I have been using the BBB chemical method in my 18,900 gal. rectangular (16 x 32 I think) IG vinyl pool for 2 years with no problems. We replaced our liner about 2 weeks ago and I prmised my husband I would use "pool store" chemicals---he is convinced the bleach caused the demise of our 15-year-old liner. I know better, but you know how THAT goes!
We re-filled with well water and he took a sample to the pool store, and came back with $500 worth of chemicals. I do not have the initial test results with me, but the ph was about 7.0, alkanity was low. Oh, we also replaced the sand in our Heyward 200 filter (also 15 years old).
This is what I did and what happened:
I added one box of Balancepak 100, so far so good.
About an hour later, I added Balancepak 200 and watched a white cloud spread throughout the pool.
I added 1 bottle of oxidizer (the kind you use on a weekly basis-can't remember the name) and watched the cloud turn green.
I put 3 SmartStix in the skimmer. No change.
I tested and the chlorine was at 5, ph up to 8.2, alkalinity 130. I'm out of reagents for the others in my Wal-Mart kit.
I did not install the Vision cartridge since the water was not balanced.
I went to the pool store Saturday and they sold me metal magic (also tried to sell me something to reduce the ph!!!) The Metal Magic removed the green color, but the white cloud remained. I backwashed twice yesterday and added 2 bags Burn Out 35. Still no change.
The weather turned very cold Friday (in the 20's at night, high in mid-50's during the day). Could this be part of the problem? Did some reaction happen between the BP100 and BP200?
The last test results late yesterday were Chlorine at 3 and ph back down to 7.4. I ran out of alkalinity reagent, too. I will pick up refills and re-test tonight.
Any initial ideas?