filter/pump problems - pool newbie

[Bleach=Chlorine?]

If you had damaged filter fingers stuff would be coming out the returns back into the pool. If that is happening you have a problem with the filter. I think some people here run a pressure around 20psi, my norm is 11psi not that it matters. Without running the pool with a clean filter and clean pool it might be tough to know what the "normal" pressure should be. Is there THAT much junk in the water? Hang in there and keep the Chlorine level up in shock territory.

Pottstown huh? We're practically neighbors!

[ryanm]

Last night I backwashed once and then put 4lbs of DE in (it says my filter requires 5lb so I figured 4 was good after a backwash?). Of course something else went wrong. The replacement hose I used started collapsing on itself from the pressure! How annoying. I used braided PVC (I think that what it's called) which I saw on some pumps at the pool store. So I have to replace that now. arhg

The water doesn't seem THAT dirty to me but it is pretty cloudy. It's blueish though not green. The chlorine level is another problem, so far I've put several pounds of extra strenght shock in and the Chlorine still shows as nonexistant when you test the water.

Yep I'm actually in North Coventry (which is chester co) but yeah I know Downingtown pretty well (grew up in Chester Springs).

[Bleach=Chlorine?]

You want to backwash until the water is very clear. I actually backwashed last night too, took about 8 mins before the water ran clear. I grew up in Paoli and recently moved out to Downingtown. I work with a half a dozen people who live in Pottstown, Douglasville, etc.

** That cloud is probably all the dead algea cells floating around. Keep up the good work!**

[duraleigh]

The chlorine level is another problem, so far I've put several pounds of extra strenght shock in and the Chlorine still shows as nonexistant when you test the water.

Ryan,

I watched this thread get side tracked into filter questions when your issue is almost surely chlorine. You must continually put shock levels of chlorine in your pool to get it clear.

If your chlorine diappears, it's because you are killing algae in your pool. The answer is simple....you need more chlorine.

[ryanm]

Dave,
I need to get the other levels correct in the water for the chlorine to work though right? I've got the pH and alkalinity right now but the cyanuric acid is very low. I need to get that up first right or should I just start putting a ton of chlorine in?

Back to the filter, I hooked up the vacuum this weekend and it seemed to be working and all but then I noticed little bits of leaves were coming back into the pool. Also when I put DE into the skimmer it seems a good amount of it comes into the water. Could my filter elements be messed up?

thanks
Ryan

[duraleigh]

Ryan,

I have sand, not DE, so cannot comment accurately on the filter. That said, NO filter should be putting ANYTHING visible in your pool....you should only see clear water returning. Other will advise on how to inspect/correct your filter problem but you do have a problem.

Secondly, apply your Cl dosage at dusk, when the Sun is off the pool. It will be very effective against organics when there is no Sun to kill it. With no CYA, you should bring your Cl level up to 10-12ppm at dusk and then test the next morning. Any drop in Cl during the night will indicate that you're still fighting algae. (don't be surprised if most of it is gone). Repeat that procedure each evening until your pool is clear.

Are you holding off CYA for a reason?

Since you have not posted test numbers, I assume you do not have a test kit. That's essential for getting and keeping your pool sparkling.

[ryanm]

I did put a bucket of stabalizer in Sunday night and Monday morning. I tested the water tues and the CYA was still low. I've been getting my water tested at the pool store for about 2 weeks now and only the last time did they tell me I needed stabalizer. I'm going back to the store tonight or tomorrow to get more shock and have it tested again. "shock" is what I should put in right? And pretty much do a crap load? I can't overdo it right?

thanks
Ryan