Time to replace sand?

[jonno]

Thanks for the encouraging words, they really help. I'll keep the FC at 25ppm until it holds within 1ppm overnight and the CC is no more than 0.5.

I've been keeping everyone out of the pool and will do so until this is done, but when I looked at the Best Guess chart, it looks like a quick dip might be okay and the high FC would pose no danger to the swimmer (although designer swim suits and dyed hair might lighten). However, I don't know if the pH and TA levels need to be considered. Several days ago, when I last measured pH (before I was keeping the FC so high) it was 7.2 and the TA was 170.

Watermom - What do you or the other experts think - stay out of the pool or allow a quick dip? (Of course, I would be sure an hour or so had passed since the last bleach addition).

So far today the readings are:
7:30a FC 19.0 (added bleach), CC 1.0
10a FC 25.0
Noon FC 21.5 (added bleach)
4p FC 23.5 (added bleach), CC between 0.5 and 1.0

I'll test again when I get home and post the overnight numbers.

[Watermom]

Maybe a quick dip before the next dose of bleach with an old swimsuit that you don't care if it fades. The TA and pH readings won't hurt anything.

EDIT -- Not an expert by any stretch of the imagination!

[jonno]

This morning's numbers showed that the FC dropped 3.5 overnight (from 26.0 to 22.5) and the CC was 2.5. This means I need to stay in the shock phase and continue testing every two hours to keep the FC at 25. I added .7 gallons this morning. Water clarity is almost sparkling - I can't believe it's the same pool. Almost there...

[CarlD]

Don't give up now! CYA still over 100ppm?
When the FC is down, since the CC is below 1, a quick dip in an old suit shouldn't hurt.
What is your pH? (I realize it will appear elevated).

Carl

[jonno]

Carl, et al, - Here are my 10am readings.
FC 25 (7:15am was 22.5 so added .7 gal of 12.5% bleach at that time)
CC 0 (7:15am was 2.5)
pH 7.6 (reading elevated from high FC)
Someone is testing for me while I'm at work -- every 2 hours and adding bleach to keep the FC at 25. I'll test the CYA tonight.

The signs of progress are amazing! The photos tell the story...


From opening day, 5/29/11, through 6/9/11 the water was Mountain Dew green with visibility about six inches (my hand would disappear before the water got near my elbow).


On 6/11/11, the pool store prescribed "Green to Clean" - it turned the water blue (killed the algae), but visibility was unchanged. This product just made things worse (see earlier posts).


I joined this forum on 6/13/11. The water was a mess. This was taken on 6/22, mid-way through the bleach treatment. The algae made a comeback, but visibility was improving.


As of this morning - the water has a sparkle to it. Seams and design are clearly visible on the very bottom of the deep end. The water probably isn't CRYSTAL clear yet, but to tell you the truth, it's been so long, I'm not sure I remember - every day it keeps getting better. Wow!

This forum (and the people behind it) is great! I know it is basic chemistry and POPP, but it seems like magic - thank you all!

[CarlD]

Getting the sparkle is easy...just put a little DE in the filter via the skimmer, enough so the pressure goes up 1psi (add about 1/3 cup at a time till you get there), then put a skimmer sock in the skimmer. In NO time the water will sparkle again! Mine does and I have a 200# sand filter.

Carl

[jonno]

Thanks Carl. I put a little DE in the skimmer and installed a skimmer sock. Looking even better than this morning.
7pm Test Results are:
FC 25.5
CC 1.5
pH 7.5
TA 180
CYA - black dot disappears well before the 100 mark.
pH and TA numbers may be off due to high FC ppm.