help with green pool

[fergie40]

I am new to this site but need help. I have a 24ft round above ground pool. Its an intex pool with a salt water system. It has been closed all winter and now it is VERY GREEN with lots of pollen in it. I have been working to get the leaves and algae off the top and have added all the salt I need to get it going. I have to stop the filter about every 2 hours to clean out the filters so I know it is working but this will take a very long time.
My question is this: Can I use laundry bleach to get my cholrine levels up faster or will that mess up my salt water system??? the pH is really high now so I know bleach will make that even higher and I would need acid, but isnt adding all these chemicals really defewating the purpose of haveing a salt system in the first place???? I realize it may take some time, just looking for advice?/ Thanks

[aylad]

Bleach is actually the best way to clear up the mess you have!! Chlorine is chlorine is chlorine once it's in the water, whether it comes from bleach, trichlor, dichlor, or whether your SWCG generated it from salt. SWCG's are designed to keep adequate chlorination in pools to keep them sanitary to swim in, but do not have the ability to superchlorinate for as long and as high a level as you need to clear up an algae bloom. If you'll post your CYA level and your pool capacity in gallons, we can help you figure out how much bleach to add--but it is definitely the way to go with your situation. Once you get the algae gone and the pool cleared up, then you can go back to using the SWCG for regular chlorination and just use bleach whenever you want to shock it. Also-your pH level will not rise considerably due to the bleach--that's going to rise as a function of the SWCG.

Janet

[Watermom]

In addition to what Janet said, using bleach to shock your pool instead of trying to superchlorinate for the time period needed to clear your pool, will extend the life of your cell.

By the way, welcome to the forum!