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Can’t control the Chorine

May 19th, 2003 · 3 Comments

I have been taking care of my pool for over 10 years with no
problems. This year, I can not get it clear, can not control the
algae, and can’t keep chlorine in the pool.
The only way I can get the pool from turning total green is to put
1/4 gallon (It’s only 3000 gallon pool) of liquid shock in it. Then
it turns the water white. The next day, the chlorine test comes back
0. I have stabilizer in it, the PH, alkaline and all other tests are
OK (I have the water tested at a pool store.) I also have two
tablets in the dispenser.
Any ideas?
Bob

Tags: pumps

3 responses so far ↓

  • 1 Cornelius Mckenzie // May 21, 2003 at 3:51 pm

    “Blue rock”? Sounds like copper sulfate. Copper sulfate is OK for humans in
    small amounts, but be careful to avoid using a lot of it. Heavy metals are
    generally toxic when swallowed in significant quantities; copper is not
    something you want the kids to be drinking a lot of. (Small amounts are OK:
    copper in -tiny- quantities is actually a trace nutrient.)
    Anyhow, follow the label when you use the stuff. (”YELLOW” -is- labelled for
    pool use, isn’t it?)
    Sounds like magic. Hm… Actually, it might not be magic, it might be
    detergent. Detergent would have no effect on the metals, but it might have
    some of the other effects, on oils, soaps, etc. Do you notice any suds after
    putting it in?
    Garry

  • 2 Neva Marjory // Jun 8, 2003 at 5:40 am

    Oddly enough, in areas of the USA, certain trees can leave things
    that cause this problem. Cottonwood trees tend to leave stringy
    particles, which eventually end up in the skimmer, and on top of the
    sand in your filter (if you use sand). I’ve seen chemically perfect
    pools have troubles with cloudiness due to this.
    I’ve told them to change their sand. Some customers have had almost
    an inch of this stuff clogged on top, even after shocking and
    treating the pool for months.
    It’s possible the algae has become somewhat resistant to your
    overdose of chlorine (ironically enough). I’d let it ride for a few
    days straight, the hit it hard. Use a di-chlor if you can, mixed
    and distributed evenly….stir everything up first. Follow with (a
    sometimes unpopular) dose of copper based algaecide.
    The whiteness of the water is generally caused by oxidized particles
    from the chlorine dose.

    Oh yeah, the solid chlorine tabs - if you leave them in whilest you
    shock, you’ll prolly just end up dissolving them faster.
    Be careful of bleaching your liner though…thats a pain.

  • 3 robbie_50 // Jun 12, 2003 at 9:58 am

    Bob all the things you describe sound like you have mustard alge.It eats
    the clorine up.Have to treat for that.
    Keep The Faith
    Retta

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