Cloudy water after algae kill.

[spongebob55]

5 days ago I added 2 cases of chlorine and a quart of polyquat to get rid of a stuuborn algae growth, which it did. The water is now blue but remains cloudy. visibility is about 2 feet. Using an HTH test kit the chlorine is over 5, Ph 7.2, and alk at 240 ppm. Using HTH test strips hardness is 200, FC=10, pH=7.2, Alk=240, cya=30-50.It's a 16' x32' x 48" A.G. I've been using trichlor in a floater but have taken it out for now. I'm thinking ph needs to be increased but unsure of what else could be done.

[kelemvor]

To clear the dead algae you need to run your pump 24x7 and clean the filter when the pressure rises 10lb; which may be very quickly with a lot of dead algae to filter. Brush the sides/bottom often to get the stuff into the water and therefore into the filter (or vacuum to waste). You also need to get a test kit like the k-2006 that shows combined chlorine since it's possible there may still be some live algae in there still.

[spongebob55]

I've done all that and backwashed the filter till it runs clear. I've had the solar cover off for the treatment and the water is 76 degs. I don't have a heater.

[aylad]

You need to measure your chlorine after the sun is off the pool in the evening and again in the morning before the sun hits the pool. If you've lost more than 1 ppm of chlorine in that time, then you still have live algae and need to raise your chlorine again to shock level. If not, then you'll just have to be a little patient, because the chlorine kills the algae, but it's up to the filter to get it out. I'm assuming you have a sand filter--have you tried the handful of DE trick to start filtering out some of the finer stuff?

[spongebob55]

Haven't tried DE. Not sure where to get it. Would a hardware store have it? No pool stores within 30 miles of us.

[Watermom]

Lowe's or Home Depot might but not certain. Jan is right that DE can help filter out the finer stuff, but if you just recently killed algae, it might not be time for the DE trick yet. I think if it were my pool, I'd wait a few days and when the sand filter has removed most of it, the DE can help you get that sparkle.