really cloudy water

Thank you again for all your help!
I know I sound impatient, but really I just want to make sure I'm doing everything right, I've only bought like 3 items from the pool store then I realized " yeah ya'll are full of it" and started doing my own research and talking to other pool owners, that's how I was able to get rid of the algae on my own, then I found you guys and learned a lot more, like using borax and bleach and DE.
Like I said before we are TOTAL newbies this our first year opening after a winter, the pool was installed late june of last year so yeah total newbie :) but trust me I've definitely been schooled and won't be visiting the pool store again unless I absolutely have too.
Again I can't thank you enough for your help and appreciate all you do for us pool owners old and new :)

You're more than welcome.

I just wanted to head off that "gotta do something NOW!" impulse we see hit pool owners every summer.

totally understand, trust me I felt that way especially with the algae I went straight panic mode, but when I found the liquid shock and it worked I was like ohhhh yeahhhh but then the cloudy water hit and I went ohhhh nooo, but then like I said I found you guys.
I'm a full of questions person, sometimes I ask a question then remember something and have to ask another and that makes me seem impatient ( it also doesn't help when I have 4 littles yapping in my ear daily about "is the pool ready") But I get it, it takes time and I got it this far.
I'll keep up with the DE, I'll keep checking my ph and keep hoping for the best.
I'll check back with you guys in the next day or 2 unless some crazy question pops in my head :)
but for now I believe I am on the right track
Thank you again and have a great evening!

This must be a record. In a 40 post thread, I can't believe that neither one of us has suggested that you get a Taylor K2006 test kit. You need it. Nowhere in this thread has a CYA level been mentioned because you have no way to test for it. It is a critical piece of the puzzle. You won't be able to buy this kit locally but can order it through this link:> http://pool9.net/tk/

A chlorine reading of 1ppm is way too low.

unfortunately Watermom I'm unable to get that kit at this time

is there another way to test for the cya? something I should add to the pool? I currently have chlorine tabs in the floaters and it's been 2 days at least since I've added any bleach
tested the water this morning
ph holding at 7.6
cl still looks to be at 1.0 or maybe a little higher

Tara,
Call around to the pool stores in your area. Ask them if they test CYA by doing the "disappearing black dot" test. No matter what they tell you, that is the only method to test CYA accurately. If someone does do it that way, then go and have them test your CYA for you. But, do not let them talk you into buying anything. They will try!

We only have 1 pool store here I just called ( surprisingly they answered, they never do) she was hesitant to answer but answered with a no

Good morning!
Bright and early I started on the pool, I'm very determined :)
backwashed and put a cup of DE in
tested water
ph is 7.6 maybe a lil higher
CL 1.5 if not maybe a lil higher ( the yellow in the tube is really bright) I added a lil more than a 1/2 gal of bleach last night
I plan on getting in and doing some vacuuming this afternoon after my appts, I figure between the vacuum and myself stirring things up that might help to get things moved along. agree? disagree?

I also noticed that when the pressure reaches 19 after adding the DE the flow of water from the return drastically decreases to almost nothing, is this normal?

Good morning, Tara.

WaterMom and I have discussed your situation, and I'm afraid we're going to sign off on this thread. Our ability to help people with their pools depends on us having reasonably accurate knowledge of the condition of the water in your pool. The problem is, we really don't have that information about your pool. We're sympathetic to your budget situation, but our sympathy doesn't change the facts.

And the fact is, we don't know what your CYA level is, and only have approximate ideas about your chlorine levels. We've tried the usual work-around (the HTH 6-way), which is a short term stop gap measure. And we've even tried the un-usual work-around (dealers who use the melamine test for CYA).

But we've struck out. It's not your fault that none of the Walmarts in your area carry the kit. And it's not your fault that none of the dealers in your area are foolish enough to test water in the accurate, but slow, way. (Accurate testing costs them chemical sales!)

But it's also not our fault that we don't have what we need to help you.

Sorry.

Ben / PoolDoc
.

Sucks but I have to say I understand, I'm still trying to find the hth 6 way, I do appreciate all your help thus far!

but if you could at least answer the question I had about the pressure that would be cool.... I recopied below

I also noticed that when the pressure reaches 19 after adding the DE the flow of water from the return drastically decreases to almost nothing, is this normal?

Yes, anytime your pressure increases on your filter, it will cut back on the flow you feel at the return. But, if you have little to no flow, then your pressure is too high and you need to backwash.

You may be adding too much DE. You only want enough to raise the pressure by 1 or 2 psi. Backwash your filter and note the clean filter pressure. Then, add a very small amount of DE. You may not see an immediate rise in pressure. I usually don't. Wait a half hour and if you still don't see the 1-2 psi rise, add a little more.

Good luck with getting your pool cleared up. I wish we would have been able to help you more. :(

Thanks watermom!

You are welcome. :)

It's inferred but needs to be said...the money you spend on the K-2006 test kit will actually save you more money in the long run by helping you to define what and how much to add to your pool to keep it clean and clear. I spend less than $100 a season (April - October) on pool supplies but I couldn't do it without measuring my levels accurately and consistently.

unfortunately I found out about the kit later rather than sooner, as much as I'd like to change my current situation I cannot, I have a friend in another state ( since my local walmarts don't have it) looking for the hth 6 way at least, so I can test for the cya a lil more accurately than the pool store. hopefully she will find it. until then I will continue with the methods pooldoc and watermom have told me about so I can at least "keep" my pool.
thank you for your input! I have definitely learned A LOT from this forum and when my circumstances do change the K-2006 test kit will be purchased!