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I went on vacation for a week and came back to green cloudy water in my 475 gallon spa and 0 free chlorine.  I shocked my spa with 2 oz. of Renew.  Then I began to add chlorine and regularly test the water.  I probably added 3-4 oz of chlorine over 2 days but I still have 0 residual chlorine.  My dealer kept telling me to add a teaspoon at a time and test.  Then he told me to shock the spa again with Renew because I now have dead chlorine.  I know others have had similar problems so I joined this forum to ask about my specific situation.  Any advice would be greatly appreciated.  Thanks.

If the water is still green, you have not added enough Chlorine.  It doesn't matter what type.  The cheapest is liquid chlorine.  Sodium hypochlorite.  It comes by the gallon for just a few bucks.  You should start with about 8 oz. (one cup) for your pool.

 

BAF

Thanks for your reply.  My spa water is currently clear.  My only problem now is 0 free chlorine.  I keep adding 1/4 oz or less at a time and testing regularly but I can't seem to get the free chlorine to an acceptable level.

Are you sure that you are measuring your chlorine correctly?  I suspect that you are, but if you take a quart to the local pool store they will measure it for you for free.

Assuming that your measurement is correct (zero chlorine), then you haven't added enough.  All organic matter in the pool needs to be oxidized before you get a chlorine residual.  Also, sun and high temperatures eat up chlorine fast.

 Here is a suggestion.  Not sure what type of chlorine you are using, but if it is the liquid chlorine, try adding 4 oz. (1/2 cup).  Let it circulate for about 30 minutes and then check your chlorine.  You should get a residual.  If not, add more chlorine until you do.  Don't worry about overdosing.  Even a high level of chlorine will dissipate over time.  Don't go in if the level is above 3 ppm.

Hope this works for you.

Blair