New House, New Above-Ground Pool...No Clue!!!

[PoolDoc]

If I dump that algaecide in the pool this weekend, what can I expect it to look like after that, and what would I need to do after I put it in, and about how much would I need to spend in the next 2-3 weeks on getting it clean and keeping it clean?

I actually don't know.

Using linear quat algaecides is something I've had very little reason to experiment with; I've had other, cheaper ways to get the job done. But, the availability of those algaecides from Sams at that very low price makes it worth learning, especially since many of the methods I've used commercially aren't available to you.

The 'BBB Method' is not, at it's core, rooted in Bleach, Borax, and Baking soda. Rather, it's based on using what's available in the most practical and helpful way possible.

Using chlorine to clean up sludge is not particular efficient. Nevertheless when chlorine is available very cheaply, it may still be the best way. But, cal hypo is now usually neither cheap or readily available in smaller quantities. Bleach is also not as cheap as it was, except in areas like south Florida, where it's widely and cheaply sold as 'liquid chlorine'.

Using the linear quat offers you an alternative. It's cheap (free, in this case) and unlike chlorine, it doesn't have to 'burn up' all the algae -- it just kills it and leaves it there. If you are in a hurry, that may not be so good. But if you've got time to vacuum it up and filter it out, it's possible to clean up the algae much more efficiently.

And, while you don't want to use that sort of algaecide during swim season -- it fights with the chlorine and tends to turn the pool into a suds bath, and it's irritating to people besides -- there's no reason not to use it now.

Still, I would appreciate if you would tell me exactly how things do progress, since I can't be there myself!

[conquer1]

Thanks for all of the info. The pool is looking MUCH better. I can actually see the bottom now. The previous owners left 2 extra cartridge filters. I cleaned them off and replaced the one that had been there all winter.

Now that the water is clearer, I can see LOTS of debris in the pool. Leaves have collected in a couple of places and the dead algae is at the bottom of the pool. I saw on another thread where you had recommended a leaf rake. I'll be getting one of those real soon.

In the mean time, I was trying to vacuum the algae from the bottom, and am having trouble with getting air in the system. Once I changed the filter, I had very good circulation, but now it just seems like a slow trickle.

Is the replacement filter clogged? Is it air? And if it's air, how do I get it out? I'm still now entirely sure how the valves work. I've got a valve before the pump and a valve after what I believe is called the chlorinator. Both of those are in the up position.

Again, thanks for the help

Greg

[PoolDoc]

1. Cartridge filters can plug VERY quickly, when you are vacuuming live sludge -- I wouldn't do that!
2. Air can get in many ways, and it can be hard to find where. Check your vac hose for damage, but otherwise, let's leave that for later.
3. We can probably help with the valves . . . IF you send GOOD pictures to poolforum@gmail.com. I'll post them, and let folks go from there.
4. Meanwhile, use the leaf rake and keep the chlorine HIGH.

[PoolDoc]

Here are your pictures:

[PoolDoc]

Your valves are Valterra type slice valves:


When the handle is UP, they're open; when it's DOWN, they're closed. Do NOT close these valves suddenly, when the pump is on: you can break something! Also, they are not very good at throttling; they're either open or closed.

Checking on the Aqua Smarte; it appears to be an older version of the King Tech 'mineral pak' thing, where 'mineral' = copper. A manual for the current model is here:
http://www.kingtechnology.com/pdf/ma...al-English.pdf

This parts list may apply:
http://www.kingtechnology.com/pdf/parts/Parts-AG.pdf

I'd plan to replumb and remove that beast, when you get a chance -- it can definitely restrict flow.

Open it, and remove any cartridge inside and re-close it.

[conquer1]

Thanks for the explanation of the valves and for the manual!

As far as replumbing goes, would I just need to shut off the pump, close the valves and take out the Aqua Smarte? Then hook up the valve and outlet hose directly to the outlet of the filter?

If it can restrict flow, I want it gone as soon as possible.

I'm also planning to replace the cartridge filter with a sand one in a few weeks. Should I wait to remove the Aqua Smarte when I put in the sand filter?

[PoolDoc]

It looks like you have threaded connections. You'll probably need to disconnect the hoses, and pull them up above the water level. Then, you'll be able to work on the pipes without having water go everywhere.