Just Another Owner of a Green Abyss

[madwil]

the easy answer about pumps, is if the pump runs and water flows, the pump is good; if not, then valves/leaks/clogs have to be found and fixed
Filter, there is no easy answer except to run it and see if the water starts to clear- it may take awhile, so no clearing doesn't mean filter bad immediately.
If you're familiar with electricity, replacing the timer is easy.
Start with what Ben said- add bleach and circulate the water (run the pump)... and maintain pH between 7 and 8...
We'll work on the other issues as you get that first priority sorted out!

[markintosh]

Hey guys!

I finally got the kit, so here are the results. Reading taken just a few minutes ago (11am Central Time), no bleach added since last week... Weds or Thurs I think.

Chlorine: 0.5 ppm / 1 ppm Bromine
Total Chlorine: 1 ppm

pH 8.2+ - took 6 drops on the Acid Demand test

Alkalinity - 160 ppm

Calcium Hardness - I stopped counting after adding 40 drops so I guess it's really high

CYA: Must be close to zero as the vial was crystal clear when filled

So I am going to go back and re-read what I am supposed to do based on these numbers... Any help/advice really appreciated!

[PoolDoc]

Hi Mark;

#1 - Buy some stabilzer (cyanuric acid), then clean your filter and add 3# per 10,000 gallons of pool water, directly to your skimmer. Leave the strainer basket in place, and make sure your pump is running 24/7. It will take 3+ days to dissolve, so try to avoid having to clean the filter during that period.

#2 - Buy some muriatic acid, and add about 1 quart per 10,000 gallons. Wear gloves & glasses, and hold the acid close to the water when you pour. Avoid the fumes. Don't try to get it just right -- add some, and test the next day, and add more as needed. Stop when your pH is about 7.2.

Dose nightly with 1 gallon of bleach per 10,000 gallons, till you get stabilizer in the pool. Be VERY careful not to let any of the chemicals (bleach, cyanuric acid, muriatic acid) touch each other directly.

Retest after you get these things done, and post results.

Ben

[markintosh]

Sounds good, Ben... However, could you help me estimate how many gallons I have based on the specs I posted in the first post? I tried looking up formulas online but got conflicting results... Thanks!

[madwil]

I would guess about 23k gallons- assuming the turtle shelf is just a shelf, and the majority of the pool is between 4 and 8 foot deep... I would probably start with doses for 20k, and if they fall a little short you can add more later... especially CYA, you don't want to overdo it; on the bleach, slightly overdoing it won't hurt!

[markintosh]

Thanks madwil! I will get the acids tonight and apply a good amount of P.O.P.

At what point do you decide it's best to drain/refill? We live in a very dry area with low water table so it's tempting to start over... I'd probably drain 1/2 or 2/3...

[markintosh]

Also... I'm guessing this would do the trick for the stabilizer?

http://www.lesliespool.com/Home/Pool...ers/12302.html

Thanks!

[markintosh]

Thanks for all the help, but I am throwing in the towel. Going to do the drain/power wash/refill this week. Thanks again y'all!