Pool Milky White with yellowing white residue Thank you for your help!

[PoolDoc]

1. Add borax till the pH is above 7. Once the pH is between 7 and 8, and the chlorine is above 3 ppm, the pool should be chemically and bacteriologically safe.

2. However, cloudy water is not safe from a swim-safety point of view. If you let them swim, you must NOT let them swim underwater, and an adult must maintain a continuous head count on the swimmers in the water! (That is what life guards do, if they can.)

3. If you have time -- and if the fill water is not too cold -- drain and refill. It takes a LONG time to clear Intex pools, even when you have the right test kit (you don't) and the right filter (Unicel cartridges). If you DO refill, follow the SSR => http://pool9.net/ssr/ The iron may stain things, but is NOT a hazard.

4. Ironically, calcium hypochlorite (Shock N Swim?) helps with iron removal. However, if you don't control calcium levels, you can end up with milky water as you have.

5. If at all possible, purchase a 6-way test kit at a nearby Walmart. Use this link to check stock: www.walmart.com/ip/17043668/

6. It's more likely that your cover deteriorate from sunlight, than from pool chemicals. *IF* pool chemicals are the problem, the cover will ALSO be bleached white on the side next to the pool.

[smgjag]

Thank you so much for all this detailed information! We added the borax and pool is 7.2. Chlorine is slightly above 3 ppm. There is not time to drain and refill. The boys arrive tomorrow morning.

We never leave them alone in the pool. The two older ones (11 and 10) do like to go underwater to retrieve pool toys. We will make "No Underwater!" the rule. They wouldn't be able to see underwater anyway! I am usually in the pool with the boys and my husband and I take turns watching them. The two younger ones (6 and 3) both wear life jackets and I am always in the water with them when they are in the pool. I'm so glad to know the pool is safe even though it is cloudy!

After the boys leave we will see about draining and refilling. I looked at your link and will follow your guidelines! I tried to get the 6 way test kit today but our Walmart was out of stock. I'll check the nearest Super Walmart via your link.

Glad also to know that the pool cover damage was not from the chemicals. There was no bleached white residue on the underside. It was our winter cover and it was not a very expensive one.

One question...should I do anything about the iron well water when I refill the pool? Or will adjusting the pH be sufficient?

I plan on ordering the Unicel Cartridges from Amazon as soon as possible, and will try to get the chemicals you recommended via the link you shared. I will get the di-chlor asap, since I am afraid to put any more Shock N Swim (Calcium hypochlorite) in the pool. I will also order the Polyquat Algaecide if I can. Thank you again for all! You have been a great help! I will be using this forum and site for all my pool questions and concerns!

[PoolDoc]

As I mentioned, using the cal hypo can make things easier with the iron.

Do this:

1. Enjoy this weekend / weekend.

2. If you can't find the 6-way, and if it won't blow your budget, get the K2006 kit => http://pool9.net/ssr/

3. Once you have more time, do the metals bucket test on your FILL water => http://pool9.net/bucket-metal/

4. If you can, order and install a skimmer kit for your pool. Make sure it will work with your pump:

Intex deluxe skimmer parts and info
Intex Deluxe Wall-Mounted Skimmer

Having the skimmer will help with cal hypo use to remove iron.