===> That's because it's not filtering as well. A high concentration of algae shouldn't depend on the filter to clear it, anyway. ===> Well, if it's a Hayward, which I have and I think you mentioned, check out the paperwork: Specifically you should NEVER run without earth for more than a minute or two. RTFM.
===> And that is exactly the way to do it. Repeat as
needed, and tend DAILY, at least once, possibly twice a day, until the algae clears.
My thoughts exactly.... My pool is between 30 and 40
years old...and I
have only used sand as a filtering media ..but
reducing the amount of
DE only decreases the filters efficiency... you can
accomplish that by
just turning the filter to re circulate...and
bypassing the filter
media entirely..
And to be honest... Algae is not normally large
enough to clog a
filter within hours ... I do not even think algae can
even be
filtered... particle size is pretty small...
===> YES, algae CAN plug a filter "within hours". Most of the time, when first opening our pool each year, we start the pump, shock, and vacuum. Usually before the first hour is over the pressure has begun to rise, and it's tiem to bump it before two hours are up. Second time takes about 5 hours, and after that it's several days, then it goes to weekly or sometimes two weeks, depending on the weather and use it gets. Once in a great while we'll get a midsummer algae explosion, where we repeat that process, and we're on our way again. The "filter" itself isn't what filters the water. It's the DE ON the filter surface that filters the water. DE's advantage, in fact, over sand, is that it will catch more more algae. Using NO earth in a filter designed for it, will collect minerals etc. on the filter itself, effectively blocking off the holes until it will no longer let water through. And if you turn the filter off periodically, as many tend to do, those holes will plug up almost overnight. Then you're out buying new fingers, pleats, sheets, whatever your media are called.
BUT old nospam hit it on the head... shock the pool
... I mean shock
the sucker...two or even 3 evenings in a row IF
needed... then the
following morning shut the filter down..let it settle
for a day...and
vacuum to waste ...
Bob Griffiths
===> It's not a good idea to shock three times in a
row. IF you do it right, if two won't handle it, there are likely other problems with the water and/or the filter system. Too much shock all at once can turn the ph index upside down, and it's a devil to get straightened back out! You'll reach a point where adding more acid or ash, whatever form you buy them in, the ph will go the wrong way on you. That's an excellent indication of an over-shocked pool. Chlorine stabilizers help immensely too, if you're using chlorine. I never had much satisfaction from bromides, et al.
Lots of info on the net about this stuff; just google
for it. Lots more there than I've mentioned and much
more experience than I have.
Pop
