Intex 15x48 with algae

[aylad]

Using the volume calculator from Bleachcalc, I'm getting about 5300 gallons...does that sound right? If so, your shock level with a CYA <30 is 12-15 ppm. To reach 12 ppm from zero chlorine, you would add 1 gallon of 6% bleach. Once you reach that 12 ppm, then you need to test and add more chlorine to get back up to the 12 ppm, as often as possible--for reference, each 1.5 cups of 6% bleach will raise your FC by 1 ppm, so you can use that as a guide to figure out how much more you need to add. The more consistent you are about maintaining that shock level, the faster the pool will clear. You need to maintain that level until the pool clears, the algae is visibly gone, and you can go from one night to just before sunup the next morning without losing more than 1 ppm of chlorine,.

Janet

[DSeese]

In the last 24 hours, I've put 2.5 gal of bleach in my pool and the water is almost clear. I can actually see the bottom now and boy does it need vacuumed. I really can't do much for that right now though. I'm going to buy the Intex Deluxe maintenance kit when I buy my new pump/filter in 2 weeks. I just have to get my wife to keep up with the maintenance while I'm at my annual training for the National Guard. I'm really glad I found this forum and will now be able to afford to maintain my pool. The bad part is that I have to tear it down this fall so I can get the ground more level next spring. More than likely I'm going to add a deck next year to minimize the amount of grass and junk that gets in the pool. That, and I just don't trust the ladder. I'm not a little guy.

[aylad]

Glad the water is clearing up--just stay the course with the bleach, and you'll have a clear pool in no time.

We're glad you found us, too!!

Janet

[SafetyBob]

I'm in the Reserves so I feel your pain having to be gone and worrying about the pool. Do yourself a favor and if you don't have the Taylor 2006C test kit (it's the big one), get it....BEFORE getting the bigger pump.

I was going to tell you since you are going to tear down the pool anyway, don't bother with the bigger pump because as you can see, proper levels are the key to a nice pool. Since your pool is pretty now, you can see that the pump you have will do the job. However, that said, one BIG reason I would say it would be OK in your instance to get the bigger pump is to upgrade to the bigger filters. PoolDoc recommended a few months ago looking into Unicell filters for your Intex pump and simply soaking them in bleach to clean and reuse them......they are worlds better than the Intex filters.....night and day. I was replacing the little filters probably 1 1/2 times a week before I got the bigger pump then it was right a once a week with the big filters......using the big Unicell filters in my big pump, I think the first change out was THREE weeks.

You may have to train the wife on using the test kit, but there are videos that you can watch with her first, and it will be easy as pie for her to use it after a couple of times. Proper chemical levels are the absolute key for a nice, clean pool that everyone will enjoy.

Good luck at summer camp!!

Bob E.

[DSeese]

I'm still going to buy the 1500 gph pump so I have more pressure for the new vacuum. Can you post a link for those filters you mentioned?

[SafetyBob]

Here the link to the one's I use for the 2500gph pump, I can't find the exact link for the small ones. I might suggest going to the Unicell website and finding the A/C filter replacement number, then going to amazon and looking for that EXACT part number.

Unicel C-5315 Replacement Filter Cartridge for 15 Square Foot Intex B Filter @ Amazon

Here is a link to how to clean the filters using bleach and laundry detergent. This has worked wonderfully for me.

http://www.poolforum.com/pf2/showthread.php?15014!

Bob E.

[DSeese]

Thanks for all your help. I'll be ordering everything in the next few days.

[DSeese]

My wife let me order the deluxe cleaning kit, but she had me hold off on the filter... Big mistake! I'm going through bleach like it's going out of style because the pump can't filter the water properly and there's nowhere near enough suction for the vacuum to even remotely work. Tomorrow I'm going to order the 1500 gph pump from Amazon. the price has dropped to $50. I'll have to cut the holes bigger so I can attach the new hose connectors, but that shouldn't be a problem.