Insatiable and Cloudy -- that's my pool -- please help

[aylad]

I proceeded to buy some goggles for my daughter, but that's all.

Way to go!!!! One less pool-stored story--that's what I like to hear!! Your plan of attack is good, add the chlorine like you intend, but keep the chlorine level at 20 until the water clears up--a one-time dose probably won't do it.

Also keep in mind that if you're going to adjust your pH, do it based on readings taken before you shock--once your chlorine gets above 15 or so, the pH levels will be falsely high. (And I would trust the PS 234 over the pool store anyday.)

Janet

[CarlD]

I agree with Jan.

Furthermore, if your pH is 7.2, it's a feature of chlorine that it's more effective at lower pH--7.2 is better for fighting algae than 7.8--but the water is easier on the eyes at 7.8.

Your T/A is 80, which is the lower end of the acceptable range. Unless you are having troubles holding pH steady I wouldn't add baking soda. I also only add one pound at a time, wait a few hours and test T/A. It's always MUCH easier to add more and wait than to correct for too much. The ONLY exception is chlorine--you want to hammer the algae hard!

[kearpaul]

Ok, I added 4 gals of 10% LC last night. The pump ran about four hours overnight. At 9am today, my FC was a mere 1.0.

Should I be scared?

[CarlD]

No. Add another 4 gallons. You are fighting algae, that's why your FC is low. You want to get your FC up to 20 and keep it there...when it drops, you need to get it back up or you'll be back to square one.

That's why we say test and adjust your water 3 times a day when you are fighting algae.

[ivyleager]

I think you may see improved results for your effort if you run your pump/filter several days 24/7. This step is critical.

CaryB

[CarlD]

I think you may see improved results for your effort if you run your pump/filter several days 24/7. This step is critical.

CaryB

How did I miss that? Yes, run your filter 24/7 and vacuum to waste and brush your pool everyday (this is when you appreciate a robotic that climbs the walls!).

[kearpaul]

Well, I think my pool said UNCLE. Over the weekend, I stopped running my pump overnight. By Sunday morning, the pool bottom was covered with powdery crud. I vacuumed that to waste and then added LC. Then, I ran the equipment for 4 hours. This same thing was repeated Monday and Tuesday. This morning, the pool is quite clear and FC seems to have stabilized.

Thanks for everyone's help.

Cheers from the Sierra Foothills,
Paul

If stupidity got us into this mess, then why can't it get us out?
Will Rogers