New intex is finally clear, how do I keep it going?

First off, I wish I looked at this forum before I filled my pool. But, I hope I've gotten through the crisis. I filled the pool with well water, which promptly turned brown with tints of green. I used the milk jug/fiberfill method to filter out the rust. I started off with the intex salt water generator, which seemed to never generate enough CL to get the levels above .5ppm, so I switched to bleach (I ordered the di-chlor from amazon, and am starting with that today.) I have been using the advice in this thread because it seemed to match our water problems:

http://www.poolforum.com/pf2/showthr...me-says-it-all!

Then, I found the 'Super simple pool chemistry for intex thread.' I have been keeping the cl between 3-5 for several days. I have successfully filtered out the green/brown color from the well water. In the first thread, swampmistress is advised to bring the CL up the 12ppm at some point. However, simple pool chem just says to add extra dichlor if CL drops below 2. So, is it ok to just follow the simple instructions?

I have a 15' by 48" metal frame intex. We have the filter that came with it with type A cartridge. This morning's numbers (using an HTH 6 way kit) are:
Cl 3ppm
pH 7.2
alk 70 ppm
hardness 40 ppm

I didn't test CYA because I only have 1 test left, but I can if you need it. I did add CYA twice in the beginning (first dose didn't raise it enough to make the black dot disappear).

Another question: What is the best way to vacuum the bottom?

I really appreciate the forums- I learned so much even before posting this. You guys are great!

Sorry, cshoe, that you haven't gotten a reply. Can you update your with current numbers since these are a few days old? How is the water looking? We really need to know the CYA level to advise. You can order some CYA reagent separately if you need to. (R-0013)

Welcome to the Pool Forum, by the way!

Thanks for getting back to me. The numbers today are:
pH 7.4
cl 5 ppm
alk 70 ppm
CYA 30 ppm

I have been using the kem-tek dichlor for a few days now. Not sure if it's the dichlor, but the cl levels seem much more stable over the past few days. (It has also been cloudy and raining for several days.) Thanks for your help!

I should also add that the water looks great- nice and clear. The only problem is the crud that is accumulating on the bottom of the pool.

(Two posts combined in moderation queue.)

Your numbers look good. You may want to swap out those cartridges for better ones that will do a better job for you. Info about that below.

Replacing Intex Cartridges:

+ The OEM cartridges in Intex / Summer Escapes / etc. filters are not high quality. The Intex manuals recommend replacing them completely every 2 weeks. A BETTER option is to replace them permanently with 2 - 3 Unicel cartridges, and rotating them through a cleaning solution. Properly maintained, the Unicel cartridges will last all season AND will filter better. So even though they cost more per cartridge, they cost less per season! Learn to maintain them, by reading this post, Cleaning-your-Cartridge-Filter-wiithout-Damaging-It!

But, purchasing them is tricky. Amazon does not consistently stock them, and some of the 3rd party sellers are charging high prices and/or high shipping. So, check the Amazon link, but watch out for the prices and shipping costs.

It would be nice if you could just buy them elsewhere, but many of the online pool stores are listing Pleatco or other Asian made low quality filters, as "Unicel C-4607 type" or "fits Unicel C-4607". So shop carefully!

Here are the Amazon links:

Unicel C-4607 Replacement Filter Cartridge (Easy Set Size A or C) @ Amazon
Unicel C-5315 Replacement Filter Cartridge for 15 Square Foot Intex B Filter @ Amazon

Until your registration is upgraded, you will not be able to follow the links I posted above. (I don't think.) But, it will be there for you when your post is moved out of this 'Getting Started' section and then you can pursue it. Not urgent.

Keep us posted how things are going and let us know if you have further questions.