Ugh! Still murky after a couple weeks

[PoolDoc]

how do I know if I should be vacuuming it? Should I be vacuuming and hoping I'm getting stuff up and out? Or wait until stuff settles further so we can see better?

+ If you can vacuum to your skimmer, then just systematically cover the bottom of the pool . . . and clean the cartridge after.

+ The correct chlorine level is determined by your CYA level -- do you know what that value is?

+ The OEM cartridges in Intex / Summer Escapes / etc. filters are not high quality. The Intex manuals recommend replacing them completely every 2 weeks. A BETTER option is to replace them permanently with 2 - 3 Unicel cartridges, and rotating them through a cleaning solution. Properly maintained, the Unicel cartridges will last all season AND will filter better. So even though they cost more per cartridge, they cost less per season! Learn to maintain them, by reading this post, Cleaning-your-Cartridge-Filter-wiithout-Damaging-It!

But, purchasing them is tricky. Amazon does not consistently stock them, and some of the 3rd party sellers are charging high prices and/or high shipping. So, check the Amazon link, but watch out for the prices and shipping costs.

It would be nice if you could just buy them elsewhere, but many of the online pool stores are listing Pleatco or other Asian made low quality filters, as "Unicel C-4607 type" or "fits Unicel C-4607". So shop carefully!

Here are the Amazon links:

Unicel C-4607 Replacement Filter Cartridge (Easy Set Size A or C) @ Amazon
Unicel C-5315 Replacement Filter Cartridge for 15 Square Foot Intex B Filter @ Amazon

[mikora7]

Thank you for your quick reply. We will discuss this as I think we only have one more filter remaining in the shed to get through this summer. Normally we are closing the pool up by mid-September but with the extreme heat this summer I do think it'll be up a bit longer. By the way, this morning I could see the bottom when up close to the pool and the kids are very excited as they can see progress as well. Thanks again!

[PoolDoc]

Keep in mind, that if you get (3) Unicels now, and clean them properly (read the guide!), they should ALSO last you through next seeason.

[Spensar]

"Today we can see three of the four steps on the ladder so we are making progress, but I didn't realize it would take so much time to clear. Since I've started working on it aggressively last week the chlorine has not dropped below the maximum safe swimming zone on my test kit (3 on the hth oto chlorine test) and was at 5 this morning. Is this a good range to keep? "

Does that mean 5 ppm? Only running it at 3 to 5 is flirting with being ineffective, since that can be used up quick, then the algae gets a chance to bounce back. As PoolDoc indicated, the CYA (Stablizer) level is important, as the more stabliizer there is, the higher the chlorine level level needs to be to be effective. If the CYA is 0 to 10 you need a minimum of 10 PPM and to keep it constant or higher until the pool water is clear. The better you do this, the quicker the water clears. This will require adding chlorine at least once a day. You have made progress, can see a few steps, so you don't want to backslide by backing off the chlorine.

The chlorine level required is higher than the OTO kit can measure, so as PoolDoc indicated, add chlorine until it is dark yellow, all the time, so that you are using an effective level.

You posted that the pool store said your stablizer is to low, get the pool clear first, then address that. Did they say, or give you a print out, of what the stabilizer level, PH, etc. is? Always get the actual reading from them - first step to independance! The great folks here also need the readings to really assist you.

I'm used to this routine, so when there is an algae bloom, I am aggressive. With zero stabilizer, I ran 20+ ppm until pretty well clear then backed it off a bit but kept it over 10 for a couple of days after clear. I added liquid bleach once or twice a day. Killing algae takes a lot more chlorine than you think.

If you haven't found it, recommend reading this as well: http://www.poolforum.com/pf2/showthr...You-have-ALGAE!!!