really cloudy water

[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!

[tarak]

We only have 1 pool store here I just called ( surprisingly they answered, they never do) she was hesitant to answer but answered with a no

[tarak]

Good morning!
Bright and early I started on the pool, I'm very determined
backwashed and put a cup of DE in
tested water
ph is 7.6 maybe a lil higher
CL 1.5 if not maybe a lil higher ( the yellow in the tube is really bright) I added a lil more than a 1/2 gal of bleach last night
I plan on getting in and doing some vacuuming this afternoon after my appts, I figure between the vacuum and myself stirring things up that might help to get things moved along. agree? disagree?

I also noticed that when the pressure reaches 19 after adding the DE the flow of water from the return drastically decreases to almost nothing, is this normal?

[PoolDoc]

Good morning, Tara.

WaterMom and I have discussed your situation, and I'm afraid we're going to sign off on this thread. Our ability to help people with their pools depends on us having reasonably accurate knowledge of the condition of the water in your pool. The problem is, we really don't have that information about your pool. We're sympathetic to your budget situation, but our sympathy doesn't change the facts.

And the fact is, we don't know what your CYA level is, and only have approximate ideas about your chlorine levels. We've tried the usual work-around (the HTH 6-way), which is a short term stop gap measure. And we've even tried the un-usual work-around (dealers who use the melamine test for CYA).

But we've struck out. It's not your fault that none of the Walmarts in your area carry the kit. And it's not your fault that none of the dealers in your area are foolish enough to test water in the accurate, but slow, way. (Accurate testing costs them chemical sales!)

But it's also not our fault that we don't have what we need to help you.

Sorry.

Ben / PoolDoc
.