really cloudy water

[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
.

[tarak]

Sucks but I have to say I understand, I'm still trying to find the hth 6 way, I do appreciate all your help thus far!

but if you could at least answer the question I had about the pressure that would be cool.... I recopied below

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?

[Watermom]

Yes, anytime your pressure increases on your filter, it will cut back on the flow you feel at the return. But, if you have little to no flow, then your pressure is too high and you need to backwash.

You may be adding too much DE. You only want enough to raise the pressure by 1 or 2 psi. Backwash your filter and note the clean filter pressure. Then, add a very small amount of DE. You may not see an immediate rise in pressure. I usually don't. Wait a half hour and if you still don't see the 1-2 psi rise, add a little more.

Good luck with getting your pool cleared up. I wish we would have been able to help you more.

[tarak]

Thanks watermom!