From cloudy green to cloudy blue

[PoolDoc]

Log your pool info here:

Pool Chart Entry Form
Pool Chart Results

Killing the algae is chemical + brushing. Cleaning it up requires good circulation and filtration. Logging your pool data will make it easier for us to see what you'll have to do (or fix!).

[Dydylynn]

Thanks, I've been trying to keep my chlorine level up which is not easy or cheap. At least we have recycling in my neighborhood to get rid of all the bleach bottles. I can see the fourth step today so there is some improvement I can see at least. Hopefully we will be swimming next weekend.

[PoolDoc]

OK.

• Don't run your heater, until the pool is cleared up AND you have calcium hardness testing capability.
• Use 20 Mule Team borax to raise your pH to 7.6 - 7.8 -- 1 box at a time, added slowly to the skimmer. Wait 4 hours and test before adding another box.
• If you have the cover on, take it off -- CC's escape by off-gassing; a solar cover traps them in the pool.

If you've brushed your ENTIRE pool, and there's no visible green left, switch to dichlor for chlorination:

If you have access to a Sams Club, buy their 24lb pack of 1# bags of 100% dichlor shock. Each bag will add about 7 ppm of chlorine, and about 6 ppm of stabilizer, per 10K gallons of water. Otherwise, order dichlor from Amazon:

Kem-Tek Dichlor 22 lbs

We do NOT recommend buying dichlor locally, otherwise, at least until you are an EXPERT reader of chemical labels. The chlorinating pool chemicals sold at Walmart, Kmart, Costco, and most other local stores are diluted blends, sometimes with copper and other products with bad side-effects.

On your pool, a pound of dichlor will add about 6 ppm of chlorine, and 5 ppm of stabilizer. Use 6 - 8 pounds (30 + 30 ppm CYA), and then switch back to bleach. Dose in the evening; test your chlorine after 1 hour, and test again in the early AM.

I'd like to know what your chlorine loss is from evening to morning, when it's NOT affected by sunlight. Do NOT slack up on chlorination when it rains!!!

[Dydylynn]

After adding a large jug (196oz) of bleach last night, the chlorine was 0 when I tested early this morning, but visible progress has been made as we can see the 5th step now and can actually see the brush moving along the bottom of the pool. Water is still cloudy but I have hope! How important is calcium to a vinyl lined pool?

[aylad]

Calcium is not important to a vinyl lined pool, unless it get too high, and then you can have milky water. Otherwise, don't worry about your calcium levels.