Second year opening, Small bit of guidance needed

Jump to latest Follow Reply
S

summertimesadness

Gold Supporter
Aug 23, 2022
377
New Jersey
Pool Size
20000
Surface
Vinyl
Chlorine
Salt Water Generator
SWG Type
CircuPool RJ-60 Plus
FC 0
TA 30
PH 6.8
CYA 40

SLAM target will be 16.

Before I start that, should I raise the TA or PH ?

Should I mix the salt in as well while all this is happening? (Didn't test that just yet)
 
Is there visible algae ? If it's spotless you can get some FC in there and Overnight Chlorine Loss Test to see if the SLAM Process is needed.

Obviously if you have visible issues, then skip the OCLT. Prepare for SLAM by getting the TA and PH in line. (60+ / 7.2).

Salt is a good thing to fiddle with late SLAM if needed. You'll need less patience if you have something to keep occupied. :)

Do not raise CYA to SWG level before passing an OCLT, either now or after SLAM.
 
Newdude said:
Is there visible algae ? If it's spotless you can get some FC in there and Overnight Chlorine Loss Test to see if the SLAM Process is needed.

Obviously if you have visible issues, then skip the OCLT. Prepare for SLAM by getting the TA and PH in line. (60+ / 7.2).

Salt is a good thing to fiddle with late SLAM if needed. You'll need less patience if you have something to keep occupied. :)

Do not raise CYA to SWG level before passing an OCLT, either now or after SLAM.
Click to expand...

Oh, I can't see the bottom of the pool. The winter and somewhat late opening was not kind.

I can raise the TA with baking soda, correct? I have PH increaser.
 
summertimesadness said:
Oh, I can't see the bottom of the pool. The winter and somewhat late opening was not kind.
Click to expand...
Ok. Then we SLAM.


summertimesadness said:
I can raise the TA with baking soda, correct? I have PH increaser.
Click to expand...
Yup. Do TA first then see if Ph creeped up any. It's not uncommon to be considerably lower than the 6.8 it looks in the spring. Dose 6.8 to 7.2 (after TA). Mix well and test again. Repeat 6.8 to 7.2 doses / confirmation tests as needed
 
  • Like
Reactions: reggiehammond
Newdude said:
Ok. Then we SLAM.



Yup. Do TA first then see if Ph creeped up any. It's not uncommon to be considerably lower than the 6.8 it looks in the spring. Dose 6.8 to 7.2 (after TA). Mix well and test again. Repeat 6.8 to 7.2 doses / confirmation tests as needed
Click to expand...
Apparently I didn't have the increaser like I thought.

And use this for increasing PH?

 
Yup. Baking soda for TA. (13 lbs for under $10 at Costco/ Sam's/ BJ's...... a lifetime supply for most of us)

20 mule Borax for PH. (Laundry aisle anywhere that has one. $6 for 4lbs or so)
 
  • Like
Reactions: summertimesadness
Just tested FC at 11.5.
CC was .5

Added the appropriate amount of chlorine for SLAM for the evening. The slow down of chlorine being chewed away is apparent from the 1st test and 2nd test to the 3rd.

SLAM and brush continues.
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: newdude

Enjoying this content?

Support TFP with a donation.

Give Support
FC retested, 13.5. Dropped 2.5 (SLAM level) since I put the CL in last.

As this is my first year using a VSP, I have kept it at 1400 running on 24/7.

Is that too low of a speed? The water is a bit cloudy still. Not sure if its strictly a SLAM process only or a SLAM and filtration both.
 
Last edited:
Alright... I threw the robot in the pool and.. nothing.

Took it out, turned it on, it moved no problem.

Could the very cloudy water mess with its sensors that much where it wouldn't move?
 
summertimesadness said:
Is that too low of a speed? The water is a bit cloudy still. Not sure if its strictly a SLAM process only or a SLAM and filtration both.
Click to expand...
No, it is fine. Backwash your filter, run the pump on high and note pressure. Every couple hours, run the pump on high and not pressure...when pressure has risen 25%, backwash again.
summertimesadness said:
Could the very cloudy water mess with its sensors that much where it wouldn't move?
Click to expand...
No. It is likely DOA...something is wrong...

Oh, and welcome back! Been a bit since we chatted...
 
  • Like
Reactions: summertimesadness and newdude
PoolStored said:
No, it is fine. Backwash your filter, run the pump on high and note pressure. Every couple hours, run the pump on high and not pressure...when pressure has risen 25%, backwash again.

No. It is likely DOA...something is wrong...

Oh, and welcome back! Been a bit since we chatted...
Click to expand...
Hrm, got it. Thanks. I noticed the water was a bit high I think for the skimmers to do their work. Lowered the water a little bit to hopefully improve circulation.

Robot is only a year old. 😞 Well, darn.

Likewise! I guess you could call me a summer bird (instead of snow bird) for trouble free pool forums? :unsure:
 
  • Like
Reactions: newdude
Stupid impeller was stuck. Little bit of TLC and it kicked right on.. sigh. More undue stress.

Still not happy with the clarity. Been keeping ontop of the chlorine, but it's not clearing as quickly as I thought.

I noticed something this morning that might have an impact on the pools cleaning ability tho.

That off section should be pointed to the right.... as I checked my previous pictures of my equipment.

Um, well, Dang.
 

Attachments

  • 20240522_073920.jpg
    20240522_073920.jpg
    435.9 KB · Views: 6
summertimesadness said:
Still not happy with the clarity. Been keeping ontop of the chlorine, but it's not clearing as quickly as I thought.
Click to expand...
Our entire yards are yellow right now. The wind changes direction on a whim and basically blows 360 degrees of crud into that giant hole / crud vacuum you have sitting there. It's might be funky for a week or three, even with 24/7 pump operation, on top of the SLAM.

Keep the FC elevated.

Brush and vac at least once daily.

Clean the filter as needed.

Add DE as needed.

Have a tasty beverage and take a big swig of liquid patience. :)
 
  • Like
Reactions: summertimesadness
Newdude said:
Our entire yards are yellow right now. The wind changes direction on a whim and basically blows 360 degrees of crud into that giant hole / crud vacuum you have sitting there. It's might be funky for a week or three, even with 24/7 pump operation, on top of the SLAM.

Keep the FC elevated.

Brush and vac at least once daily.

Clean the filter as needed.

Add DE as needed.

Have a tasty beverage and take a big swig of patience. :)
Click to expand...

Man, patience. They always said it was a virtue lol

Would that pump valve have any effect on the pool operation the way its turned?
 

Enjoying this content?

Support TFP with a donation.

Give Support
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

P
Rough plaster upon opening pool (second Spring opening)
Replies
1
Views
197
The Deep End...
ajw22
ajw22
G
First Pool Opening
Replies
14
Views
179
Just Getting Started
ajw22
ajw22
H2Obsessed
First pool opening - Questions and validation
Replies
2
Views
152
Just Getting Started
H2Obsessed
H2Obsessed
D
Swamp opening
Replies
9
Views
205
Just Getting Started
Darin
D
G
Day 16 of Initial slam, pool still cloudy
Replies
8
Views
169
Just Getting Started
sduda210
S
Top Bottom
Back
Jump to latest Follow Reply