SLAM chlorine levels

[AmandaM_2004]

I have taken over pool maintenance at our house. I was following Clorox strip recommendations for a little over a week, was spending way too much money on chemicals without seeing the progress I wanted. I then started reading about SLAM on Trouble Free Pool. I started SLAM and have been using the Pool Math app since Friday night.

I still have the Clorox strips and have been using them (the legit kit is coming) as I realized the strips aren’t as accurate. The strips say my Free Chlorine is 10 and Total Chlorine is 0. Is that possible?

It’s pouring rain this morning but here are pictures I’ve taken.

Photos: 10 days ago (before starting Clorox strips/recommendations); 2 days ago (before starting SLAM/pool math app)

 

[mknauss]

You need to follow the SLAM Process. To do that, you need a proper test kit. I suggest the TF-100/Pro or Taylor K2006C. A proper test kit is needed to get the accurate water chemistry results needed to follow the TFP protocols. What kit have you ordered?

While you are waiting on your test kit, add 5 ppm FC worth of liquid chlorine / plain bleach to your pool each evening with the pump running. This will replenish the FC lost each day to the sun and also inhibit any algae in the water from growing further.

 

[AmandaM_2004]

You need to follow the SLAM Process. To do that, you need a proper test kit. I suggest the TF-100/Pro or Taylor K2006C. A proper test kit is needed to get the accurate water chemistry results needed to follow the TFP protocols. What kit have you ordered?

While you are waiting on your test kit, add 5 ppm FC worth of liquid chlorine / plain bleach to your pool each evening with the pump running. This will replenish the FC lost each day to the sun and also inhibit any algae in the water from growing

I’m getting the Taylor 2006C and am doing the SLAM. My CYA was extremely high likely from using Clorox shock powder. I drained some water and filled it back up which brought CYA down and have been adding liquid chlorine according to the Pool Math app.

 

[Donldson]

The strips say my Free Chlorine is 10 and Total Chlorine is 0. Is that possible?

Nope.

Could be the FC level is so high that it's bleaching out the TC pad, in which case all the other pads could also be compromised. Or the chlorine level is zero and the FC pad is bad, in which case any of the pads on any of the strips might be equally bad. Unfortunately it's impossible to know, but we do know that test strips are incredibly cheap for what they are supposed to do and so scrimp on the QC aspect (quality strips are available at over $5 a strip, for comparison) and they have a track record of showing impossible results.

The only place they belong is in the trash. Follow the holding pattern plan Marty gave above until your kit arrives, you don't want to risk doing anything while blind. Obviously you made some fantastic progress, but especially now that there's a lot less algae it's important to know where your levels really are so you don't overshoot things and risk damaging the liner. You've learned more in a few days reading here than most pool owners ever learn and you've got a forum full of people who went from knowing nothing to pool gurus in their own time who are happy to help where you need it. Let us know when you get the kit and can run a full set of tests and we will point you in the right direction.

Welcome to TFP!

 

[mknauss]

I’m getting the Taylor 2006C and am doing the SLAM.

Great. But until you have your kit, you are not doing a SLAM. Just quit messing with the strips and add the chlorine I stated.
Also, be prepared to drain a lot more water once you really know what your CYA level is.

 

[AmandaM_2004]

My Taylor kit took several days to arrive. I spent the time waiting vacuuming A TON of dead algae to waste. I’m attaching a picture of my water currently. The picture doesn’t do it justice. You can see the bottom and there is no cloudiness!!

I did have a few spots of dead algae remaining after the water settled the last time. This time I vacuumed through the filter and it came right back in the pool. I’m thinking a new filter might be needed as this was a very minimal amount?

Testing my water levels again tonight to see how they are. We already drained and refilled some to help with CYA.