Need help! Please!!!

[bgray]

OK, at 6:30 this morning I had TC of 12 and pH of 7.2
I did not test CYA, as the reagent is quickly running out. However, the last three tests (since turning off the chlorinator) have indicated 90, so I'm going with that for the time being.

I added about 4.3 gallons of 6% bleach this morning to get back in the 20ppm shock range.

I know I asked about how long to clear up. But, I guess I'm wondering how long until I see ANY difference?

Also, my wife came up with an interesting idea. In between the times I am able to brush, we activate our Polaris with the bag removed. He drives around, kicking up all that *stuff* that is on the floor (which I still cannot see...)

Does anybody have any input on this idea? It seemed to work yesterday, except that I still had live algae, which really gummed up my cartridge filter. It took me much longer to clean it last night. But, once the algae is killed, it seems like a good brushing supplement. Comments?

Thanks for all the help/psychlogical support!
bgray

[duraleigh]

bgray,

based on your previous posts, I think you're making progress but I don't think you're bringing your Cl up high enough.

With a CYA of 90 and a gunite pool, I believe you are perfectly safe raising you Cl into the low 30's. That will ensure that you are reaching breakpoint and freeing up more Cl to do the job.

I agree that the Sun is not your issue with a CYA that high. I do believe organics are consuming the Cl so quickly that you are not reaching breakpoint.

[bgray]

Well, the good news is that my wife reported a slight change in color from green to blue-green after this morning's additional Cl.

duraleigh,
Now that I've been given the green light to crank the Cl up to 30+, I am ready and able. The next time my wife will be able to tend to the pool is late this afternoon. Then, after work, I'll make another trip to Sam's (those people think I'm dissolving a body or something with all the bleach I'm buying... ) and mega-shock it after the sun goes down. Thanks for the feedback.

Anyone want to chime in on the Polaris idea?

[bgray]

MORE GOOD NEWS!

My wife now describes the water color as "turquoise."
TC is still 20+, so we're holding our shock levels. HOORAY!
She did say that pH is reading at or slightly below 7.0 -- that is concerning me...
I know I read that pH readings could be wacky at high Cl levels. But, I thought the wackiness came in the form of unusually HIGH pH test results. Mine has dropped from 7.2 (consistently) to this latest result. Should I disregard it as high Cl wackiness? Or, should I add Borax? If add, how much?

She also said that the cloudiness resulting from brushing has moved from green to grayish-green. Sounds like progress to me!!!

I am a believer.

Thanks to all --
bgray

[bgray]

UPDATE:

This morning, the water was definitely MUCH LESS green and MUCH MORE milky. When I cleaned my Pentair/PacFab cartridge filter, it was a LOT easier to clean the pleats with the hose than when there was slimy green algae.

My question now is: At what ppm do I need to keep the Cl levels until the water TOTALLY clears up? 20's per Ben's best guess CYA chart? 30's per advice of Duraleigh? Something else?

[duraleigh]

Ben's chart is (I hope this is right) his approximation based on his experience and education as to when you actually reach breakpoint.

Importantly, it also protects vinyl liners from potential fading at those high levels. You have no vinyl to protect. Raising your Cl to 30 absolutely insures that you reach breakpoint...allowing your Cl to be more effective. It will come down to normal levels as the Sun and new organics continue to consume it.

I see no downside to shock level Cl in the low 30's for a gunite or Fibreglas pool.

DISCLAIMER: This opinion is based entirely on anecdotal evidence and, given the intelligence level of the opinionator, I would take it with a small grain of salt.

[bgray]

duraleigh,

To clarify, I was not questioning your opinion, as I tend to agree with it.
I think my question was worded poorly...
Now that my algae is dead (???), do I need to keep Cl up in the 30s? Or, in the 20s? Or, some other "maintenance" level?

OR

Should I wait until the water is crystal clear before I allow it to come back down?

I want to do what I must to clear up the pool. I'm just thinking about the pain of dilution testing, the cost of the bleach, etc.

Thanks so much for your help through this.
bgray

[duraleigh]

Bgray,

No prob....I heard what you were saying...just didn't clarify my answer.

Short answer - keep it up there 'til your water looks crystal clear.

You wont waste any Cl...that high level will simply kill all the bugs an dthen keep doing it's job keeping your pool sanitized. As it comes down, you would've used just as much at lower concentration.

Now, once your water is crystal (and it will be) let it drift down and then maintain it between 5-10ppm...that's your maintenance level and the level you need to keep your pool sanitized at that CYA level.

Nor will you consume excess bleach at that maintenance level. You will simply be holding higher concentrations than someone with lower CYA.

Order Ben's kit to reduce your testing workload. I think it's mandatory for keeping your pool clear year after year.