Seeking help for chronic pool issues

[Denniswiseman]

I am new here and have a pool problem and I can't figure out how to make a new post on this forum. Can anyone help me

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[JCINAZ]

I am still performing the SLAM procedure.

In the SLAM guide on TFP site, they recommend "Backwash or clean the filter as needed."

How would one know when it is "needed?"

[Denniswiseman]

When the pressure is 20-25% higher than clean, although it wouldn't hurt to do do it anyway
Have you done the overnight chlorine loss test (OCLT)

[JCINAZ]

When the pressure is 20-25% higher than clean, although it wouldn't hurt to do do it anyway
Have you done the overnight chlorine loss test (OCLT)

I didn't record the starting pressure when I last cleaned the filters about 1.5 months ago.

I started the OCLT test last night:
Night:
FC: 11.2
CI2: 0

Morning:
FC: 10.2
CI2: .2

It seems like my pool isn't getting clearer. I started the SLAM process in the afternoon of 11/11, so its been about 3 days. My starting SLAM FC was 11.8, keeping it up daily around goal of 12.

[Denniswiseman]

If you aren't swimming boost the FC up higher than 12

[JCINAZ]

How much higher? The TFP SLAM website recommends for a CYA of 30, the goal SLAM FC is 12.

I have read that having a FC too high can damage pool equipment.

I am assuming with my filter that no matter how dirty it is, the water should get clearer, it's just that a dirty filter would take longer to clear the water.

[Teapot1]

You would have to go very high indeed to damage the pool equipment and most is damaged by low pH. So dont worry, a bit more chlorine means a faster result.

The measure of how good your system is, how quickly it clears up. Bad flow, low number of turnovers, high pressure readings and bad filtration media can all hamper the clearing. If you are not using a DE or cartridge filter you can add a clarifyer like Jolly gell or a flocculent.

[JCINAZ]

I am going to keep at 12 FC and let it run for another 3-4 days and see what progress looks like.

[Teapot1]

Time is the one thing pool shops do not sell and sometimes its exactly what you need.

[JCINAZ]

Gentlemen,

I have accomplished the goal after a month of diligently following the advice I received on this forum. I have my pool back, blue and crystal clear. When I started on this forum it was green and cloudy. And just in time for us hosting Thanksgiving (Tomorrow) so I don't have to listen to my brother-in-laws comments about how crappy my pool looks.

This morning I finished doing my last 3 SLAM checks and passed:
1. CC is 0.5 or lower
2. AND you pass an OCLT
3. AND pool water is crystal clear with no visible sign of algae (dead or alive) on floor and walls.

and I know how to properly use my K2006c testkit you recommended. No more using "guessstrips." I am no longer going to the pool store for advice, that was an expensive waste of time.

My advice to others who may be in my spot. Follow the advice on this forum and TFP website. Most important, have patience and be very consistent.

Thank you to:
Teapot1
Denniswiseman

You're advice was spot on and very helpful. Thank you very much! I owe you guys a beer or two!

[Denniswiseman]

No need for the beer but it's nice to know that we have helped you. Some people post and never respond
You can also pass on the knowledge that you have learned as we have done
Happy thanksgiving

[Teapot1]

Seconded, thanks for popping back to say thanks

[JCINAZ]

Hi, it’s me again.

Have a question about CYA. I had my pool at 35 CYA a few months ago. I tested today and it’s showing 0.

I didn’t drain my pool. I thought CYA never goes away unless you take out water.

Not having done that, is there any other causes to lose CYA?

Thx.

[Teapot1]

CYA can reduce through a long shock process, I had to do this on one occasion and it took a lot of chlorine but replacing the water on this pool was just not possible at that time. Another way we have noticed CYA reduction is mainly over winter and we believe the cause to be a bacteria that feeds from CYA. When this has happened it sometimes has meant a remnant of ammonia has remained and that has taken a fair amount of chlorine to break down as it normally forms monochloramine and tests as combined chlorine.
All that said, first place to start is the actual CYA test, is the reagent in date etc. Maybe have someone carry out another test with their equipment.

[JCINAZ]

CYA can reduce through a long shock process, I had to do this on one occasion and it took a lot of chlorine but replacing the water on this pool was just not possible at that time. Another way we have noticed CYA reduction is mainly over winter and we believe the cause to be a bacteria that feeds from CYA. When this has happened it sometimes has meant a remnant of ammonia has remained and that has taken a fair amount of chlorine to break down as it normally forms monochloramine and tests as combined chlorine.
All that said, first place to start is the actual CYA test, is the reagent in date etc. Maybe have someone carry out another test with their equipment.

I will check my test kit. I am going through a prolonged slam cycle so that may explain it.

Should I wait to add the CYA back until after I am finished with this latest SLAM cycle?