newbie. Our first pool, Need info on sand filter

[rnjng]

We bought a house that has a 24'X48" above ground pool. First off, has anyone heard of columbia sand filters? None of the pool supply stores in my area deal with this manf. What should the pressure of the filter be at normal circulation. What is normal maintenance for this type of filter. Can I run this type of filter 24/7 to clear up cloudy water????

[duraleigh]

What should the pressure of the filter be at normal circulation.
Depends on your pool. Most systems run in the range of 10-22psi

What is normal maintenance for this type of filter.
Usually nothing except an occasional backwash.

Can I run this type of filter 24/7 to clear up cloudy water????
You can run it 24/7 but it probably won't clear your pool....You've probably got some chemistry issues causing the cloudiness. To keep us all from just guessing, post a complete set of test results for:
FC
CC
pH
Alk
CYA

With those results, you'll get lot's of solid advice on clearing your pool.

[rnjng]

thanks fo the response, like i said this is our first pool, terminology is minimal. I bought a test kit that tests for Cl and Ph. the Ph did not change it remaind clear. the Cl was at the lowest color on the chart. So none the less, it needs chem. obviously. I'm not sure what you mean by test FC, Alk, CYA. what kind of test kit do I need?

[duraleigh]

FC-Free Chlorine
CC-combined chloramines
Alk-Alalinity
CYA-Cyanuric acid or stabilizer

My first step would be to take a sample to a pool store that will test those things for you and post back your results.

Secondly, read everything you can on the forum...particulary ALL the stickies at the top of the Chlorine forum and Pool Chemistry forum. It'll answer many questions and create many more.

Post back with those test results and we'll all help get your water cleared up.

[rnjng]

Had water tested they said ph is vry low and to add 1 1/2 pounds of soda ash Before anthing else. What do you think???

[duraleigh]

We would need numbered test results to offer good advice, otherwise, we're simply taking wild guesses.

[rnjng]

The girl who tested the water was new or something, she said that the water just turned "pink?". I guess there was no color to match that on the chart??? So she asked someone what I should do, cause she had not seen that result before. So the advice was 1 1/2 soda ash.

[Watermom]

Go to Walmart and buy the 5-way drops based kit they sell for around $13 and then test your water yourself and post your results. We really need some numbers to be able to help. While you are at Walmart, buy some 20 Mule Team Borax which you can find in the laundry detergent aisle. We prefer to use that to raise ph instead of soda ash. Also, pick up several jugs of plain, unscented bleach. Generic Walmart Ultra brand is fine.

[rnjng]

I have a 2way test kit test cl and ph, ph was yellow, so lower than 6.8 . Cl stayed clear.

[Watermom]

If your ph is below 6.8, that is a very big concern. Get some Borax and add a half a box slowly to the skimmer while the pump is running. Then let it circulate for 3 or 4 hours, then retest ph, and add more Borax until you get it to 7.4-7.6. Also, add 6 quarts (1.5 gallons) of plain, unscented bleach to the skimmer - again while the pump is running. It is OK to add the bleach right after you add the Borax.

That is just a start. We really need more testing results to really be able to help with your problem. Get a better test kit. At the very least, the 5-way test kit from Walmart. We need more than just ph and cl readings to be able to help you much.