Cloudy water- Cartridge Filter

[johnnyf0614]

Hello, this is my first post. I have recently opened my pool a few weeks ago. I noticed a lot of algae at the time. I did the normal pool opening routine, with all chemicals, and the water became cloudy, white/blueish cloudy. I have had the water tested, and it seems fine. The water looks nice, just not clear at all. You can only see about 2-4 inches from the top. I have purchased a new cartridge for my filter, thinking that was it, and still not different. I have had the filter running for days now, and nothing has changed. I have tried clarifiers, super shock treatment, and algae remover, and nothing yet. Please help!!

[waterbear]

Please post a full set of tests results for FC, TC, pH, TA, CH, CYA, how may gallons is your pool and what it's made out of (plaster, fiberglass, vinyl).
It would also be helpful if you could list all the "clarifiers, super shock treatment, and algae removers" that you have dumped into the water along with their ingredients, if possible, and your normal pool chemicals that you have added so the good folk on this forum can get a handle on what is going on in your pool.
Do not rely on test strips for the above readings. Please either use a drop based kit or get the testing done at a pool store that does not use strips.

[johnnyf0614]

My pool is above ground 7500 gallon, vinyl liner. I am getting the water testing again at a store, so I will post the results for you this evening or tomorrow morning. I mainly used Blue Shield, liquid Shock, Sani-Shock 2, and the Blue Shield Algae Remover, and Blue Shield Clarifier. To which nothing worked so far. My test strips showed to be fine, and I took it to one store last week, where they did testing, and it was fine as well. I did notice an above normal amount of algae when I opened the pool, so I'm wondering if its just dead algae that the pool filter is not capturing..... Nonetheless, I will have the test results for you this evening. Thanks!

[johnnyf0614]

Ok, I had my father go and get the water tested. Just some information, I have a 12X18 Oval above Ground pool. 5 feet deep. I have a brand new Cartridge Filter, and 1.5 HP Pump. The results are as followed:

TA - 60
PH - 6.3
CYA - 0
Total Hardness - 140
TC - 4.4 (recently shocked)

Now the water has the whitish/blueish cloudiness to it. If I put my hand in the water, I can basically only go up to my wrist before I can't see my fingers in the water. I am currently increasing the TA and PH to normal levels. Any other suggestions to help clear the water would be appreciated!! Thanks so much!

[prh129]

Make sure you get the pH up ASAP - low pH can cause damage to the liner. You will need to get some CYA in there otherwise your chlorine will dissappear quickly. Bring your Cl level up to at least 10 ppm and hold it there as best you can. Keep the filter running for a couple of days and give us an update.

Peter

[johnnyf0614]

How do I increase the CYA, or does that increase when the PH and TA increase????

[prh129]

CYA is cyanuric acid (or isocyanuric acid) that is usually called Stabilizer that you can get at a pool store or store that sells pool chemicals. It dissolves slowly so you need to wait at least 5 days after application to get a good reading on where you are at. Some people add it to their skimmer and let it sit in the filter to dissolve (do not backwash if you have a sand filter) and others put the CYA in a sock or nylon hose, tie a knot and hang it in the pool. Either way is up to you. You want to shoot for a level of 30 ppm. It is also in tri-chlor pucks (and di-chlor too I believe) so if you use pucks that will also raise the CYA although more slowly than if you add it separately.

Peter

[johnnyf0614]

Great thanks. I have added the PH and Alkalinity additives, so hopefully that will increase the levels. I'll keep the filter running 24/7, and keep you posted!

[prh129]

Just so you know, a lot of people here (including me) use Borax to raise pH and Baking Soda to raise alkalinity. Much cheaper options than official "pool chemicals" but basically they are the same thing.

Peter

[johnnyf0614]

Great thanks. I've noticed from reading other threads about the regular household solutions instead of overpriced pool solutions. I'm learning slowly!!