Dusty Bottom/Cloudy Water Issues

[Watermom]

Like Janet said above, you need to maintain shock level until you can go from sundown one evening until within 2 hours of sunrise without losing more than 1ppm of chlorine, and you have no greater than 0.5CC. Then, we usually suggest holding the chlorine high for one additional day for added insurance. Only then, can you let the chlorine drift down. So, you really need to use your K-2006 kit so you can accurately see what is going on.

[MattTexas]

Got it.

Is it okay to let it drift down to 15ppm, assuming it is higher than that right now? 15ppm is the amount recommended by Janet, but I had shocked it at a higher level last night before I saw her post. Not sure, but when I do a K-2006 reading on it, it might still be higher than 15ppm at sundown today. <G>

- Matt

[Watermom]

Yes, it is ok to let it come down to 15. Test it this evening and if it hasn't dropped to 15ppm, don't add any more chlorine. If it has, add enough chlorine to take it back up to 15. By the way, what are you using to chlorinate with?

[MattTexas]

I'm using this stuff: http://www.lesliespool.com/Home/Pool...ock/14181.html

I apply it into the skimmer. Yeah, I know (now) that I could use bleach from the grocery store, but I bought this in bulk, so I thought I might as well keep using it as long as I have it. Do you see anything about it that could be harmful? My assumption is it is just granular chlorine that dissolves quickly.

I'd also kind-of like to know for future reference. I want to support my local pool store, and I don't mind buying chlorine there, even if its more than I'd pay for grocery items at Wal-Mart.

[MattTexas]

Update: last night I brought the level up to 15ppm. As of about 2 hours after dawn this morning, I had lost 2ppm (reading was 13). No growth showing on walls. A little less cloudy, but there is a large buildup of brown-ish "dust" in the crevices of the floor.

On a related note: anyone have advice on whether I should put some DE in the skimmer basket to test the filter and to help the filter catch smaller particles? I have zeo sand in my filter.

[PoolDoc]

Hi Matt;

• Your chlorine from Leslies is 73% strength cal hypo -- it's good stuff for this purpose.
• You do NOT need to test your filter with DE; it's been catching algae, so it's working fine.
• You will improve your kill by BRUSHING all the areas where algae has appeared, even if you can't see algae there now.
• You should brush in the evenings AFTER adding chlorine.
• If you will raise borates in your pool to around 60 ppm, your pool will be more resistant to this type of algae.
• BUT, borates are something in addition, not a replacement for chlorine.

It's much easier to answer your questions, when we have the details about your pool in one place. We often 'waste' the first few posts back and forth collecting information. So, please complete our new Pool Chart form -- it takes about 30 seconds, but will save much more than that.

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If you are interested in the borate thing, you'll need about 20 boxes of 20 Mule Team borax, and about 6 gallons of acid - maybe $150. Don't do this if your pool is leaking, or if you are planning to drain it anytime soon. And, ask before you start. There are some other things to do.

[MattTexas]

Update for Jun 13: Water was at 15ppm at dusk last night. Just tested about 2 hours after sunrise. It is at 14ppm with <.5 CC.

HOWEVER, it is still moderately cloudy. I can see the bottom of the pool, but it is very murky and blue.

What needs to be done to get rid of the cloudiness? Let everything settle and vac?

Right now my pump is running 24 hrs/day.

[PoolDoc]

A little less cloudy, but there is a large buildup of brown-ish "dust" in the crevices of the floor.

If this is occurring on vertical, rather than horizontal surfaces, it's mustard algae, not debris. It *may* be mustard algae, regardless.

anyone have advice on whether I should put some DE in the skimmer basket to test the filter

Yes, but only a few cups.

and to help the filter catch smaller particles? I have zeo sand in my filter.

No. This doesn't always work out well, and can cause problems in some cases.

[MattTexas]

Ben-

This is DEFINITELY on the pool floor, and its generally falling into crevices that are perpendicular to the water circulation pattern, i.e.

----> | |


They tend to be along the edge more than the center, but definitely on the floor of the pool.

I'm brushing it at dusk every evening - at the same time I chlorinate.

Pump still going 24 hrs.

- Matt

[williamsjp]

I don't know if your problem is solved but it all happened to me as well.

Mine was pollen silt...I put 1 cup of DE in my skimmer (I have a sand filter) moved the water for a couple of days steady TA-DA it's gone.

I will warn you though backwash everyday because if you don't the silt will still be your sand and blow right back in. The other thing is your pool will be cloudy for awhile if you don't put clarifier in there pretty quick.