Cloudy Water

[PoolDoc]

Not thrilled with the idea of messing with the impeller or filter as I have never had a problem before.

Do the DE test, then. If your filter holds DE, it will also filter algae, eventually. With the floc-ed and clarified water, it will help if you can slow the flow down, however.

[chrisandtim]

Do I just put DE in the skimmer to do that test? Is there a way to buy a small bag of DE? I used to have a DE filter & all I remember are those large bags of it.

[Watermom]

I'm not sure what to tell you about the sizes of DE bags available. Somebody else will probably know.

But, here are directions for trying the DE. Adding DE to a Sand Filter

[PoolDoc]

This is the smallest and cheapest delivered unit I can find:
Kem-Tek 342 Diatomaceous Earth Filter Aid 12 lbs @ Amazon => $19

Shipping is free, if you have Amazon Prime OR if you order $25 worth of stuff ($6 more). I have found 10# boxes for less at Home Depot locally, but sometimes they've had it, and sometimes they didn't. If you DO get it, it lasts indefinitely, and will help remove fine particles from the water IF it doesn't go through the filter. (It will also make your filter stop up faster!).

[chrisandtim]

Thanks.

Before I go the DE route, any other suggestions from anyone?

And I wanted to explain my hesitation on messing with the impeller, etc. - I just do not think this is the cause of the problem. If this were the issue, wouldn't it have been a problem before? The water was cloudy before I turned on the pump & filter so I just do not think this is causing the problem.

[aylad]

You asked for suggestions, so we gave you several.....the filter is the main suspect here. We're trying to help you troubleshoot it. But, it's your pool!

Janet

[chrisandtim]

Thanks Janet. From your first answer it sounded like you had some other suggestions before going the DE route? You had also asked for pump & filter info:

Hayward 1.5 HP Hayward HP Power-Flo economy pump for above ground pools
Filter is a W. Cooper Industries Ranger Series Sand Filter Model RS1815 & the multiport valve model number is TM-12-L. (needs new pressure gauge)

From the paperwork I have the valve size on this model is 1 1/2", tank diameter is 18" & the turnover rate is 12,760 gallons per 8 hours. My pool has 11,000 gallons of water.

[chrisandtim]

So, got a new pressure gauge, & just did the DE test. 3/4 cup of DE seemed to hold - pressure just increased by 2. Good, right?

1. Will this help filter out what needs to be filtered out?
2. I have bought a smaller pump - 1 HP pump w/2 speed - which the pool store guy said was more appropriate for my filter size. He said this was likely the problem. So, that is my long term solution. What do you think?

Is there something else I should be doing?