Cloudy Water in Intex 16' pool

[PoolDoc]

I think there's a good chance that the cartridges may be the problem. I'll post that info below.

But you also need to EITHER get a HTH 6-way test kit (made by Taylor, sold by Walmart) OR a Taylor K2006. You'll find a link to the testkit info page in my signature block. Here's the filter info:

+ 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 or Filbur cartridges, and rotating them through a cleaning solution. Properly maintained, these cartridges should last all season AND filter better. So even if 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 cartridges: @ Amazon

Unicel C-4607 Replacement Filter Cartridge (Intex A or C)
Unicel C-5315 Replacement Filter Cartridge (Intex B Filter
Unicel C-3302 Replacement Filter Cartridge (Intex E)

Filbur cartridges: @ Amazon

Filbur FC-3710 Antimicrobial Replacement Filter Cartridge (Intex A or C)
Filbur FC-3752 Antimicrobial Replacement Filter Cartridge (Intex B)
Filbur FC-3751 Antimicrobial Replacement Filter Cartridge (Intex E)

[laurah]

Not sure about it being the filter~ I used the same ones last year. I did try the summerscapes brand & thought they reduced the suction so never bought those again. I am using the intex type A filters which I purchased on ebay 6 for around $17.
Should I try the bleach thing still?? I have the 6 way test kit, I will go measure the Chlorine & PH now & see what that reads...

=====================================

ok so with the 6 way kit I got:
OTO 5-10
PH 7.2

[PoolDoc]

If you are using cartridges from last year, that's DEFINITELY a problem. Those cartridges only last 2 - 3 weeks, unlike the Filbur or Unicel cartridges which may last several seasons.

But, if you have the 6-way (NOT 5-way) test and report your CYA (stabilizer) level.

[laurah]

PoolDoc,
They are the same brand not the same ones =) I change them every couple weeks or as needed. Did the CYA & its 50~if I did it right.

[PoolDoc]

OK, then.

Is there any green to the cloudiness? Or is it just gray?

If it's gray, using a clarifier may help, but ONLY if you have not used any OTHER clarifiers, flocculants, or metal treatments. Getting the Filbur or Unicel cartridges will also help. I'll post a link on a clarifier that I've seen good reports about. If you order the clarifier, do NOT exceed the recommended dosing.

If you are replacing the cartridges every two weeks, that's what's recommended. It will improve your filtration some, if you get the Filbur or Unicel cartridges, but it still won't be an instant clean-up.

Meanwhile, keep the pH between 7 and 8, and the chlorine in the dark yellow OTO range.

Good luck!



GLB Clear Blue


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Amazon free 30-day trial

[laurah]

Hi PoolDoc,
Here is an update on my progress =)
Added 1/2 gal of bleach last night, water looks better today but still hazy. TC tested 5-10(dark yellow), pH 7.2, this am - was glad it held overnight. Still running pump/filter, rinsed filter again this am.
Planning to test again this evening & add another 1/2 gallon of bleach if still cloudy.
I may get the clarifier you suggested if not cystal clear in a couple days, thanks. I do use Amazon, but never signed up for prime may try that too =)

Here are my other questions:

1.) Should I use algaecide? If so is hth 3x concentrate ok?
2.) For a maintenence dose, if my CYA is at 50 I should keep my chlorine between 3-6, going by the chart,correct? Adjusting accordingly by the amount of stabilizer I have in my pool?

[laurah]

Oh, also with a CYA level of 50 should I stick with unstabilized chlorine until that level goes down?
THANKS A BUNCH!!!