Cloudy water- Cartridge Filter

[johnnyf0614]

Ok, I tested the Chlorine this evening and it was about 5ish. I added more Bleach this evening. I also gave the pool a vacuum. When I did that though, it seemed to stir a lot up. There were lots of white foamish stuff everywhere on the surface. Is that due to the bleach, or the previously entered chemicals from last week? When I was done vacuuming, the pool was just flowing the white foamish stuff straight through the filter and back into the pool. This is really frustrating. I just want to make sure that I continue to keep the Chlorine level up as much as possible. It still doesn't look any different from this past weekend unfortunately.

[Watermom]

It has to be a result of all the stuff you put in there last week. Adding bleach will not cause it. Keep at it. I know you are getting frustrated, but don't give up. Also be sure you are running your pump 24/7. We'll stay with you til you get it solved.

[johnnyf0614]

This morning I checked the chlorine level, and it appeared to be around the 8ish level. I did notice that the PH seems to be increasing, although I'm still in the normal level. I assume thats due to the bleach. The pool this morning still had the white foam, and still continues to have the white cloudy color to the water. Still can't see the bottom. As you can imagine it is very frustrating. Thanks for your help

[scotty5x5]

One thing no one has mentioned and that I had to learn the hard way is to add Diatomacious Earth (DE) to your cartridge filter. I have 3 filters at 33 sq. feet each and add 2 1 pound coffee cans of DE each time I wash the filters.
The change will shock you! Your water, if everything else is in balance will be crystal clear!
Also when starting from a messed up pool run the pump for 24 hours straight and then change or clean cartridge and add more DE. You may have to do this another time or two depending on how much algae and calcium and stuff is in your water.
Good Luck
Scott

[johnnyf0614]

What does the DE due to the cartridge filter? How do I add the DE also??

[scotty5x5]

One thing no one has mentioned and that I had to learn the hard way is to add Diatomacious Earth (DE) to your cartridge filter. I have 3 filters at 33 sq. feet each and add 2 1 pound coffee cans of DE each time I wash the filters.
The change will shock you! Your water, if everything else is in balance will be crystal clear!
Also when starting from a messed up pool run the pump for 24 hours straight and then change or clean cartridge and add more DE. You may have to do this another time or two depending on how much algae and calcium and stuff is in your water.
Good Luck
Scott

I forgot to add that you might want to start with 1 coffee can of DE and adjust down or up if needed. If your filter pressure goes up too quickly use less next time but up to that point the more you use the cleaner your water will be.

[johnnyf0614]

Where do I add the DE??? in the center of the cartridge? down the skimmer? I have an Astral 150 Cartridge filter for a 12X18 pool, 1.5 HP pump.....

[RocKKer]

You would mix it with water and add it to the skimmer - for my DE filter I fill a bucket with a couple gallons of pool water and add the DE powder to it so you get a slurry, with the pump on you pour the DE slurry into the skimmer. I would try a gallon bucket maybe half full for the amount of DE that you want to add.

I haven't heard of putting DE in a cartridge filter, only a sand filter (and obviously a DE filter).

Be careful where you wash it off - when it dries the DE will be a powder once again and dangerous to breath.

[scotty5x5]

Where do I add the DE??? in the center of the cartridge? down the skimmer? I have an Astral 150 Cartridge filter for a 12X18 pool, 1.5 HP pump.....

Just dump the DE straight into the skimmer basket with the pump running. I reiterate, this method delivers sparkling clear water much much quicker in cartridge filters. The old man I bought the house from told me to do it but then I read that the cartridge manufacturers don't endorse this method so I stopped. My water was never truly clear again until I started using the DE once more. Just keep an eye on your pressure and rinse the cartridges often until you get the gunk out. The cartridges trap so much gunk with the DE you will be amazed. After that you don't need to clean them any more often than without the DE.