New (very grateful) user/question re: bleach addition

[AnnaK]

My plan was to just add nearly (according to the Pool Calculator) 3 gallons of 6% bleach tonight, measure after running it for a couple of hours, and then rechecking for loss in the morning. Should I add more?

Given that you reported a CC = 0 your approach is reasonable. If your FC loss is greater than 1 ppm overnight and if you have more than 0.5 CC when you test this morning, go back to shock level for your amount of CYA.

The cloudiness is most likely caused by the remnants of dead algae and particulate debris and will eventually filter out. This is the most frustrating part of cleaning up a dirty pool—waiting for the water to sparkle. It takes time. Don't let the FC drop below 5 ppm; in fact, try to keep the FC at the high end of your range for now at 7 ppm.

[Texas247]

Woot! Pool looked great this morning and holding strong with no loss of FC (around 7 is my best guess as the HTH kit only goes to 5) I can see clearly to the bottom of the deep end. I can still see some particles in the water, but it's clearing out just from running the filter. Kids are gonna have a blast today - they're so excited! Now to get started on the landscaping around the pool.....*wondering if there's a forum for that*....LOL Thanks for all of the excellent advice!

[CarlD]

madwill nails it:

If your FC is NOT dropping by more than 1ppm overnight and your CC <.5ppm, you don't need to shock.

Otherwise you do.

Assuming you don't need to shock:
Other things to speed up cleaning your pool can be using "skimmer socks" in your skimmer. They are cheap and work amazingly well. A couple of layers of old panty-hose can substitute. I find the skimmer socks are fine enough to prevent pollen getting in to my filter.
You can also now dose your water with PolyQuat, the only algaecide we recommend. Interestingly, PolyQuat may help clear your water faster as its also a good clarifier. I'd only use an ounce or two, and you WILL see your FC drop over 24 hours, but probably not much.

Carl

[Texas247]

Update: I hesitated for a while to use the skimmer sock because I'd read conflicting opinions on it here in the forum, but after a week or two of having clean water and STILL getting sediment on the bottom (even after shocking, vacuuming to waste, repeat), I decided to take the plunge, so to speak. I am now a skimmer sock convert - it works beautifully! Thanks again for everyone's advice and information...this new pool owner is completely grateful!!!

[AnnaK]

We just love posts like that!

I use skimmer socks. I've found that if I brush the pool and stir up what dust/dirt is on the bottom much of it will get caught in the sock. I don't obsess over the occasional line of dirt in a dip or a liner crease. As soon as the dogs get in they'll stir it up back into solution and the sock will catch it.

Be advised that when you have lot of crud, such as in spring with various pollens, you want to exchange skimmer socks twice a day, maybe more. They are a terrific aid to keeping a pool clean.

Happy, happy, happy for your success!