Cannot Get Rid of Cloudy Water

[ajb8898]

Thanks! I might use the dichlor another time or two before I switch back to straight bleach then.

[ajb8898]

Just an update..I'm up to about 40-45 in CYA now. My FC is really holding well. I don't lose any at night and usually only losing about 1/3 through the day. The water is clearing up. Still slowly, but it's happening. From the edge of the pool, I can see the bottom about 4 feet out. Can't wait until it's crystal clear! I just love that I haven't been to the pool store in almost 2 weeks! Thank you to all that have helped so far!

We're going on vacation on Saturday so I hope to not lose too much ground. Anyone have any tips on how to manage when you're gone for the week? I was thinking about having a next-door (responsible) teenager just do the test strips in the evenings and if it's not bright purple, add a gallon of bleach? She's out of town until after we leave so I can't teach her the Taylor kit before I go. Otherwise, I'd just have her text me the readings and tell her what to do. (OMG I'm micromanaging my pool LOL)

[AnnaK]

I would have the young woman add 1 gal bleach each evening and keep the pump running during your absence. The bleach will add about 4 ppm FC and should be enough to keep the water clean with the CYA level you've reported. I wouldn't even ask her to test, just add the bleach. Do show someone at the house where you add the bleach and how you do it so they can pass that on to her, and give plenty of cautions about bleach splatter so she doesn't ruin her fav jeans

[ajb8898]

Thank you, that makes it even easier.

I also had a few questions regarding the cover. I haven't had the cover on at all while we've been trying to fix the water. The weather has cooled off a bit and it's way too cold to swim in now. So my questions are, is it ok to put the cover on when I've been trying to maintain the shock level at 15? Would it be ok to leave the cover on all week while we're gone and just have her move the cover enough to add the bleach at the return jet?

[AnnaK]

I have very little experience with solar covers since I don't use mine. I think it would be okay to put it on at this point in the cleaning process but I'm not sure.

IF you keep the pump running while you're away and IF the neighbor adds bleach every evening it should be okay.

Maybe one of the moderators will check in and offer an opinion.

[Watermom]

At shock level, you do not want the cover on but for regular maintenance levels, it is fine. I often leave mine covered for several days at a time when the weather is too cool or stormy or whatever, but still add my bleach. I just slowly pour the bleach into the skimmer while the pump is running. I also make sure my return jet eyeball is aimed down so the bleach is not aimed at the cover.

[ajb8898]

I came home from vacation the pool is clear!!! Woo Hoo!!

FC: 10
TC: 10
pH: 7.6
TA: 150
CYA: 60

Can't thank you guys enough for your help and sticking with me through all this. I've learned so much about our pool and have really taken ownership of it through this. I'll be sharing the BBB method and this board with as many pool owners as I can. I'm sure I'll be back on when other problems come up.

[AnnaK]

Excellent!

Don't use anymore dichlor powder or trichlor pucks. Your CYA is at a good level and you don't want it any higher. Switch to plain bleach now.

Your TA is high. It should be between 80 and 120 in a vinyl pool. Do you have a lot of splash-out that requires frequent refilling? If so, that'll dilute the TA on its own. Have you ever tested your fill water?

[ajb8898]

I do refill when we have a lot of use out of the pool or it's really hot. I tested our tap water and it was low...like 40 or 50. Do I need to add anything to bring that down?

[Watermom]

Actually, for a vinyl pool, I wouldn't worry about adjusting your alk. You're just a little high and I don't think it will cause you any problems if you just leave it where it is. Plus, if your fill water has low alk, then as you add water, it will gradually bring it down.

Hope you enjoyed your vacation!