Cloudy water- Cartridge Filter

[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!!