From Green to Scream
by Alyssa
Last summer we had the hardest time getting the pool clear. The most we were able to do, was get the pool a light baby blue but cloudy. We test it everyday and I brought a sample to the pool supply and all levels were fine. We closed the pool after much frustration and decided we would get it right this year. In early June we took the mesh cover off and started shocking and vacuuming the pool. Each time we put an excessive amount of shock, we would get a mint green color. After a day or so it would go right back to dark green. After watching my significant other continue with the same process yet get nowhere, I asked some friends for advice and went to purchase Algecide. I was told to get Algecide 50, not the copper one. In the last 3 days I have put 3 whole bottles of Algecide in. He put shock in yesterday and the night before, I then tested the water yesterday and the ph level was high, so I put the correct amount of ph lower in. I also tried a bottle of supposedly "worlds best clarifier", which did nothing, probably because at the time the ph was very high. This morning the pool is a very cloudy baby blue. I don't know what else to do. We have changed the filter, adjusted all levels and are still at a loss. Algecide has never been used before so he's unsure of what to do now, we don't want this to turn into a poor science experience that ends with my pool exploding. I appreciate any help you can provide and any words of advice, I would really like to enjoy our pool this year. I'm almost at the point of either calling a pool company and spending even more money or just filling the pool and having a nice backyard. Thanks in advance Alyssa Thanks for the question Alyssa Please don't call in a pool company or fill in your pool. It can be salvaged and be better than ever. Here's a great comment that a very satisfied visitor left for me: High Phosphates Over 1000 & Cloudy Water Go to the bottom and click to read the comment she left. When the question says "mint green color" does that mean a clear emerald green? This happens when you have metals in the water, then shock it. An emerald green pool after shocking is a dead give-away of too high metal content. A solid green means low sanitizer (chlorine). Do you use city water or are you on a well? No matter what the "pool guy" says, an algaecide will not get rid of already existing algae. That's if you have algae and not a metal problem. If you test your water and keep the chemical levels correct, there's no need for an algaecide. Can Super Floc Remove Pool Algae? "Soapy" Water After Using An Algaecide I'd like to have your complete chemical readings: Chlorine, CYA (cyanuric acid/stabilizer), pH, Alkalinity, Calcium Hardness, and Metals (iron and copper). It makes troubleshooting much easier and the process of clearing up your pool will go much faster. You can get this done at your local pool store. Without these numbers I'm just guessing at what the problem is. I'd encourage you to get a Taylor FAS-DPD K-2006 pool test kit. Pool Water Testing Water Testing Kit For a 16K gallon pool, you should be spending about $20 per month on chemicals. Get me the chemical numbers and I'm sure I can help. If you would like personal assistance, I do phone consultations for a donation of your choice. It makes things go much faster. If you choose to not go that route, we can correspond by the website. Robert |
