Help! Pool constantly needs tons of chlorine every day

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zandrajones

zandrajones

Gold Supporter
Jun 26, 2024
24
Houston Texas
Pool Size
11700
Surface
Plaster
Chlorine
Liquid Chlorine
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.
 
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.
 
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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.
 
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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.
 
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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?
 

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zandrajones said:
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?
Click to expand...
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.
 
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Awesome thank you! I am doing the overnight test tonight I just checked it.
1. How can I find out how to backwash my system?
2. Also where do I I put the chlorine levels when I do the slam? I have a feeling I need to do it starting tomorrow.

3. Also is there a reccomended amount of time between checking for example I checked it at 9:45pm then check at 5am? That’s a little over 7 hours if I check at 4am 6ish hours is that ok?

4. Is there a favorite stabilizer you can recommend?

Thanks again :)
 
zandrajones said:
1. How can I find out how to backwash my system?
Click to expand...
You have a cartridge filter. You need to disassemble it and clean the cartridges. show a picture of your equipment pad and filter

zandrajones said:
2. Also where do I I put the chlorine levels when I do the slam? I have a feeling I need to do it starting tomorrow.
Click to expand...
You just add any tests as you normally do on the app, Hit the + sign and select Log Test Results.

zandrajones said:
3. Also is there a reccomended amount of time between checking for example I checked it at 9:45pm then check at 5am? That’s a little over 7 hours if I check at 4am 6ish hours is that ok?
Click to expand...
6 hrs or more is good if you are doing an Overnight Chlorine Loss Test
zandrajones said:
4. Is there a favorite stabilizer you can recommend?
Click to expand...
It is best to purchase dry stabilizer. Some purchase from Amazon or it is available at Home Depot, etc.
 
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