Bama1992
05-01-2012, 09:24 PM
We have a small inground patio pool, no more than 6000 gallons. The pool was very green. we have got it now that its blue and very cloudy. we keep taking samples to the pool store and he says do this and that sells us some stuff and we bring him back a sample in a couple days, and he sells us more stuff. I was hoping ya'll can help. here are the surrrent readings: Alkalinty :90 Ph: 6.6 zero chlorine. the zero chlorine is crazy beacaus in a week we have put in 6 bags of shock and 6 clhlorine tabs in the baskets.
we have put in algicide and today an algea clumper. also a PH reducer, which is now a little low. anyone got any ideas?
PoolDoc
05-01-2012, 09:43 PM
we keep taking samples to the pool store and he says do this and that sells us some stuff and we bring him back a sample in a couple days, and he sells us more stuff.
Yea, one of our moderators (CarlD) came up with a name for that process a number of years ago. We call it "getting pool-stored"!
To fix the problem, you have to take control. And to take control, you have to test your own water -- it's not that hard. We have 100's of 'grannies' doing it!
1. Go to Walmart or wherever, and get a cheap OTO / phenol red test kit. While you're there, buy 4 boxes of "20 Mule Team Borax" (white box, detergent section) and 6 gallons of PLAIN 6% household bleach.
2. Test your pool. If the chlorine is high (dark yellow, or orange), you'll have to let it drop to test pH. As soon as you can, test your pH. If it's below 7.0, add 1/2 box of borax SLOWLY to the skimmer with the pump running. Retest after 2 hours, and continue till your pH is at least 7.4
3. If your chlorine is actually low, add approximately 1/2 gallon of bleach to the pool in the EVENING. Retest chlorine in the AM (don't add more chlorine) and in the evening. Report results here, but add 1/2 gallon of bleach each evening, unless you have a dark yellow result.
4. Go to the test kit page (link in my signature) and order a K-2006 kit from Amazon. The sooner you have it, the sooner you'll be able to take control.
5. Do NOT add any more pool store chemicals, but DO compile a list of EXACT brand and chemical names of what you have left, and post them here. (Many pool store chemicals make things WORSE.)
6. Run your pump and filter 24/7, BUT if you have a valve that allows you to slow down the flow of water, cut the flow through your filter to approx 1/2 of normal.
7. Tell us make/model of your pump & filter.
8. Let us know whether you have deadline (like a pool party). Often, pools that have been pool-stored, and especially those that have used lots of floc and clarifier take FOREVER to clear up, especially if you have a sand filter. If you've got a deadline, and have a CONCRETE pool, you may want to consider draining and refilling. If you have a fiberglass pools, this may also be an option. Vinyl liner pool? Not so much.