Would 30 ppm Chlorine burn off particulates?

[marilang]

Thanks, Waterbear. I'll try it, once I figure out how to safely dump the garbage can when I'm finished.

[bhelme]

Thanks, Waterbear. I'll try it, once I figure out how to safely dump the garbage can when I'm finished.

The volume of a garbage can should not be a big deal even if you are on septic, but if you don't have an isolated spot in your yard to tip the can, then I'm not sure of a solution -- perhaps by the fence, into the neighbors yard, in the dead of night?

[waste]

Hi, Waterbear's comments are great, as per usual. What wasn't addressed was whether cl would, in a 'StarTrek-esque phaser' fashion, totally destoy the algae - it won't and can't. The cl will kill the algae, but it's up to the filter to remove the carcases - which is where WB's advice comes into play, i.e. keeping the filter able to do it's part.
Last year I posted my standard advice on being a part of the 'Cartridge Family' (for some reason I can't find it here anymore ) here's the riff:

Buy another cartridge (or set if applicable). It will probably be cheeper today than it will be next year (or in 2-5 yrs), when you have to get one. Use the two of them (changing and cleaning them after a ~ 5 lb increase in pressure - except when faced with an algae or other 'huge load' problem then designate one of them for 'heavy load' ) After the first one is getting close to the end of it's 'useful life', put in the clean one, but keep the old one for it's 'heavy load' function, and be prepared to spend the $ for a new one (set). & repeat the cycle using the older one for heavy duty thing as per above. Always having a back-up cartridge just makes sense to me, a little money now can prevent a big problem in the future.

Just MHO - Good luck with the pool -- Waste
ps. keep us posted, we're rooting for you!
pps - I am not affiliated with the cartridge industry in any way shape nor form (I personally don't like them - but they're good for many folks' situations)

[waste]

Probably should have just edited my earlier reply -

When you need to dump the acid wash solution, toss a handful of pH up (Borox here) into the tub (to neutralize the acid) and pour it into the drain. (Setting up the TSP/ acid wash near to a drain/ sewer/ 'dumping place', is key )

[marilang]

Hi Bhelme, I live in an area where the pool water *itself* is practically treated as hazardous waste. There's a $20k fine if you let it run out into the street, for example. I can't imagine the fuss if I willfully contaminated the soil with phosphates, which I believe have been eliminated from all available laundry detergents here.

Waste, thanks for clarifying that there is no Star Trek solution here. I guess I'll have to open that cartridge filter three times this week. I was trying to avoid that because I hate getting fiberglass in my skin, and it's an awkward space to work in, and all the pieces are pretty heavy, and I'm pregnant, but I bet my husband would be happy to help out. I was planning to save this set of cartridges (still in pretty good physical condition IF I can get them clean) anyway. It just seems like it would be a lot easier to swap in clean cartridges, put the filter back together, and then worry about how to clean up the dirty ones, than to try and get it all done in one day so we can keep the filter running during the week.

I wasn't looking forward to soaking these because I tried it once before with a commercial enzyme-based cleaner and it made a big mess in my yard but had no effect on the filter pressure. We have negligible oils and lotions and I've seen no evidence of scale, just dead algae and leaves/flowers/berries off the trees. Although, that biofilm might respond to TSP now that I think about it...

[b2001]

I wasn't looking forward to soaking these because I tried it once before with a commercial enzyme-based cleaner and it made a big mess in my yard but had no effect on the filter pressure.

I've had the same experience with the cleaners and with muriatic acid; a big mess to clean up and not much improvement in filter performance. The only luck I've had is removing the filter, as waterbear has said in another post, before the pressure builds up and thoroughly cleaning it off with a garden pressure hose.

I do what waste said to do. I usually have two to three that don't work very well that I use for heavy loads and a new one for getting to "pristine condition" - although I've had a baquacil pool and that's been difficult to do. However, I'm currently converting to chlorine. I also find that if I let the old ones thoroughly dry out over a week or so, they regain a little capability. As I throw one out, I get a new one.

[marilang]

Thanks, all, for your help.

I hosed down the cartridges and a LOT of silt came out. The pressure went down to 15 psi, which is normal for my system after cleaning. Brand spanking new cartridge = 13 psi, normally I clean at 20 psi, this heavy algae/scum removal project took it to 35 psi which caused all the other problems. Now the ray-vac calmed down, the skimmers work, water is flowing from the spa to the pool, all is well.

The pressure rose even while I adjusted the water (added 1c acid, more sodium hypo, and 3 trichlor pucks) so I may have to do this a few times this week. Small price to pay for getting my pool back. Besides, with practice I am getting much faster. ;-)

[marilang]

I had to hose down the cartridges Saturday morning AND evening, but since then the pressure has stayed very low. After a few days of 24/7 filter operation, I can finally see the bottom of the pool. It's not sparkling yet, but it's on its way. I'm glad we have a new, more energy efficient pump motor!

Lesson learned. Last night I had a vivid dream that we had one bad rainstorm and the pool went right back to green and slimy. But in the real world, it was a long term case of neglect.

[waste]

I had to hose down the cartridges Saturday morning AND evening, but since then the pressure has stayed very low. After a few days of 24/7 filter operation, I can finally see the bottom of the pool. It's not sparkling yet, but it's on its way. I'm glad we have a new, more energy efficient pump motor!

Lesson learned. Last night I had a vivid dream that we had one bad rainstorm and the pool went right back to green and slimy. But in the real world, it was a long term case of neglect.

CONGRATULATIONS!!!

I live to hear success stories like yours, I am glad that your problem is all but gone, and I'm sure all the other members of the forum are too. I wish that all the pool owner's who's pools I care for had your dedication and willingness to care for their investment like you do!!!

Do what you bought the pool for; enjoy it all summer

Luv&luck - Waste