really cloudy water

[PoolDoc]

Add DE after each backwash.

[tarak]

ok todays totals of DE have included 1/4 cup nothing from return no pressure increase, 1 cup a lil out of return and a pressure increase from 15 to 18, 3/4 cup immediately followed by 1/4 cup with a slow pressure increase to 16, 3/4 with a pressure increase to 18
I just now tested my water it's 7:30pm here in Tn and my Ph is holding at 7.6 and my CL is at 1.0 maybe a lil higher, I haven't added anything other than the DE since last night(when I added borax and bleach) and water is still cloudy, it's been 1 week since adding any clarifer( per my comments with pooldoc earlier about clarifer)

[PoolDoc]

You gotta understand, clearing water even with an IDEAL pump and filter is not a fast process.

The large country club pool I service has (3) 72" filters, for a total of 85 sft sand surface area. Your filter probably has about 0.8 sft. So, while this pool has about 18x as much water, it has 105x as much filter area. That would be like putting SIX pumps and filters on your pool, instead of one! And it would STILL takes a week to go from slimy green to mostly clear.

You're in a situation where the only fast fix is to drain and refill! This is why I tell people constantly that it's so much easier to avoid algae than to clean it up.

Pool stores LOVE this, because they probably sell 2/3 or even 3/4 of their chemicals cleaning up messes. And the most profitable sales come when pool owners "just can't take it any more" and buy expensive stuff that promises miracles. Of course, the products don't do what they promise, but there are so many 'flavors' of miracle products out there, that the pool store can sell you a new one every month for 10 seasons!

Anyhow, adding DE to your sand filter helps filter fine particles out, that otherwise will go through the Intex filter. But you don't need to backwash every hour. Let the pressure rise at least 6 or 7 pounds before you backwash.

Good luck!

[tarak]

Thank you again for all your help!
I know I sound impatient, but really I just want to make sure I'm doing everything right, I've only bought like 3 items from the pool store then I realized " yeah ya'll are full of it" and started doing my own research and talking to other pool owners, that's how I was able to get rid of the algae on my own, then I found you guys and learned a lot more, like using borax and bleach and DE.
Like I said before we are TOTAL newbies this our first year opening after a winter, the pool was installed late june of last year so yeah total newbie but trust me I've definitely been schooled and won't be visiting the pool store again unless I absolutely have too.
Again I can't thank you enough for your help and appreciate all you do for us pool owners old and new

[PoolDoc]

You're more than welcome.

I just wanted to head off that "gotta do something NOW!" impulse we see hit pool owners every summer.

[tarak]

totally understand, trust me I felt that way especially with the algae I went straight panic mode, but when I found the liquid shock and it worked I was like ohhhh yeahhhh but then the cloudy water hit and I went ohhhh nooo, but then like I said I found you guys.
I'm a full of questions person, sometimes I ask a question then remember something and have to ask another and that makes me seem impatient ( it also doesn't help when I have 4 littles yapping in my ear daily about "is the pool ready") But I get it, it takes time and I got it this far.
I'll keep up with the DE, I'll keep checking my ph and keep hoping for the best.
I'll check back with you guys in the next day or 2 unless some crazy question pops in my head
but for now I believe I am on the right track
Thank you again and have a great evening!

[Watermom]

This must be a record. In a 40 post thread, I can't believe that neither one of us has suggested that you get a Taylor K2006 test kit. You need it. Nowhere in this thread has a CYA level been mentioned because you have no way to test for it. It is a critical piece of the puzzle. You won't be able to buy this kit locally but can order it through this link:> http://pool9.net/tk/

A chlorine reading of 1ppm is way too low.

[tarak]

unfortunately Watermom I'm unable to get that kit at this time

[tarak]

is there another way to test for the cya? something I should add to the pool? I currently have chlorine tabs in the floaters and it's been 2 days at least since I've added any bleach
tested the water this morning
ph holding at 7.6
cl still looks to be at 1.0 or maybe a little higher

[Watermom]

Tara,
Call around to the pool stores in your area. Ask them if they test CYA by doing the "disappearing black dot" test. No matter what they tell you, that is the only method to test CYA accurately. If someone does do it that way, then go and have them test your CYA for you. But, do not let them talk you into buying anything. They will try!