How long to clear?

[dhfsmith]

First my recent readings

FC 3
TC 0
ALK 50
CYA 15
Ph 7.2

18x 36 IG grecian pool, approx 27k gallons

Next, opened pool 2 weeks ago, swampy green, and 3 continuous days of 3 big walmart jugs got things to cloudy. Things were coming along quite nicely until I realized the big brown smudge in the shallow end was SAND!

Found the vertical pipe in the sand filter broken off at the base. Replaced and replaced the sand. Water cleared to a point and I broke out the secret weapon of DE powder this morning. Added about 1/3 cup and pressure went up one pound so things appear to be good.

How long before water clears? I suspect the cloudiness is dead algae and pollen. Pool does hold shock value overnight. Wife is getting impatient.

[Watermom]

There is no way to know for sure, but the more consistent you can be about keeping your chlorine at shock level, the faster it will be. Test at least 2 times per day (and 3 times per day is even better) and each time add enough bleach to get back to shock level. Also, run your pump 24/7 while you are trying to clear the water, and brush the pool once per day. Backwash whenever your filter pressure rises by 8-10 psi. Using a skimmer sock will help catch the pollen, but you will have to empty it and rinse it out frequently.

See the following link for more about shock level which is based on your cya (stabilizer) reading.

http://www.poolforum.com/pf2/showthread.php?t=365

Also, FC + CC = TC. Always. So, your TC can't be 0 if your FC is 3.

Your first post. Welcome to the forum!

[dhfsmith]

UPDATE:

Looks like it will take 2 days to clear with more vacuuming. Getting up the sand is s-l-o-w. There's still a noticeable amount in there but some gets taken up with each vacuuming. I'm going to stick with the trick of a little DE after I backwash.

And your right WM, I meant CC was 0.

While I'm a new poster, I'm a seasoned lurker. I experienced the all too familiar Mid-July algae bloom because my CYA levels went up and up and up all the time being told by the local friendly pool folks the FC at 3 was just fine.

I know so much better now.