frustrating cloudy water - pulling my hair out

[mattmcarroll]

Thanks, everyone, for your time and advice.

My CH is 320 (forgot to post before)

I brought the FC to over 20 this morning, then just checked it again: it was 18.5 so I added some more bleach.

I'll keep it over twenty until it clears up. It seems to be getting better already.

Regarding the filter: I'll get in touch with the pool service company about the type and amount of sand.

I also think I'll try the supplemental DE, but this may have to wait until tomorrow.

One additional question: should I be using blue clarifier while this is clearing up?

Thanks again. I'll give an update tomorrow.

[aylad]

Don't use the clarifier, stick with chlorine only.

Janet

[CarlD]

Yeah, when one of us moderators speaks, if another doesn't, it's because we have nothing to add.

[mattmcarroll]

A quick update: the pool is definitely getting clearer. At this rate, it seems like another 24 hours at >20 FC will do the trick.

Thanks again -Matt

[mattmcarroll]

Water is now crystal clear!

I'll now start working on gradually bringing my TA down, and keep an eye on my filter pressure.

Thanks again, everyone

[gwrace1]

Be careful if your using Iron or metal heavy well water to fill the pool. You may have staining that occurs if your metals drop out of solution. I would pretest your well water for metals and if necessary filter out the metals before they get into your pool water.

[duraleigh]

Matt,

Good work.

This thread could be required reading for everyone who posts to this forum with cloudy and/or green water.

The issue always seems more complex than it really is.....usually because folks don't understand that the methodology is very important.

The overwhelming answer to get good looking water is.....Chlorine. But it must be applied in an organized manner with frequent testing and diligence.

Reread your first post, Matt. You did well to stop throwing all those "magic bullets" at your pool.....your results probably would never have been very satisfactory........not 'til you decided to apply chlorine using the correct methods.

[mattmcarroll]

Edit: I originally responded to gwrace1's great suggestion on testing/filtering my well water, but see that there is a forum area ( Stains & Metal Matters: Iron, Copper, Silver & More) meant for this topic. I'll read up there. Thanks, gwrace1 for the tip.