Sand Filter Cleaning Chemicals

[garypritt]

Dear Pool Gods

What are your thoughts or recommendations on using In the Swim Sand Filter Cleaner? I have performed the sand cleaning with water hose per video 2 days ago. In the past I actually removed the sand and cleaned it per advice from TFP years ago and found large clumps of oils, etc. It's unlikely that larger clumps of oils, lotions, hair goo, etc., get completely removed via watwr hose cleaning method or even backwashing as they are much heavier and will not float to the top and out. This brings me to my original question. Is using a surfactant ie. sand filter cleaner designed to break down these oils recommended by TFP?

My pool is 10 yrs old and have been a religious follower and user of TFP and the Pool Math app almost that long and I swear by every word you say. With one previous exception: 2 yrs ago I decided to replace sand because after 2 weeks of slamming and then cleaning sand with water hose method I could not get water clear. 24 hrs after replacing sand, water was crystal clear. I find my self in the same boat again this year except have been in SLAM for 1 week (and yes I test 3xs daily with FAS-DPD kit). Water is beautiful cloudy blue but I can't see the bottom of even the shallow end. Thanks in advance for reply!

 

[PoolStored]

large clumps of oils,

Grease and oil almost never accumulate in the filter. Chlorine breaks down grease and oil, so unless you are constantly adding grease or oil to the pool none will accumulate in the filter. Of course if someone who is very fond of suntan lotion (i.e. oil) is swimming every day it is possible for some to accumulate, but it needs to be fairly extreme for any to actually accumulate. It was likely something else that was added.

If you follow TFP methods, no need for filter cleaner, just another PoolStored item.