Time to replace sand?

[jonno]

Morning report:
FC 0.0
CC 4.5
pH 7.2
TA 200
There's a small amount of airy foam on the surface for the past couple of days - I imagine this is from the return riffling the surface, but I mention it here in case there is a larger significance. Since the pH has risen, I'll get some more acid today to keep it at or below 7.0.

[Watermom]

The foaming could be from the algaecide you added. That is a common side effect. (Also one of the reasons that the only algaecide we recommend is Polyquat 60%.)

[aylad]

Ben's response was to stick with the 6 gallon bleach doseage that he initially recommended. With large amounts of ammonia to break down, you're going to have higher than normal combined chlorine to deal with, that can be very irritating and uncomfortable. So..his recommendation was to break it down slowly with the lower doses of bleach, until you start getting CC readings of 1 or 2--at which time you can up the doseage and go ahead and get rid of it. So...stick with the 6 gallon dose for now.

I agree with Watermom on the foaming--it's likely evidence of the algaecide breaking down. Stay the course the way Ben recommended--and we'll help you get it cleaned up!!

Janet

[jonno]

Roger that and thanks! I'll stay the course and keep posting my numbers.

[jonno]

Evening report:
FC 2.3
CC 0.4 (tested twice to confirm both FC and CC)
pH 7.2 / 7.4
TA 190
After pulling the water sample, I added 1 pint acid, brushed the walls and bottom. Visibility unchanged over past two days (about 2'), then added 6 gallons of bleach. Still have scattering of light foam on the surface.

Since the CC was 0.4, I should up the bleach according to your post earlier today. How much?

Do you have any guess at the timeframe until this treatment clears the water up - days weeks?

I have questions about maintaining the pool with CYA so high (somewhere way over 100), but I'll wait until I get to that point before asking. Thanks!

[jonno]

Disregard yesterday evening's water tests! I messed up. Here are the morning numbers:
FC 0.5
CC 3.5
pH 7.2 / 7.4
TA 180
Since the pH is still up, even after last nitght's pint, I'll add another pint of acid this morning. No change in visibility. Still have scattering of light foam on the surface. Water is starting to look more green than blue - could it be another algae bloom?

[CarlD]

Remember to approach adding chemicals conservatively. Usually, bleach/chlorine is the exception but given your unusual circumstance even that should be done with care. Your FC is down so you need to raise it to the level Ben recommends.

Carl

[jonno]

Thanks Carl. Ben's chart shows that given my CYA of 100 to 200, my FC level should be 8 to 15 ppm). However, I have a lot of ammonia so Ben gave me a treatment plan to follow until the CC is down to 1 or 2. The interim plan is to add 6 gallons of bleach every evening, add a pint of muratic acid when the pH creeps above 7.0, and keep aerating.

[jonno]

Evening numbers - pool color is changing from blue to yellow green!
FC 0.0
CC 3.0
pH 7.2
TA 180
I added another pint of acid this morning and will get some more tomorrow to keep the pH low, but today the color of the water no longer has any blue coloration and is more lemon lime. Visibility is still only 20-24 inches. This is nerve-racking. I really don't want to replace the water. Ben, Janet, Watermom - is there anything else I should be doing?

[jonno]

Morning report - color still yellow green, little bit of foam on surface. Still aerating and adding 6 gallons of bleach nightly.
FC 0.0
CC 2.5
pH 7.2
TA 180
Happy Father's Day everyone who is or has a dad.