Cloudy green water won't clear up

[Willm999]

Hello ,

I've had cloudy green water for ~2 weeks even though I've had the filter running the whole time and roughly the same chemical readings for the entire 2 weeks:

• FC 8.5
• CC <= 0.5
• pH 7.2
• CYA 25-30
• TA ~100
• CH 400-425

Process:

• Filter running for 2 weeks
• Cleaning filter every 1-2 days (cartridge new as of this Spring)
• Brushing pool sides & floor daily
• Measure chemicals at least daily

I see that the SLAM level of chlorine for my CYA range is 10-12, but I'm hesitant to raise it to that level since the CC is very low. My understanding is that indicates that the chlorine is not actively killing bacteria and algae, so I'm not certain more is needed. When I have added more chlorine, FC increases and maintains the new level, CC remains unchanged.

Any tips you all have would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you in advance!

 

[YippeeSkippy]

Darn Willm.... I'm sorry you're going thru this problem.

Cloudy Green pools are a chemical problem, not a filtration problem. The filter won't fix your problem. Your pool needs Liquid Chlorine, STAT!
Not all SLAMs have CCs.... I imagine if you wait long enough you might get some? Either way the SLAM process is the cure,

Is this a plaster pool??

Do you know how to perform the SLAM process? SLAM Process

How are you Testing your water....which test kit?? Do you have the FAS-DPD powder test kit portion for higher level FC??

Maddie

 

[gingrbredman]

I've had cloudy green water for ~2 weeks

Normally, a cloudy green pool is because of algae. An overnight chlorine test will give you a quick answer. If you have a SWCG, make sure it is off. Test the chlorine (FAS-DPD test only) to get your baseline. Test again in the morning, before the sun hits the pool and see what the results are.

I see that the SLAM level of chlorine for my CYA range is 10-12, but I'm hesitant to raise it to that level since the CC is very low. My understanding is that indicates that the chlorine is not actively killing bacteria and algae

A CC result alone will not confirm or deny the presense of organics in the pool. The OCLT is the answer you need to determine if you SLAM next, or what the next steps are.

You would also benefit from filling in your signature with all the details of you pool, equipment, and test kit. This will help others quickly assess any direction based on your results, as well as what you have. Volume, type, equipment knowledge for the experts here is very helpful to provide the right guidance.

 

[Willm999]

Darn Willm.... I'm sorry you're going thru this problem.

Cloudy Green pools are a chemical problem, not a filtration problem. The filter won't fix your problem. Your pool needs Liquid Chlorine, STAT!
Not all SLAMs have CCs.... I imagine if you wait long enough you might get some? Either way the SLAM process is the cure,

Is this a plaster pool??

Do you know how to perform the SLAM process? SLAM Process

How are you Testing your water....which test kit?? Do you have the FAS-DPD powder test kit portion for higher level FC??

Maddie

Thanks for the quick reply Maddie!

Based on your suggestion, and reading elsewhere that this pretty much always means chlorine is required, I've raised the FC to SLAM levels. As mentioned before, though, FC levels are pretty steady. For instance, there is no noticeable change in FC from the OCLT overnight last night.

It's an above-ground vinyl.

Yes, I performed the SLAM process earlier this year.

Yes, I do have an FAS-DPD powder test kit (TF-100 test kit), which is what I'm using for measurements.

Thanks again for your help!

 

[Willm999]

Just updating that the green tint is gone now, but the water is still cloudy. Just like before, the FC level is holding steady (now at ~12).

Thanks for your help! I will update if I'm able to get rid of the cloudiness.

 

[HermanTX]

Just updating that the green tint is gone now, but the water is still cloudy. Just like before, the FC level is holding steady (now at ~12).

Thanks for your help! I will update if I'm able to get rid of the cloudiness.

It just may be a filtering process to remove the cloudiness. You should clean your filter after or during a SLAM to remove all trapped algae.
If possible, post a full set of test results.

Also, it would be helpful in the future to update your signature by going on the left side to the Settings then Signature and include details on pool volume, equipment type, test kit being used, etc.

 

[YippeeSkippy]

Your filter is on the small side.... its going to take a bit longer to clear up. Monitor your filter pressure and clean the filter when it rises 25% over your Clean Pressure reading.

Maddie

 

[Mdragger88]

Does this pool have steps or a ladder?
If so Be sure to take those out (& any weights involved) & scrub them then be sure any weights are completely sealed before putting them back in. If water can get into a space algae can grow there. Many steps/ladders often need to be modified so they can be cleaned easily & get good circulation to prevent algae from reoccurring.
Keep up the SLAM Process until you pass ALL 3 end of slam criteria.
SLAM ON

 

[Willm999]

Thank you all for the help! The water is clearing up, albeit slowly. Very nearly clear now.

I had been cleaning the filter every day and noticing that it had a bit of algae trapped in it, less and less over time, of course. I don't believe it had come anywhere close to a 25% PSI increase, although I had not been monitoring very closely.

As for ladder/stairs, I have a ladder that does have some nooks in it. Definitely doesn't prevent circulation throughout the pool, but those nooks do not likely get the circulation required to keep them clean. I'll remove the ladder and clean it in the future when this happens -- that's a good tip.

Thanks again everyone!