Help! Pool constantly needs tons of chlorine every day

[zandrajones]

Once my Pool was pretty balanced and everything was going great I decided to Outsource the testing to my daughter and she keeps me updated, this past few weeks, it’s been much warmer here in Houston and she told me that the pool chlorine keeps dropping need tons of chlorine to the point where she was putting in a gallon a day yesterday I checked the pool myself it was at a 1 chlorine level. The pool had leaves so we cleaned it out should I try to slam it? If so, can you lead me to that instructions? I also have family coming in on Thursday so if I start today, would it be usable by Friday?
Also, we have not changed the filter. Is that something you recommend we do ourselves and if so, where can I find how to do that? Any other suggestions you can give would be wonderful and appreciated.

 

[HermanTX]

Please post all test results as it helps to see all. What is CYA? If there is very low CYA then the sun (UV) is consuming the chlorine very quickly.
Suggest you do a
Overnight Chlorine Loss Test. This will tell you if there is algae.

This is the instructions for
SLAM Process

Cleaning a cartridge filter is relatively easy. You have to turn off all equipment at the breaker box.
Remove the top of filter and remove the cartridge. Clean it and reinstall. Some people buy a second set so it is easy just to swap and then clean and store the one that was removed.

 

[Jimrahbe]

zandra,

Sounds to me like you have algae, but... We need test results..

Your problem does not sound like a filter problem, but it can't hurt to clean it..

Does the flow of water coming back into your pool feel strong or weak?

Thanks,

Jim R.

 

[zandrajones]

zandra,

Sounds to me like you have algae, but... We need test results..

Your problem does not sound like a filter problem, but it can't hurt to clean it..

Does the flow of water coming back into your pool feel strong or weak?

Thanks,

Jim R.

When the pump is on it’s seems ok.

 

[Jimrahbe]

When the pump is on it’s seems ok.

z,

Well you have a large cartridge filter, so it would take a lot to clog it up..

Now that I think about it, if your CYA is really low, like zero, your pool would quickly use a lot of chlorine.

But.. If you have been testing regularly you should know this..

Thanks,

Jim R.

 

[Mdragger88]

Herman & Jim definitely have you on the right track. We need a full set of test results to help.
It is safe to swim with fc levels up to slam level for your cya so no worries.
FC/CYA Levels
Kudos for teaching your daughter how to maintain the pool!
Might I suggest that you & your daughter both download the
PoolMath app & both Use your tfp login info so you can share the logs here & amongst each other easily. It does cost around $8/$9 year to be able to keep multiple logs and have multiple pools (like a separate hot tub + pool) but its well worth it.
Sharing your logs with us is super helpful when issues arise you seek guidance for.
You can click on my profile pic & see mine.

 

[zandrajones]

Here are the full results, I tested the pool this morning and it had a seven and then I just tested it tonight and did the full panel and it had one FC looks like all my numbers are terrible.
What suggestions?

 

[HermanTX]

Here are the full results, I tested the pool this morning and it had a seven and then I just tested it tonight and did the full panel and it had one FC looks like all my numbers are terrible.
What suggestions?

The low CYA is a contributing factor to the consumption of FC. however you may also have algae so do not want to increase CYA if you have to SLAM. Can you do Overnight Chlorine Loss Test?
I would add liquid chlorine now to prevent any further growth (if there is algae).
Tommorrow, test in the morning and test again in early evening before dusk. Raise FC level to 5ppm and test 30 mins after adding LC to confirm the value.
Then get up early on Tuesday morning before sun hits the pool . Test for FC again and note the change from the night before.

Note - you could start tonight if you wish - you would need to add LC to bring up FC to about 5ppm, test to confirm actual level and then test again in the morning.

Your CSI is not as high as you think because the app is using the 91 deg water temperature. Put in the current water temperature and you will see the CSI go lower.