Dead Algae. Pool blue but cloudy won't filter

[Watermom]

Try the DE first and see if that makes a difference. Flocs sometimes help but other times make things worse. That is why we are often reluctant to advise using them.

[Patty16]

Thanks everyone for their comments!

I wanted to send an update. I did the DE test and it seems the filter is working as expected.

Knowing my levels were good and the algae was dead (FC above 12 for 3+ days). I decided to try using FLOC. Shut filter off. Put the floc in around noon time Wednesday. Thursday morning I could make out the bottom of the shallow end. By Thursday afternoon I could almost make out the bottom of the deep end. All of the sediment was in a layer on the bottom of the pool. Looked like a glaze. Thursday evening I vacuumed to waste. (Took me about 2 hours....slow process). The process did stir up the bottom and re-cloud the pool but not nearly as cloudy as it was. I could always make out the shallow end. After two hours of vaccuming, I turned on the hose to re-add the water lost when vacuuming to waste. Turned the filter back on and this morning (Friday) the pool is crystal clear!!! There is still some sediment that fell to the bottom again that will need to be vacuumed but for the first time since I opened the pool a month ago I can see the main drain in the deep end! Very exciting.

A couple of comments to those who may decide that a floc is there last option

1. Get the PH up to the recommended level listed on the particular floc because the floc will drop your PH (and it won't work well if the PH is not right)
2. Shock your pool the night before you flock as I was not able to run my filter for about 32 hours and my FC did drop pretty low as it was sunny for 2 days straigt
3. VAcuum to waste is a slow process and you need to take your time otherwise it could make a mess

I understand why folks use a floc treatment as a last resort as it is a pain and alot of work....BUT worth it if done right and you have no other choice.

During this process I did speak with a couple of folks who deal with filters and the response I got was that this is somewhat common with sand filters. If the dead algea is degrades such that the particles are really small many sand filters simply can't get it. It appears this was the case with me as I ran the filter for well over a week with zero change during this time. It was simply recirculating the dead algae.

Anyway thanks for the help from the forum. I have learned alot in the process.

Mostly that I NEVER want to deal with this again.

Don't let your pool get algae and u won't have to!!

Here's to clear swimming!

[BigDave]

Congratulations!
Thanks fot the follow-up. It's great to hear success stories.
Have a great summer!

[Watermom]

I have learned alot in the process.

Mostly that I NEVER want to deal with this again.

Don't let your pool get algae and u won't have to!!

You got that right!