Pool water turned green after shocking. How to clear it??

[PoolDoc]

Would using a chemical like Metal Out help any??

Several companies call their products "Metal Out", but there are differing ingredients used. HEDP will help keep the iron in the water, so that it can be slowly filtered out. A combination of HEDP, polyquat, and low levels of chlorine can be used to start up with clear water, avoid algae, and gradually remove the iron that's kept 'hidden' in the water by the HEDP.

Virtually all 'Metal Out' like products do NOT get metals "OUT"; they just 'hide' them in the water, by temporarily keeping them in a soluble form. None are fully chlorine resistant, but some chemicals used break down almost instantly when chlorine is added. HEDP is the most effective and chlorine resistant chemical commonly available.

Regardless, you still eventually have to find a way to let the metal go to its insoluble form, and filter it out. the process of

1. Adding HEDP and polyquat as you fill;
2. Running your filter 24/7
3. Continuing to use polyquat for a couple of weeks, while keeping chlorine lower than the Best Guess chart suggests
4. NOT adding additional doses of HEDP, unless you add more water.
5. Gradually raising chlorine and pH levels

tends to filter the iron out, and avoid having so much land on the bottom.


Using polyquat during metal clean up accomplishes two things: it helps kill or prevent algae, letting you run lower chlorine levels, and it is a very good clarifier, that helps you filter out any small metal particles that may form.(Probably available from pool stores, and possibly some big box stores -- but you MUST learn to ID it correctly. See the polyquat page for more info.)

Kem-Tek 60% polyquat @ Amazon
Nava 60% polyquat @ Amazon

HEDP is a dissolved phosphonate product that is pretty chlorine stable, and very good at keeping dissolved metals IN the water, instead of ON your pool surfaces. It can lift recent stains, OR it can be used along with ascorbic acid, to keep the metals in the water, after the ascorbic acid is consumed by chlorine.

Jacks Magic The Pink Stuff 1qt (60% HEDP) @ Amazon
20% KemTek HEDP @ Amazon

You can also use the Culator product, which will continuously remove small amounts of DISSOLVED (soluble) metals, as they pass over the bag in the skimmer.

The CuLator product is a special patented plastic material, contained in a bag that goes into the skimmer, that slowly removes *dissolved* metals from water passing over the skimmer bag. This approach pretty much requires running your filter 24/7, since the bag ONLY removes metals from water that comes into direct contact with the bag. This product can also help if you fill SLOWLY via the skimmer, so the metals are removed from the incoming water. (Not likely to be available locally.)

1 ppm Culator @ Amazon
1.5 ppm Culator @ Amazon
4 ppm Culator @ Amazon
Vitamin C Crystals Ascorbic Acid 100% Pure Powder (to dissolve surface stains) multiple sizes @ Amazon
Poolmaster 16242 Poolmaster Skimmer Basket Liner @ Amazon (to protect CuLator from being damaged by scum)

[aces3]

I put a bottle of HTH Metal Control in it yesterday. Today it is crystal clear. It looks really nice! Of course I need to test the water now and I may need to shock it again so Ill have to keep a close eye on it now and see how it does.

It's been flooding here for days so we haven't been able to even think about getting in it yet.

[PoolDoc]

Do NOT shock! High levels of chlorine tend to drop the metals back out and ALSO break down most metal sequestrants.

Instead, put a chlorine tab in the skimmer: that way the metals that drop out, hopefully will do so upstream of the filter, and end up there instead of on your pool floor or walls.

One reason for the polyquat, while removing metals, is to get around the need to shock to prevent algae.

[aces3]

So for now I should add the polyquat and ONLY do the chlorine tabs?

I did test it and it shows its a bit low in chlorine but not much. I hate shocking it anyway so if you say not to I'm all for that!!

[PoolDoc]

I would say, do the polyquat, and try to maintain moderate to low chlorine with the tabs. If you NEED to boost chlorine, because levels are getting too low, add small doses of bleach or dichlor.

By the way, in general, it is never safe to add other chemicals over the top of tabs in the skimmer. Borax is the exception. You *can* add borax to the skimmer while tabs are there.

[aces3]

Thanks so much for all your help!!

[aces3]

Wow, our filters are turning a deep dark muddy brown now. I'm assuming that means its filtering the iron out of the water??

Right now I'm changing my filter 3-4 times a day and pumping 24/7. Is that the best course of action?

Any idea how long it might take before the filters aren't so gross looking anymore?