New Subscriber/supporter totally stumped!

[PoolDoc]

I have only limited experience with above ground pools -- but ALL the experience I have indicates that their filters are inadequate, when you have a problem. With a 10,000 gallon pool, you're stuck.

But, with a 10' x 2.5' pool (10 x 2 water), you've only got a little more than 1,000 gallons of water. Why don't you just drain and refill?

AG pool filters can do OK, if you never let the water get messed up. But on the small pools the associated filters are inadequate for cleaning up a mess.

Just be sure as you drain, to brush and watch out all the goo.

PoolDoc

PS: Thanks for your support!

[PoolLoverinMI]

"Re: New Subscriber/supporter totally stumped! - I have only limited experience with above ground pools -- but ALL the experience I have indicates that their filters are inadequate, when you have a problem. With a 10,000 gallon pool, you're stuck. - But, with a 10' x 2.5' pool (10 x 2 water), you've only got a little more than 1,000 gallons of water. Why don't you just drain and refill? - AG pool filters can do OK, if you never let the water get messed up. But on the small pools the associated filters are inadequate for cleaning up a mess. - Just be sure as you drain, to brush and watch out all the goo. PS: Thanks for your support! - PoolDoc -"


Hi PoolDoc

Thanks for the quick reply.

I've thought about totally draining.....Actually have drained off about half last week replacing it with fresh -- That was after the rain water mess. I think that's why the cloudiness has cleared up a bit. That and the amount of chlorine ratio being increased.

But, call me impatient for not wanting to totally drain & refill. The situation is complicated by having well water & the need to be careful how long I run the water pump (it being 37yrs old it has be handled with kid gloves) So that I don't burn it out, it takes several hours to refill the pool just a few inches turning the water on & off. (At first set up it took us over a day & half to get it up to full level even though it's only a little over 1000 gal.)

Short of totally draining & refilling, is there ANY other option you would suggest? (via Borax, Bleach, or any other chemicals? -- OR -- If I CAN FIND IT perhaps adding some Polyquat? Anyone?

I haven't tested water yet today it's still pretty cool & cloudy out, so I haven't removed the cover. But just looking under it, the water looks pretty good & still smells like Chlorine. I'll get a current reading & see what interesting things I find today & post again with results.

Thanks!
Monica

[PoolDoc]

On my way out the door for some 'volunteer' duty at Chattanooga's Riverbend -- heat index 104 and climbing! (Yuck, yuck, yuck)

But, if you don't want to drain, you just need to uncover and filter and clean.

If your OTO is clumping into brown particles, the chlorine level is REALLY high. Everything is dead and/or oxidized. Polyquat would be completely useless at this level of chlorine.

Don't worry about any other test results -- they wouldn't likely be valid anyhow.

Sunlight, filtration, cleaning . . . and patience: LOTS of patience. Many pool owners get to this point in clearing their pool, and then -- under the influence of the urge to DO SOMETHING! -- make it worse. Do NOT add stuff you don't need; do NOT do something that won't help.

If you can't drain, you must filter and with an inadequate filter, there's really no way to speed that up. But there are many, many ways to slow it down, and your neighborhood pool store will be very happy to sell you some of them.

Good luck

PoolDoc

[PoolLoverinMI]

On my way out the door for some 'volunteer' duty at Chattanooga's Riverbend -- heat index 104 and climbing! (Yuck, yuck, yuck)

But, if you don't want to drain, you just need to uncover and filter and clean.

If your OTO is clumping into brown particles, the chlorine level is REALLY high. Everything is dead and/or oxidized. Polyquat would be completely useless at this level of chlorine.

Don't worry about any other test results -- they wouldn't likely be valid anyhow.

Sunlight, filtration, cleaning . . . and patience: LOTS of patience. Many pool owners get to this point in clearing their pool, and then -- under the influence of the urge to DO SOMETHING! -- make it worse. Do NOT add stuff you don't need; do NOT do something that won't help.

If you can't drain, you must filter and with an inadequate filter, there's really no way to speed that up. But there are many, many ways to slow it down, and your neighborhood pool store will be very happy to sell you some of them.

Good luck

PoolDoc

Hi again PoolDoc,

Wow 104? I feel bad for you having to endure that kinda heat during a volunteer event! Hopefully it's not too humid! (Although I must admit I'm a bit jealous of the temp, we are currently only at 60 so I wouldn't mind having 20 or so of those degrees sent up my way). Sadly at least thus far today, getting into the pool doesn't look to be in the cards.

Thank you for ALL of the great & thorough advice above ...now that I know I've done what I can to kill all those ickys I will just have to be patient & wait for my wonderful bleach to make sparkling clear water! (& keep checking that filter)

Don't worry, no pool store salespeople for me! I've done enough damage on my own LOL. But, I do feel much better knowing I've done the best I can. NOW just have to be PATIENT & WAIT!

Kindest regards,
Monica

PS: OTO test came back Cl bright orange like last week then started to break up into small particles the same as yesterday afternoon but not nearly as bad & the pH was still hanging in there around 7.8-8.0. ~ Thanks again!