slingblade
07-14-2013, 10:03 AM
I have an intex 12x24 above ground pool. Well water, salt water system with a sand filter. My problem is I can't get a chlorine reading. All other levels are about normal and the electrodes are working. Why can't I get a chlorine reading in pool. Algae is driving me crazy.
PoolDoc
07-18-2013, 07:57 PM
Because of the way they are marketed, new pool owners expect their SWCG's to keep up with pool problems. But mostly, they can't. That's especially true of the AG SWCG's.
1. Turn off (disconnect) your SWCG. Then . . .
EITHER:
2(a). Drain and refill your pool. Start up with the SS recipe: http://www.poolforum.com/pf2/showthread.php?17055 BUT, add 2 full gallons of PLAIN 8.25% chlorine bleach when your pool is first full, to eradicate remaining algae. Allow 1 day of sun after adding bleach before beginning to swim. Once the pool has operated successfully for 3 weeks, add salt, turn on SWCG, and -- cautiously -- see if it will keep up. Do NOT let chlorine get low, expecting SWCG to work. If SWCG does not work, switch back to SS recipe.
OR:
2(b). Purchase HTH 6-way at Walmart if possible. Otherwise, order a K2006 via the testkit link in my signature block below. Test your stabilizer. Report results ASAP. Meanwhile, Add 2 gallons of bleach, as above. If you do not get HTH 6-way, purchase any other cheap OTO / phenol red (yellow / red drops). Maintain DARK yellow (darker than on block!) chlorine levels till algae is gone.