Re: My pool looks like a swamp
If you can consistently keep it around 15, it will clear. Try and take a net and see if you can scoop any debris out. It would be great if you could get someone to add some bleach twice a day, but if not, then just hit it hard when you return. It really is important to hit it at least twice a day with bleach. It will clear if you can maintain this sustained high cl level.
Have you taken a look at the thread right above this one called "Skeptical that Bleach will Kill Algae?" If not, take a look. The pictures are pretty awesome.
Re: My pool looks like a swamp
My pool looked like a swamp when I opened it this year too. The cover leaked and it was full of pollen. I scooped tons of it off the bottom and it stained the water and looked like an algae problem, but has filtered out after tons of vacuuming and filtering.
Re: My pool looks like a swamp
Well I returned today and when I tested my chlorine it was down to 15 so I was happy with that. The water is a lighter shade of green and I can now see down about 12". I vacuumed again and added more chlorine. I was encouraged by the new green color so hopefully I will see it turn milky white soon. Where do you get DE to add to your filter? and how do you add it?
vanman2501
Re: My pool looks like a swamp
Quote:
Originally Posted by
vanman2501
I have an above ground pool. It is 24' round and has 52" walls water level about 48". It holds around 18000 gallons of water if my calculations are correct.
I get 13,500 gallons. Not meaning to split hairs but when you get to the point of fine tuning the water balance, the difference in volume will make a difference in the amounts you add.
Re: My pool looks like a swamp
You may have to get DE at a pool store. I'm not sure if places like Lowe's or Home Depot sell it in their pool supply section or not. It is added in the skimmer. Buy the smallest container of it that you can find which may be around 10 lbs. But, I wouldn't add the DE just yet. Since your water is still green, you've still got algae to kill and will most likely be backwashing frequently and will just end up throwing the DE out with the backwash. Kill the algae and then if your filter is having trouble filtering out everything, then that is the time to try adding a little DE.
Re: My pool looks like a swamp
I usually have trouble removing the white dead algae so I was going to give it a try when the time comes. I would guess it comes out of the filter when you backwash. I read somewhere here to add a handful. Wold hat be correct.
vanman2501
Re: My pool looks like a swamp
Yes, it does come out of the filter when you backwash.
You want to add enough to raise the pressure on your filter by no more than 1psi. When I add it to my sand filter, I have found that the rise is not immediate like you would expect. The first few times I added it, since I didn't see the immediate rise, I assumed I hadn't added enough so I added more. And, then it was too much and my pressure went too high and I had to backwash it out and start again. I tell you that so you will know to go slow with the DE additions and then wait several minutes to see how it will affect your pressure before you add any more.
Re: My pool looks like a swamp
I saw small bags of DE at WalMart in the garden section when I was there last week.
Janet
Re: My pool looks like a swamp
Update
Well using my pool for memorial day is out. I am still shocking and vacuuming and my pool is still green. It has lighted a few shades. When I saw it stating to get lighter I thought I was on my way to a clear pool I am now hoping to have a pool full of dead algae in an other week or so. I am about worn out since we are now at about 8 weeks of shocking. I ramped up my chlorine even higher hoping to speed this up.
vanman2501
Re: My pool looks like a swamp
This process should NEVER take 8 weeks. Have you been hitting it at least 2 and hopefully 3 times every day with bleach up to shock level? I think you were out of town for a few days? How long? And, did your pool have anything done to it in that time? Can you give current water testing results?