will make it look worse but it helps.
So, now it seems even more green at the moment, but that may be for all the time I spent today brushing the walls, and stirring up the algae and debri. I have been trying to get up what I can in the net as well.
I did not bring the manifold (and never planned on bringing it) into the store, it is very heavy and WET. That is why I took pictures. Yes, it is chipped on top of the plastic, but would that really effect how efficiently the filter is running? After I returned from the pool store, I again cleaned out the filter, and it was dark green.
---SO HOW OFTEN SHOULD I BEGIN THIS PROCESS AGAIN, OF CLEANING OUT THE FILTER. NUMBER OF TIMES A DAY/ WEEK?
The manifold. When water comes in the filter it goes through the grids (and DE) to the insides of the grids and up to the manifold and then out of the filter through the stand pipe in the filter. If the manifold has a hole or crack, dirty water will skip the grids and go right back to the pool. If you aren't seeing DE come back into the pool when you are reloading the filter then the manifold is ok.
I know talking apart and cleaning the filter is tough. It should be done whenever the filter plugs up. No way to tell how often that will be. Getting the BW valve will help as you won't have to take the filter apart each time.
Regarding the valves, the discharge valve is set right in the middle between pool and spa. THe suction valve had been set in the middle (between pool and spa), but then I moved it all the way over to POOL. THe pool store I normally go to said to do that. The suction seems strong, but it also seemed to be working well set in the middle.
I wasn't sure what they meant by "PULL FROM THE SKIMMER, AND NOT MAIN DRAIN". When I asked if that was the suction, and if should be pointed towards POOL, the pool store said yes.
---So, is that correct, and will that help it clear more quickly??
Valves are just right if the suction is set all the way to pool. To vacuum the pool this is the setting you want.
I thought I posted closeup pictures of the backwash valve, both with the lever attached (really, it's just sitting on top) and off. I bought a temporary replacement lever from the pool store, but it doesn't fit on properly. I am not able to push down or up, it seems stuck regardless, and I don't know how to dissemble the backwash unit.
--IF I CAN'T BACKWASH AT THE MOMENT, WILL THIS KEEP ME FROM GETTING THE POOL CLEAR?
As mentioned, the filter has to be clean to clear the pool. You can go by the pressure increase measured at the filter or just by watching the suction in the skimmer. When the suction slows down, clean the filter.
I now have the filter running 24/7 (followed your instructions with the timer). Please tell me what I need to do next. I am very anxious to see this clear up. THANK YOU!!!
-
sptygl
- Pool Enthusiast
- Posts: 16
- Joined: Sat 06 Jun, 2009 23:47
- My Pool: I THINK it is 20,000 gallons. Inground pool. 8-10 feet at deep end, kidney shaped pool. I have a spa that waterfalls into the pool
Please Help - Extremely Green Pool!!! No Progress
I brought a picture of the manifold into the store, they said i need to get a replacement, because as is it will not function up to par, and the DE will go back into the pool. I just want to make sure I am not buying additional items that are still functioning. Do I really need to replace that part?
The reading they gave me on my POOL are:
Chlorine : 0
PH : 6.9
ALK : 40 PPM
CYA : 40 PPM
Funny, because I have no idea what those numbers mean!!
He also mentioned something about phosphates (?) Phost residue in pool. (he said this is shows as a result of algae?? - but I am not sure)
Since then, cleaned out filter, added 3lbs of chlor granules and algaecide (@ 9 hours ago). I brushed the sides two more times, and tried again to net some leaves-junk out..but that is tough because it's hard to get into the net. I was able to get some, but it does feel for the most part the brush is hitting floor. There are only a few areas where it seems I am pushing something heavy (leaves-debris etc...)
Sorry if i am repeating some of this, I thought I posted this morning after putting in the additional chemicals, cleaning filter and running it for 24 hours straight... I just can't find my post!!!
Pool store also told me I should probably just drain the pool!! Is that their answer for everything?? ughh.... so didn't want to do that, but I also don't want to spend a fortune on chemicals. I realize now, I wasted so much 2 weeks ago... putting in 5-6 gallons every few days, very inconsistently and not reading a chart to see where things stood. Pool store also suggested using the leaf eater, which I mentioned here... I lost on the bottom of the pool!! ughhhh again!! So, should I just go out a purchase ANOTHER one to try to get what I can out from the deep end and will it make a difference?? I also bought 2 cases of straight bleach (13 bottles all together). I am thinking about throwing 5 in tonight to see how much difference it could make by tomorrow.
Did I mention, how scuzzy the green slime at the bottom is??? wow, yes, it is gross and down there w the decomposed leaves.
So, this is where I am now.... Do I drain the pool?? Will this replacement manifold piece really make a difference with the operation of the filter? I don't really know HOW MUCH crud is down there, but it has develped into slime and there are still leaves. WIll a leaf eater really get all that?? I tried to manually vacuum, which I might have mentioned in previous posts, but couldn't manage to properly get the hose to get suction.
PLEASE HELP
this site is amazing, you all are so nice to help those of us who are totally clueless!!! You have so much patience, and I am so grateful for the great advice, as I know I am a handful here!!!
I hope to hear back from you tonight......
Many thanks
Heather
The reading they gave me on my POOL are:
Chlorine : 0
PH : 6.9
ALK : 40 PPM
CYA : 40 PPM
Funny, because I have no idea what those numbers mean!!
He also mentioned something about phosphates (?) Phost residue in pool. (he said this is shows as a result of algae?? - but I am not sure) Since then, cleaned out filter, added 3lbs of chlor granules and algaecide (@ 9 hours ago). I brushed the sides two more times, and tried again to net some leaves-junk out..but that is tough because it's hard to get into the net. I was able to get some, but it does feel for the most part the brush is hitting floor. There are only a few areas where it seems I am pushing something heavy (leaves-debris etc...)
Sorry if i am repeating some of this, I thought I posted this morning after putting in the additional chemicals, cleaning filter and running it for 24 hours straight... I just can't find my post!!!
Pool store also told me I should probably just drain the pool!! Is that their answer for everything?? ughh.... so didn't want to do that, but I also don't want to spend a fortune on chemicals. I realize now, I wasted so much 2 weeks ago... putting in 5-6 gallons every few days, very inconsistently and not reading a chart to see where things stood. Pool store also suggested using the leaf eater, which I mentioned here... I lost on the bottom of the pool!! ughhhh again!! So, should I just go out a purchase ANOTHER one to try to get what I can out from the deep end and will it make a difference?? I also bought 2 cases of straight bleach (13 bottles all together). I am thinking about throwing 5 in tonight to see how much difference it could make by tomorrow.
Did I mention, how scuzzy the green slime at the bottom is??? wow, yes, it is gross and down there w the decomposed leaves.
So, this is where I am now.... Do I drain the pool?? Will this replacement manifold piece really make a difference with the operation of the filter? I don't really know HOW MUCH crud is down there, but it has develped into slime and there are still leaves. WIll a leaf eater really get all that?? I tried to manually vacuum, which I might have mentioned in previous posts, but couldn't manage to properly get the hose to get suction.
PLEASE HELP
this site is amazing, you all are so nice to help those of us who are totally clueless!!! You have so much patience, and I am so grateful for the great advice, as I know I am a handful here!!!
I hope to hear back from you tonight......
Many thanks
Heather
Please Help - Extremely Green Pool!!! No Progress
Hi Heather,
About the manifold: It does look to me like it should be replaced. Bring in the old one (without the grids) and the store will be able to tell. If it is letting dirty water pass through back to the pool it will make a big difference in cleaning.
About the numbers and chemicals you added: pH is low, alk (TA) is low, CYA is ok for now. The dichlor you added will push chlorine level up but push TA and pH down a bit. It will also add CYA which will be ok. You may need to push the pH and TA up. Get a retest if you can for those.
About the algaecide: I wouldn't add any more. Swimtrine is mostly a copper based algaecide and I never recommend using those.
About the leaf eater: I wouldn't buy a new one. I would get the one hiding at the bottom of the pool and see if it will help with the leaves. The leaves can be so thick and heavy the leaf eater won't handle it. I go through this every time the santa ana winds blow. I use a leaf eater and a net and just keep at it. With the leaves in there, clearing the pool is very tough.
About draining: It is an option. With the pool empty you can get the leaves easier. To drain you'll have to hire someone with a pump or rent one. There is the cost of the water replacement and cost of the refill chemicals. I avoid draining mine unless the hardness level has gotten so high that I have to do it. There are bad things that can happen when a pool is empty.
If you feel the leaves and slim are just to much for you to handle then perhaps hire a pool service to come in and clear it out.
About the manifold: It does look to me like it should be replaced. Bring in the old one (without the grids) and the store will be able to tell. If it is letting dirty water pass through back to the pool it will make a big difference in cleaning.
About the numbers and chemicals you added: pH is low, alk (TA) is low, CYA is ok for now. The dichlor you added will push chlorine level up but push TA and pH down a bit. It will also add CYA which will be ok. You may need to push the pH and TA up. Get a retest if you can for those.
About the algaecide: I wouldn't add any more. Swimtrine is mostly a copper based algaecide and I never recommend using those.
About the leaf eater: I wouldn't buy a new one. I would get the one hiding at the bottom of the pool and see if it will help with the leaves. The leaves can be so thick and heavy the leaf eater won't handle it. I go through this every time the santa ana winds blow. I use a leaf eater and a net and just keep at it. With the leaves in there, clearing the pool is very tough.
About draining: It is an option. With the pool empty you can get the leaves easier. To drain you'll have to hire someone with a pump or rent one. There is the cost of the water replacement and cost of the refill chemicals. I avoid draining mine unless the hardness level has gotten so high that I have to do it. There are bad things that can happen when a pool is empty.
If you feel the leaves and slim are just to much for you to handle then perhaps hire a pool service to come in and clear it out.
-
sptygl
- Pool Enthusiast
- Posts: 16
- Joined: Sat 06 Jun, 2009 23:47
- My Pool: I THINK it is 20,000 gallons. Inground pool. 8-10 feet at deep end, kidney shaped pool. I have a spa that waterfalls into the pool
Please Help - Extremely Green Pool!!! No Progress
STARTING OVER HERE....
let me first say thanks so much for being an incredibly knowledgable group and amazing site!!
I was so frustrated before (didn't you notice?)
and didn't realize what a huge problem a broken manifold would cause in my attempts to clean up the pool!! I kept taking the filter apart manually for cleaning (no backwash because lever snapped off and wasn't sure how to get that working)... the green thick color did lighten somewhat, but sadly not enough, and I was pouring all the DE back in the pool, AND wasting a TON of bleach -- slowly getting nowhere!!
SO now, I would like to start the process AGAIN... but it's been weeks!!! THe pool now is VERY GREEN, but the manifold has been replaced on the filter, so hopefully that will make a difference. I picked up 20 gallons of standard bleach from the store, and began with taking the filter apart and hosing it down. I added 9 gallons of bleach and brushed down what I could. THe filter is set to run 24/7
Last week... (no chemicals added) AND I only attempted to see if there was still any leaves in the bottom... not much, but I did pull up large nets of ... slime/mud!!! YUCK... This smelled terrrible, and was very heavy in the net... I was surprised it didn't run through the net back into the water, but some of it was so thick I guess it just held up in the net. There is still some slime down there, but I can't see through the water, and WONDER IF IT IS POSSIBLE TO DILUTE OR BREAK THIS DOWN SOMEHOW SO THAT MY POOL CAN RECOVER AND BE BLUE AGAIN????
I don't know how to backwash (and like I said the lever snapped off).. THe backwash valve area hasn't been used (atleast by myself in the last 2 yrs... and I don't know when it was last). What I do is manually dissemble the filter to clean, and I use a bucket to get what dirty water I can out (not sure how to DRAIN what is at the bottom of the filter)
Am I just a lost cause?? and worse, is it possible to clear my POOL?? Please.. Please be patient with me,... and again many thanks for all your valuable advice. I know I am very inexperienced here, but appreciate any help you can offer. SHOULD I CONSIDER DRAINING THE ENTIRE POOL, or will I be able to clean this problem without it costing me TONS of money?
Also, I do not know how to vacuum, although I do have the hose and vaccuum head (manual). I also have a POOL Blaster charging at the moment, not sure how much that can actually help.
AWAITING YOUR REPLY!!! I think I am ready NOW... and hope it's something I can somehow manage with a lot of your help!!
many thanks,
heather
let me first say thanks so much for being an incredibly knowledgable group and amazing site!!
I was so frustrated before (didn't you notice?)
and didn't realize what a huge problem a broken manifold would cause in my attempts to clean up the pool!! I kept taking the filter apart manually for cleaning (no backwash because lever snapped off and wasn't sure how to get that working)... the green thick color did lighten somewhat, but sadly not enough, and I was pouring all the DE back in the pool, AND wasting a TON of bleach -- slowly getting nowhere!!
SO now, I would like to start the process AGAIN... but it's been weeks!!! THe pool now is VERY GREEN, but the manifold has been replaced on the filter, so hopefully that will make a difference. I picked up 20 gallons of standard bleach from the store, and began with taking the filter apart and hosing it down. I added 9 gallons of bleach and brushed down what I could. THe filter is set to run 24/7
Last week... (no chemicals added) AND I only attempted to see if there was still any leaves in the bottom... not much, but I did pull up large nets of ... slime/mud!!! YUCK... This smelled terrrible, and was very heavy in the net... I was surprised it didn't run through the net back into the water, but some of it was so thick I guess it just held up in the net. There is still some slime down there, but I can't see through the water, and WONDER IF IT IS POSSIBLE TO DILUTE OR BREAK THIS DOWN SOMEHOW SO THAT MY POOL CAN RECOVER AND BE BLUE AGAIN????
I don't know how to backwash (and like I said the lever snapped off).. THe backwash valve area hasn't been used (atleast by myself in the last 2 yrs... and I don't know when it was last). What I do is manually dissemble the filter to clean, and I use a bucket to get what dirty water I can out (not sure how to DRAIN what is at the bottom of the filter)
Am I just a lost cause?? and worse, is it possible to clear my POOL?? Please.. Please be patient with me,... and again many thanks for all your valuable advice. I know I am very inexperienced here, but appreciate any help you can offer. SHOULD I CONSIDER DRAINING THE ENTIRE POOL, or will I be able to clean this problem without it costing me TONS of money?
Also, I do not know how to vacuum, although I do have the hose and vaccuum head (manual). I also have a POOL Blaster charging at the moment, not sure how much that can actually help.
AWAITING YOUR REPLY!!! I think I am ready NOW... and hope it's something I can somehow manage with a lot of your help!!
many thanks,
heather
-
whitelexus
- I'm new here
- Posts: 7
- Joined: Fri 26 Jun, 2009 09:06
Please Help - Extremely Green Pool!!! No Progress
All I can say is I relate..but I will also say mine looked MUCH MUCH worse than yours when I started....to get the debris out initialy I turned my filter system to recirculate and started vacuming them out and cleaning the skimmer basket often....when I no longer got any leaves I could see I came here.....I still have the crap that is so fine at the bottom to remove and am working diligently....I wish you the best. Laughing, I ordered a safety cover....this will NEVER happen again. Happy vaccuming...there is great advise here....I too have spent a small fortune and listened to the pool companies..they only want your money...mine started last summer and I never even got to swim in the damn thing....
Please Help - Extremely Green Pool!!! No Progress
Hello again Heather,
I thought maybe you'd bought some dynamite and blown up the pool. haha . I'll have to reread the whole thread before I can answer but the new manifold will make a difference.
Stay tuned.
I thought maybe you'd bought some dynamite and blown up the pool. haha . I'll have to reread the whole thread before I can answer but the new manifold will make a difference.
Stay tuned.
-
sptygl
- Pool Enthusiast
- Posts: 16
- Joined: Sat 06 Jun, 2009 23:47
- My Pool: I THINK it is 20,000 gallons. Inground pool. 8-10 feet at deep end, kidney shaped pool. I have a spa that waterfalls into the pool
Please Help - Extremely Green Pool!!! No Progress
Denali wrote:Hello again Heather,
I thought maybe you'd bought some dynamite and blown up the pool. haha . I'll have to reread the whole thread before I can answer but the new manifold will make a difference.
Stay tuned.
Too funny Denali!!! yes... I bet with all the frustration coming from me!!!
Please let me know your thoughts....
It is lighter green today, but it is so hot here in CA today I wonder about putting in the bleach with temperatures this hot!! I have the new manifold, but still not a working backwash. (it seems jammed and as you may recall the lever had snapped off)
let me see if I can get ANY reading for you
Many thanks!!
-
sptygl
- Pool Enthusiast
- Posts: 16
- Joined: Sat 06 Jun, 2009 23:47
- My Pool: I THINK it is 20,000 gallons. Inground pool. 8-10 feet at deep end, kidney shaped pool. I have a spa that waterfalls into the pool
Please Help - Extremely Green Pool!!! No Progress
whitelexus wrote:All I can say is I relate..but I will also say mine looked MUCH MUCH worse than yours when I started....to get the debris out initialy I turned my filter system to recirculate and started vacuming them out and cleaning the skimmer basket often....when I no longer got any leaves I could see I came here.....I still have the crap that is so fine at the bottom to remove and am working diligently....I wish you the best. Laughing, I ordered a safety cover....this will NEVER happen again. Happy vaccuming...there is great advise here....I too have spent a small fortune and listened to the pool companies..they only want your money...mine started last summer and I never even got to swim in the damn thing....
Are you SURE???
I have trouble vacumming though, I am not successfully getting suction in the hose, but I do think most of the leaves are completely GONE -- it's just green slime on the bottom of the pool, and LOTS of it!!!Yes, the pool companies are a RIP off, and I can only pray I will have results like you!!!
Thanks for giving me hope!!
Please Help - Extremely Green Pool!!! No Progress
sptygl wrote:STARTING OVER HERE....
let me first say thanks so much for being an incredibly knowledgable group and amazing site!!
I was so frustrated before (didn't you notice?)
and didn't realize what a huge problem a broken manifold would cause in my attempts to clean up the pool!! I kept taking the filter apart manually for cleaning (no backwash because lever snapped off and wasn't sure how to get that working)... the green thick color did lighten somewhat, but sadly not enough, and I was pouring all the DE back in the pool, AND wasting a TON of bleach -- slowly getting nowhere!!
SO now, I would like to start the process AGAIN... but it's been weeks!!! THe pool now is VERY GREEN, but the manifold has been replaced on the filter, so hopefully that will make a difference. I picked up 20 gallons of standard bleach from the store, and began with taking the filter apart and hosing it down. I added 9 gallons of bleach and brushed down what I could. THe filter is set to run 24/7
Last week... (no chemicals added) AND I only attempted to see if there was still any leaves in the bottom... not much, but I did pull up large nets of ... slime/mud!!! YUCK... This smelled terrrible, and was very heavy in the net... I was surprised it didn't run through the net back into the water, but some of it was so thick I guess it just held up in the net. There is still some slime down there, but I can't see through the water, and WONDER IF IT IS POSSIBLE TO DILUTE OR BREAK THIS DOWN SOMEHOW SO THAT MY POOL CAN RECOVER AND BE BLUE AGAIN????
I don't know how to backwash (and like I said the lever snapped off).. THe backwash valve area hasn't been used (atleast by myself in the last 2 yrs... and I don't know when it was last). What I do is manually dissemble the filter to clean, and I use a bucket to get what dirty water I can out (not sure how to DRAIN what is at the bottom of the filter)
Life would be much easier for you if the backwash valve was working. For a pool like yours you vacuum, BW, vacuum, BW and so on. Having to take apart the filter each time you need to clean it will get old quickly. Whether you get it fixed now or later you will want to get it done.
Am I just a lost cause?? and worse, is it possible to clear my POOL?? Please.. Please be patient with me,... and again many thanks for all your valuable advice. I know I am very inexperienced here, but appreciate any help you can offer. SHOULD I CONSIDER DRAINING THE ENTIRE POOL, or will I be able to clean this problem without it costing me TONS of money?
You're not a lost cause and it is possible to clear the pool. Draining the pool is certainly a possibility. You could hire someone to drain it and also fix the BW valve. One question here, when the pool is finally blue and swimmable again are you going to take care of it yourself or hire someone? If you're going to hire someone I would do it now. You can always check his advice here with us.
To clear this without draining you're going to have to learn to vacuum. Vacuuming up a big mess takes time as the filter will clog up quickly. I can explain how to vacuum if you wish.
Your Pool Blaster is worth a try. I doubt it can cope with the MUCK but worth a try. If it can take some of the mess out that is less that will need to go into the filter.
Bottom line here I think is whether you want to learn to take care of the pool yourself or not. If you do we can start with vacuuming. Chlorine additions and vacuuming will make a good dent in clearing the pool. Let me know which route you want to take.
Also, I do not know how to vacuum, although I do have the hose and vaccuum head (manual). I also have a POOL Blaster charging at the moment, not sure how much that can actually help.
AWAITING YOUR REPLY!!! I think I am ready NOW... and hope it's something I can somehow manage with a lot of your help!!
many thanks,
heather
-
sptygl
- Pool Enthusiast
- Posts: 16
- Joined: Sat 06 Jun, 2009 23:47
- My Pool: I THINK it is 20,000 gallons. Inground pool. 8-10 feet at deep end, kidney shaped pool. I have a spa that waterfalls into the pool
Please Help - Extremely Green Pool!!! No Progress
THESE are the results I got from the pool store-
Free CL - 1.6
Total CL - 1.2
PH - 8.2
CH - 348
TA - 185
CYA - 46
Plus they said phosphates were a little high, light blue on the reading?
When would I put chlorine in again? I just manually cleaned the filter again (after cleaning last night). The green gook on the bottom of the filter basin was BAD, and I tried to get out what I could with a bucket. I am unable to open the drain under the filter to let out what residual water, slime is left... so that may be a problem (?)
Also, I borrowed a clamp to try to untighten the nut holding the backwash valve, but I am unable to twist it open either way.
Yes please... help me learn how to Properly vacuum the pool!!
Free CL - 1.6
Total CL - 1.2
PH - 8.2
CH - 348
TA - 185
CYA - 46
Plus they said phosphates were a little high, light blue on the reading?
When would I put chlorine in again? I just manually cleaned the filter again (after cleaning last night). The green gook on the bottom of the filter basin was BAD, and I tried to get out what I could with a bucket. I am unable to open the drain under the filter to let out what residual water, slime is left... so that may be a problem (?)
Also, I borrowed a clamp to try to untighten the nut holding the backwash valve, but I am unable to twist it open either way.
Yes please... help me learn how to Properly vacuum the pool!!
Please Help - Extremely Green Pool!!! No Progress
sptygl wrote:THESE are the results I got from the pool store-
Free CL - 1.6
Total CL - 1.2
PH - 8.2
CH - 348
TA - 185
CYA - 46
Plus they said phosphates were a little high, light blue on the reading?
I wouldn't worry about phosphates.
pH and TA are high. If you have muriatic acid, add a quart at the return line in the deep end with equipment running.
The chlorine is low. Is this test after you added the 9 gallons or whatever you had? Any change in color of the water? Biggest mistake people make is not adding enough chlorine. The chlorine they add kills some of the algae but not all. The chlorine is used up and the algae starts to grow again.
When would I put chlorine in again? I just manually cleaned the filter again (after cleaning last night). The green gook on the bottom of the filter basin was BAD, and I tried to get out what I could with a bucket. I am unable to open the drain under the filter to let out what residual water, slime is left... so that may be a problem (?)
You do want to empty the filter completely. Anything you leave in there goes back on the grids. The reason you are seeing more "gook" in the filter is with the new manifold the filter is keeping the mess that goes in instead of sending it back to the pool. And remember that each time you cleaned the filter before you added DE and most of it went back into the pool and it's still there.
Check the http://www.poolcalculator.com/ to see the FC level you need to shock to and how much chlorine is needed to reach that level for your pool. I know you don't have a test kit that will measure that high a FC level and that makes it difficult. But, you can add the full amount at once to kill the algae. Have more chlorine ready to go as the chlorine is used up killing the algae. Better too much than not enough.
Also, I borrowed a clamp to try to untighten the nut holding the backwash valve, but I am unable to twist it open either way.
If I remember correctly from the pics you have a plastic cap on the backwash valve that would need to come off. A pipe wrench would work best turning counter clockwise but you do risk breaking it. That might be a job you hire someone to do.
Yes please... help me learn how to Properly vacuum the pool!!
There are different ways to get the hose filled with water.Many use the return line in the pool to fill the hose. With equipment running hold end of hose over the return where the water comes back into the pool. Let the hose fill. Lower the vacuum hose down to the bottom and stick the other end into the hole at the bottom of the skimmer. Even if there is some air still in the hose your pump will reprime. You have a Whisperflo pump and they will reprime easily.
So, one end of hose connects to vacuum head (must be underwater before connecting the other end.) and the other end goes in the skimmer hole. When you start to vacuum move the vacuum head very slowly. Moving too fast will stir up the mess.
Note the pressure on the filter before you begin. As the filter gets dirty the pressure on the gauge will go up. You will notice the vacuum isn't picking things up as easy when the filter is getting dirty. When the pressure goes up about 8-10psi on the gauge, time to clean the filter.
In case you have troubles filling the hose the way I described. Here is another way and how I do it.
Attach hose to vacuum head and leave on deck near the skimmer. Take the other end of the hose and uncoil it as you stretch it to the far end of the pool. Once fully stretched out, return to skimmer area. Lower vacuum head into pool and with other hand feed the hose down into the water. Once the vacuum is on the bottom continue feeding the hose down into the water. When you reach the end of the hose you should see water coming out. Without lifting that end feed it into the skimmer and attach to hole.
Because you have so much debris in the pool, as you vacuum that debris is going to end up in the pump basket. The pressure on the filter gauge will drop as that basket fills. When you aren't getting suction at the vacuum head, turn off the equipment. Open pump lid and clean out basket. Replace basket and fill the pump with water. Close the lid and start equipment. You can open the air relief valve on top of the filter to release air and reprime the pump. Close air relief when water comes out.
Sound complicated? It isn't really. If you can take apart the filter and clean it, you can do this.
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sptygl
- Pool Enthusiast
- Posts: 16
- Joined: Sat 06 Jun, 2009 23:47
- My Pool: I THINK it is 20,000 gallons. Inground pool. 8-10 feet at deep end, kidney shaped pool. I have a spa that waterfalls into the pool
Please Help - Extremely Green Pool!!! No Progress
[quote="Denali"][quote="sptygl"]THESE are the results I got from the pool store-
Free CL - 1.6
Total CL - 1.2
PH - 8.2
CH - 348
TA - 185
CYA - 46
The chlorine is low. Is this test after you added the 9 gallons or whatever you had? Any change in color of the water? Biggest mistake people make is not adding enough chlorine. The chlorine they add kills some of the algae but not all. The chlorine is used up and the algae starts to grow again.
[/color]
I put the 9 gallons of chlorine in the evening before the test was taken. There was definitely a change in color, lighter shade of green. I put 5 more gallons in this evening.
You do want to empty the filter completely. Anything you leave in there goes back on the grids. The reason you are seeing more "gook" in the filter is with the new manifold the filter is keeping the mess that goes in instead of sending it back to the pool. And remember that each time you cleaned the filter before you added DE and most of it went back into the pool and it's still there.
There must be a terrible mess in the deep end of my pool, between the residual "gook" and the mixture of DE I lost from the filter and all the algae.
Check the http://www.poolcalculator.com/ to see the FC level you need to shock to and how much chlorine is needed to reach that level for your pool. I know you don't have a test kit that will measure that high a FC level and that makes it difficult. But, you can add the full amount at once to kill the algae. Have more chlorine ready to go as the chlorine is used up killing the algae. Better too much than not enough.
I need to get a better read on HOW MUCH chlorine I need to maintain, and when I need to put the next batch in.
If I remember correctly from the pics you have a plastic cap on the backwash valve that would need to come off. A pipe wrench would work best turning counter clockwise but you do risk breaking it. That might be a job you hire someone to do.
The pool store lent me some kind of wrench, but I was unable to loosen it. They thought it may just need to be opened up and lubricated (along with a new lever). I need to find out what someone would charge me to do that job.
Thank you for the direction on priming the hose to begin the vacuum process. Funny, I learned over time how to change the filter... but for some reason I have never been able to get suction to the vacuum hose.
Thank you so very much!!! I am going to see how it looks in the morning, but I have a feeling I didn't put nearly enough chlorine in this evening (only 5 gallons). I will try to get the vacuum working tomorrow as well. It's interesting though, I don't see as much circulation in the pool right now, and the suction from the skimmer doesn't seem strong. Even the spa which overflows to the pool, is really just dribbling water over wall into the pool. This is all since replacing the manifold, so I hope there isn't something slowing it down. Every time I clean the filter, it still seems to have slow suction.
Free CL - 1.6
Total CL - 1.2
PH - 8.2
CH - 348
TA - 185
CYA - 46
The chlorine is low. Is this test after you added the 9 gallons or whatever you had? Any change in color of the water? Biggest mistake people make is not adding enough chlorine. The chlorine they add kills some of the algae but not all. The chlorine is used up and the algae starts to grow again.
[/color]
I put the 9 gallons of chlorine in the evening before the test was taken. There was definitely a change in color, lighter shade of green. I put 5 more gallons in this evening.
You do want to empty the filter completely. Anything you leave in there goes back on the grids. The reason you are seeing more "gook" in the filter is with the new manifold the filter is keeping the mess that goes in instead of sending it back to the pool. And remember that each time you cleaned the filter before you added DE and most of it went back into the pool and it's still there.
There must be a terrible mess in the deep end of my pool, between the residual "gook" and the mixture of DE I lost from the filter and all the algae.
Check the http://www.poolcalculator.com/ to see the FC level you need to shock to and how much chlorine is needed to reach that level for your pool. I know you don't have a test kit that will measure that high a FC level and that makes it difficult. But, you can add the full amount at once to kill the algae. Have more chlorine ready to go as the chlorine is used up killing the algae. Better too much than not enough.
I need to get a better read on HOW MUCH chlorine I need to maintain, and when I need to put the next batch in.
If I remember correctly from the pics you have a plastic cap on the backwash valve that would need to come off. A pipe wrench would work best turning counter clockwise but you do risk breaking it. That might be a job you hire someone to do.
The pool store lent me some kind of wrench, but I was unable to loosen it. They thought it may just need to be opened up and lubricated (along with a new lever). I need to find out what someone would charge me to do that job.
Thank you for the direction on priming the hose to begin the vacuum process. Funny, I learned over time how to change the filter... but for some reason I have never been able to get suction to the vacuum hose.
Thank you so very much!!! I am going to see how it looks in the morning, but I have a feeling I didn't put nearly enough chlorine in this evening (only 5 gallons). I will try to get the vacuum working tomorrow as well. It's interesting though, I don't see as much circulation in the pool right now, and the suction from the skimmer doesn't seem strong. Even the spa which overflows to the pool, is really just dribbling water over wall into the pool. This is all since replacing the manifold, so I hope there isn't something slowing it down. Every time I clean the filter, it still seems to have slow suction.
Please Help - Extremely Green Pool!!! No Progress
Thank you so very much!!! I am going to see how it looks in the morning, but I have a feeling I didn't put nearly enough chlorine in this evening (only 5 gallons). I will try to get the vacuum working tomorrow as well. It's interesting though, I don't see as much circulation in the pool right now, and the suction from the skimmer doesn't seem strong. Even the spa which overflows to the pool, is really just dribbling water over wall into the pool. This is all since replacing the manifold, so I hope there isn't something slowing it down. Every time I clean the filter, it still seems to have slow suction.
When you had the hole in the manifold your flow would have been stronger. Now that you have a new manifold, the flow has slowed down. That is to be expected.
From your description, the filter grids are still dirty. When the manifold was broken some DE went back into the pool so the grids wouldn't be covered with DE as they should be. Dirt gets on the grids and flow slows down. You need to clean each grid thouroughly. You want the grids white when you're done. I assume the pressure on your filter is reading higher now than before?
To be able to vacuum you need good suction. A clean filter is necessary for that. Sometimes you have to soak the grids to get them clean again.
-
sptygl
- Pool Enthusiast
- Posts: 16
- Joined: Sat 06 Jun, 2009 23:47
- My Pool: I THINK it is 20,000 gallons. Inground pool. 8-10 feet at deep end, kidney shaped pool. I have a spa that waterfalls into the pool
Please Help - Extremely Green Pool!!! No Progress
Denali wrote:Thank you so very much!!! I am going to see how it looks in the morning, but I have a feeling I didn't put nearly enough chlorine in this evening (only 5 gallons). I will try to get the vacuum working tomorrow as well. It's interesting though, I don't see as much circulation in the pool right now, and the suction from the skimmer doesn't seem strong. Even the spa which overflows to the pool, is really just dribbling water over wall into the pool. This is all since replacing the manifold, so I hope there isn't something slowing it down. Every time I clean the filter, it still seems to have slow suction.
When you had the hole in the manifold your flow would have been stronger. Now that you have a new manifold, the flow has slowed down. That is to be expected.
From your description, the filter grids are still dirty. When the manifold was broken some DE went back into the pool so the grids wouldn't be covered with DE as they should be. Dirt gets on the grids and flow slows down. You need to clean each grid thouroughly. You want the grids white when you're done. I assume the pressure on your filter is reading higher now than before?
To be able to vacuum you need good suction. A clean filter is necessary for that. Sometimes you have to soak the grids to get them clean again.
I was concerned because I don't see the waterfall overflow from the spa into the pool, and that's why I thought something else may be blocking the flow.
Yes, the pressure on my filter is reading higher than before. When it has been cleaned, it reads 20 (same as before), but then it increases to about 30 (when it needs to be cleaned?)
I haven't been able to vacuum yet... but hopefully will be able to get that done this week. I added 5 gallons of bleach last night, and today cleaned the filter again and added 6 more. I guess I was expecting to see more progress???
I really think I am going to need to find someone to replace all or part of the backwash valve, because I can't possibly break down the filter manually as often as it seems necessary to. I have been disabling the filter and cleaning the grids almost everyday now for the last 3 days, and it is exhausting!!
I still don't know if the BW valve itself is still functioning and just stuck. Either way, the twist-turn knob needs to be replaced. I am hoping to not have to replace it if it isn't completely necessary. Any suggestions? maybe it does need to be loosened up to function again, and just replace the knob??
Thank you for your patience, and I hope to find a solution very soon.
many many thanks from a most frustrated woman trying to understand the hardware of POOL MECHANICS
lol
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