Algae gone-water still not clear

[karenkr]

I am going to add bleach tonight to bring the level up to shock again in case there is any lingering algae. The water is blue --with no signs of algae and the bottom is starting to re-appear.

If I add clairifier what kind can I add? I wondered about adding some but was afraid too without checking with you guys

Thanks
Karen

[drband]

What about adding a little DE (diatomaceous earth) to your sand filter? It can do the job of final filtering of that cloudy haze. (I'm guessing you have a sand filter.) See what some of the senior members think about this... the DE might really take care of this without adding clarifier, then when you backwash, you'll wash it all out of your filter, DE and all. (ONLY WORKS IF YOU HAVE A SAND FILTER) By the way, there are several postings that explain how to do this correctly.

[duraleigh]

Adding DE and/or clarifiers (or some other "magic" chemical) probably works well sometimes and sometimes not.

Most importantly, I think it tends to mask what was wrong with your pool to begin with.

If your filter won't clear your pool, it's not doing it's job.

If you have lingering algae conditions in your pool, DE or clarifier or anything other than CHLORINE (well, almost) will not remove those conditions.

The forum's philosophy has always been simplicity and I think you start to get away from that idea when you "trick up" your equipment or your chemistry.

For those of us that are long-term on this forum, have you noticed that CHLORINE seems to cure about 95% of pool water issues? It certainly seems that to me.

So, to Karen's issue, I think Janet and Andy's thoughts on continued use of CHLORINE will cure the pool. It is probably the one true "magic bullet".

[drband]

Exactly right. I did not advocate doing this in place of holding the CL at shock level. My experience w/ my own sand filter is that DE sometimes makes it more efficient at filtering very fine particulates from the pool water.

Shock level CL is the key to getting rid of algae (killing it).

[duraleigh]

Hi, DR,

Yeah, I understood what you were saying and my post was not intended as a criticism of yours....DE added to sand apparently has merit in some special situations.

My intent, rather, was to remind newbies and semi-newbies of the basics that work consistently. Exhaust the use of those basics (including POP) before heading to the pool store for the "magic" ingredient.

Some time ago, there was a poster here who had an algae bloom for around 45 days....due to improper use of chlorine.

Finally getting the chlorine up to the correct level, the poster simultaneously ran out of patience and bought clarifier. Pool cleared up and the poster was completely and totally convinced he/she had found the solution to algae......Clarifier!!!

[karenkr]

Thanks everyone-
If I am figuring bleach calculator correct if my chlorine is 10 , then to shock I need to add 8 gallons, Is this right. Also how long do I keep it at 25, The water is blue and starting to clear. Also can you swim with that high a chlorine level?? MY grandkids are getting impatient (HA HA),

Thanks
Karen