Clear, but no chlorine???

[BigDave]

The filters have been exposed to high level chlorine the entire time they've been in service, I don't think adding bleach to the skimmer would make any difference. I know it's frustrating but I think some more patience and sun will get you there.

[mary jo]

So keep up the testing and add bleach as needed to maintain FC 30?
Btw: my husband just got out of the pool- he's been in it several times now during the past few weeks, and for the first time he noticed that the water had a bitter "taste" to it- whereas in the past- even this Friday, it did not. (Not that he regularly drinks pool water). Ever heard of this before?

[CarlD]

I've experienced it, but I don't know what it means. Generally, sour means acidic and bitter mean alkaline, but it's not necessarily caused by the pH. I suspect it's stuff the chlorine metabolized but hasn't yet been filtered out.

[FormerBromineUser]

Agreed. Sounds like CC. Ever taste hotel pool water???!!!

[mary jo]

He said the smell is definitely like hotel but not as strong today- meaning worse yesterday. But the "taste" he's never encountered before. I thought it might be the rain - we've had some last night and early morning and the cover was open. I'll tell him it's CC and see if he gets grossed out.

Btw: I want to take is opportunity to thank BigDave and FBU and Watermom and CarlD and of course PoolDoc ( whom I didn't immediately realize was "the Ben" who championed the site), and everyone else here who patiently read through my not-so-succinct posts and helped me get closer to the finish line. I've learned so much already- thank you!!!

[FormerBromineUser]

Hahaha. Just wait til he takes that gross, old Tri-Chlor to the haz-mat! I can't imagine it's due to the rain.... Your CC was lower last night and this morning. Let's see where you are tonight and tomorrow.

[mary jo]

FINALLY….numbers even a pessimist can appreciate:

Yesterday morning @ 6:30am: FC=30 CC=2.0
Yesterday evening @ 9:00pm: FC=28 CC=1.0 !!!!!!!

Needless to say I tested several (OK 4) times to make sure. yea!

This morning tested @ 7:00am: FC=27 CC=1.0

So could that bitter taste in the water have been an "extinction burst"- the microbe's last hurrah before kicking it??? (I know, probably not, but I like the imagery).
OH- Add more bleach today or wait and see??? It's a sunny Sunday here.