No questions yet, but sure there will be

[SublimeZ]

New guy with OLD pool. 16x32, 3-6' deep, circa 1978. I currently hate it :(. Gonna clean DE filter tomorrow. Hoping it resolves issues (de in pool, polaris 360 doesn't work, etc.) Thanks for listening.

[Watermom]

Welcome to the Pool Forum. Hope we can make you learn to love your pool! Regarding one of your statements --- If you have DE in the pool, then you have filter issues like maybe a torn membrane.

[SublimeZ]

Welcome to the Pool Forum. Hope we can make you learn to love your pool! Regarding one of your statements --- If you have DE in the pool, then you have filter issues like maybe a torn membrane.

Thank you :)

Not certain it's de, may be dead algae (crossfingers) Think it was time...
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-QBWOqqQL9qE/T6AphIBP_5I/AAAAAAAACng/whAm8Zo8KAU/s800/001.jpg
http://i141.photobucket.com.KILLED/albums/r53/SublimeZ06/yard%20stuff/pool/001.jpg

[PoolDoc]

Pool => 17K gallons, PF = 7
1. Kill the algae, first. DE filters don't do well with live algae.
2. Add 6 gallons of plain 6% household bleach, tonight. Pour it around the pool. (Bleach splatters: wear shorts, or pants you don't like!)
3. Buy a cheap OTO / phenol red kit, and order a K-2006 (See test kit info page in link)
4. Buy some DE, like this:
Diatomaceous Earth Pool Filter D.E. 25 lbs @ Amazon (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B002WKK6WI/poolbooks)

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/419Srg%2BsaIL.jpg (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B002WKK6WI/poolbooks)

You can order from Amazon, but get at least 10# locally if you can - should be enough for at least one filter load.
5. Do NOT start your filter till the algae is dead. If you can bypass the filter, or lift out the internals, run the pump WITHOUT the filter.
6. Keep adding 6 gallons of bleach each EVENING, till the algae is dead. (blue / gray => no green, even when you brush the bottom.)
7. Test the pH in the evening BEFORE adding bleach (high chlorine screws up phenol red tests). If the pH is above 8.0, add muriatic acid, about 1/2 gallon at a time.
see Using-Muriatic-Acid-to-Safely-Lower-Your-Pools-pH (http://www.poolforum.com/pf2/showthread.php?13111)
8. If the pH is below 7.0, add 20 Mule Team Borax, 2 boxes at a time, SLOWLY to the skimmer, with the pump running.

Let us know what happens. Report test results as soon as you get the K-2006

[SublimeZ]

uh oh, already cleaned and restarted. Figured I'd have to clean the filter again in a week or 2. Just added 2 lbs of dupont multifunctional shock. Should I still use 6 gal's bleach tonight?

[PoolDoc]

uh oh, already cleaned and restarted. Figured I'd have to clean the filter again in a week or 2.
If the pool is green, and you added DE, try: "about 4 hours, if you're lucky"! Live algae stops up DE filters in a heart-beat. Kill it first.



Just added 2 lbs of dupont multifunctional shock.
We write that, "Multi-functional mess". Do you have more? If not, don't get any more. If you do, post the EXACT product name, so we can if you can use it without messing up your pool.



Should I still use 6 gal's bleach tonight?
Yes!

[SublimeZ]

yes, still have 6 bags (pounds) Du Pont Multifunctional Shock-multi-purpose shock and oxidizer part #351188 Item #79172

And thank you so much for your help

James

[PoolDoc]

Ok, found it -- 15% dichlor + 30% MPS. It's NOT something to buy again, and would screw up testing. But if you go ahead and use it up now, it should be all gone by the time the K-2006 arrives. Do NOT throw it in the trash.

Instead, reduce your bleach dose by 2 gallons (4, instead of 6), and scatter 3 bags of shock to replace the bleach. That way, it will be gone by tomorrow PM, and out of your pool by Friday.

[SublimeZ]

Cool deal, put pump in recirculate and will follow your advice! Thanks again!

=============================================

ok, bleach added, test kit and de ordered thru your links
.
.

[PoolDoc]

Good deal!

[SublimeZ]

Followed your directions, pool is much better! Thanks!

Test kit will not be here til next week, so had water tested (sampled at noon)


Free Chlorine 3.0 ppm
Combined Chlorine 0.0 ppm
pH 7.0
Alkalinity 70 ppm
Hardness 275 ppm
Cyanuric Acid 30 ppm

Cu 0.0 pm; Fe 0.0 ppm; TDS 1000 ppm; phosphates 200 ppb

[PoolDoc]

Add a couple of boxes of borax to your skimmer SLOWLY while the pump is running. Other than that you're fine. . . if those tests are accurate.

[SublimeZ]

Pool is looking MUCH better. Will be Thursday before test kit gets here :(

[PoolDoc]

. . . just make sure to maintain your chlorine levels.