TDS or other stuff?

[dhale1]

Thanks for the reply. I have been running my pool 24/7 for a few weeks to try to get rid of it but it's still there. I don't recall seeing this last year so I'm wondering if it is the cal hypo I used since it has a lot of inert ingredients. Or, I've been using the new Chlorox with the new ingredient (not sure what it is but it's supposedly has more whitening power).

I'll switch to generic bleach even though it's a little more money to see if that is the problem.

I've never used clarifier before so I'm wondering if that may help?

Thanks.

[CarlD]

No, NO, NO!!!! Do NOT add stuff to such a healthy pool! (I mean, your numbers are absolutely PERFECT!) You are asking for trouble--if it ain't broke, don't fix it!!! Remember: The air is FULL of all sorts of stuff--pollen, dust, bits of tree flowers (it's springtime) and LOTS of stuff collects on the surface and floats down into the water.

A MUCH cheaper solution is to buy "Skimmer Socks" or what ever equivalent brand your pool store sells. They are like a cross between a Mr.Coffee filter and a nylon stocking that goes in your skimmer and strains out really fine stuff. I find it's grabbing super-fine pollen in mine. You get about 3 of them for $5, and can wash and reuse each many times.

You do need to run your filter more as well. I like having a 2 speed pump because in the spring (and especially in this horrible, rainy cold spring) with all the pollen, I run 24/7--but at low speed. It's quiet and I don't raise the power company's earnings too much. There is SO much junk getting in the water this time of year in New Jersey, even with a cover on, that 24/7 is necessary.

But please don't "fix" something that isn't broken. Clarifiers are for when the water is cloudy--flocculents are for particles. If you MUST add something, add PolyQuat algaecide--it doubles as a flocculent and won't do any harm. You MAY see your chlorine levels fall for 24-48 hours if you add a lot, like a quart, but it still won't do any harm and should help clumping the particles so they filter better. And, if you neglect your chlorine, it will give you a bigger window before algae growth starts.