Wednesday, May 8, 2024

Best Ways to Prevent Algae in Your Pool

Borates:
The Borate in the water at 50 ppm helps reduce chlorine usage by eliminating Carbon Dioxide and keeping the pH stable. Chlorine lasts longer when the pH is right at 7.6-7.8. When the chlorine is in the ideal range, the killing element in chlorine, the HOCI, is at the most balanced percentage, so the chlorine in a pool with a pH of 7.4 is 30% more effective than in a pool with a pH of 8.0. This is a significant factor in creating the safest swim environment, and the borates will keep the pH much more stable and, in turn, make the chlorine much more effective.



The pH won't change much in a pool with Borate in it. So, this is a must if you have a Salt Water Pool since the pH tends to rise dramatically. In fact, the pH can rise to over 8.4 in a Salt Water Pool very rapidly. You will find yourself putting tons of acid in each week to keep the pH below 7.8. Borates in the pool will make the pH stable and easy to control.  A pool with a saltwater generator is a must. It also will keep your salt cell from building up Calcium rapidly since it sequesters the Calcium in the water. This means the salt cell will remain clean, and your salt system will run much more efficiently.

Boric Acid is a known Biostat. This prevents the algae cell from forming and multiplying. Thus, a pool with a Borate level between 30-50 ppm will prevent algae growth. Since Borate prevents algae cells from growing, algae blooms will be a thing of the past. No more algaecides or shocking the pool; algae won't grow in your pool any longer.

This is a safe method for those opposed to using any copper in your pool for fear of staining the surface. It is straightforward to control the Copper Ion output, and if it reaches 0.5 ppm, simply removing the Remington Solar will prevent any staining. In most cases, the copper level will rarely get that high.

Phosphate and Enzymes:
This one-two punch can be highly effective in allowing the chlorine to work in the pool on the intended things and not be "used up" by phosphates and non-living organics.

Instead of getting technical and trying to teach a science class explaining how enzymes work, we will try to break it down more simply. Enzymes break non-living things down into smaller and smaller bits. Many non-living things are in pool and spa water: body oils, sweat, cosmetics, and sunscreens, to name a few. This frees up the chlorine to work on the things it was intended to fight, like viruses and bacteria, instead of being wasted on these non-living organics. 

Phosphate reducers are specialty chemicals used to remove phosphates from pool water. They are typically salts of aluminum or lanthanum, which, when added to water, produce insoluble phosphate compounds, which are removed through filtration, vacuuming, or both. It creates an ION exchange, causing the phosphates to drop, and they can be vacuumed and filtered out of the pool. Phosphates are food for algae, and by eliminating them from the water, you eliminate at least one primary food source for algae. This will prevent algae growth, so chlorine levels drop rapidly in some pools. 

PoolRX and Mineral Systems:
Using the PoolRX on your pool route will save you time and money. The manufacturer's claim of saving 20-30% on chemical costs is plausible, and once you try a PoolRx in one of your accounts, you will be surprised by its effectiveness.

PoolRx is a mineral technology that does two straightforward things when used in your pool or spa: it eliminates all algae and allows you to use less chlorine during the pool season. The active ingredient is Copper Sulphate Pentahydrate (chelated).
The chlorine is automatically freed up by eliminating algae growth and will last longer in a pool. Mineral technologies like the Frog and Nature2 also use minerals (metals) to prevent algae. 


Chlorine-Free Sun Shock:
The Remington Solar Chlorine-Free "Sun Shock"  comes with everything you need in the box, including copper test strips. It is essential to test the Copper levels every few weeks to ensure they stay safe. Again, remove the product from the pool for a week or two if it gets too high. In my area of Southern California, healthy water is challenging to use, so the Anode developed a lot of build-ups while in use. So it is essential also to check and clean the Anode every week if needed.

One of the benefits of the Remington Solar Chlorine-Free "Sun Shock" is that with the Anode working (solar panels), it will prevent algae and kill micro-organisms. If you want, you can lower the chlorine level to 1.0 – 1.5 ppm and run your pool with a low chlorine level. You can maintain your chlorine at 3.0 ppm if you choose, and the Remington Solar will still have the same benefits. Since it prevents algae, you will notice your chlorine use drop by as much as 50%, as algae is a big reason your chlorine is used up in your pool. If your pool has a continuous algae problem, the Remington Solar would be perfect. The test pool has step areas that get no Sunlight all year round. 

One unit is suitable for 22,000 gallons of water, so you will need two units if you have a larger pool. They also now have an effective cleaning solution for the anode, so maintenance is simple and easy. 

From the manufacturer:
"This solar water purifier protects you by transforming your water into biologically healthy and algae-resistant mineral water. Using a safe and effective low-power output, the Remington Solar water purifier acts as a trickle charger to generate ions from the sunlight. It works great in either salt-water or non-salt-water pool systems! Enjoy swimming in the most transparent, cleanest, and softest water imaginable without the unpleasant smell or taste of chlorine!

The Remington Solar Pool Sun Shock water purifier is the only cleaner that, in addition to generating beneficial mineral ions, collects undesirable minerals such as Calcium and iron. This has the effect of softening your water."

SODIUM BROMIDE:  
Any Sodium Bromide product will work effectively in treating Yellow Algae. As long as the active ingredient is sodium bromide, it will work to clear up the algae.

Bring the chlorine up to what we refer to as "Blazing High" if it is at zero ppm. One common
mistake is not starting with a good chlorine level. Sodium Bromide will convert the chlorine to
Bromine and the Sun will also burn some off as the Bromine Molecule does not bond with the Cyanuric Acid molecule (the conditioner does not protect Bromine), so even more chlorine will burn off. And some chlorine will be "eaten" or used by the Yellow Algae.

So, having a good chlorine level of 5-10 ppm and adding a gallon of liquid chlorine or Clorox bleach with each four oz is essential—capful of Sodium Bromide. Otherwise, you might have an even worse problem.

But if you follow the procedure in the video below, the yellow mustard algae will be destroyed, and you can use a maintenance dose to prevent it from returning - about 1 oz.
Per 10,000 gallons. I use Sodium Bromide almost exclusively on my route, and week to week, it is the most effective way to treat algae.



Monday, May 6, 2024

VacDaddy Shallow Water Adapter

Shallow Water Adapter:
Introducing the revolutionary Shallow Water Adapter by VacDaddy – the ultimate solution for a sparkling clean fountain and/or shallow bodies of water such as tanning ledges, stairs and benches! This innovative attachment is designed to seamlessly connect to the VacDaddy pool vacuum, transforming it into a powerful fountain-cleaning marvel. With the Shallow Water Adapter, maintaining pristine water features has never been easier!



To order the VacDaddy:

Shallow Water Adapter:
https://thevacdaddy.com/product/fountain-adapter/

Here is more about the VacDaddy unit from the manufacturer:
The primary benefit of The VacDaddy is EASE-OF-USE.
Lightweight and compact. At only 10 pounds, The VacDaddy is easy to operate and maneuver.
The minimal assembly is easy and intuitive. No special training is required to use it. Plug in and Just Vac It.

Fast pool cleaning with more vacuuming power than other heavy-duty commercial vacuums.
Eliminates the need to set up and prime a bulky hose.
Perfect for touch-ups between weekly cleanings and to reach areas robotic vacuums can't quickly get to.

 The VacDaddy is the most potent portable pool vacuum new to the market with a continuous power supply. The VacDaddy's continuous power eliminates dependency on batteries with limited life. The VacDaddy is lightweight, easy to use, powerful, and requires no poolside assembly or training.

 Where would I place the VacDaddy as compared to, say, a Riptide, Hammer-Head, or PowerVac? It does pump a pretty impressive 55-60 GPM, so it is not like a Water Tech cleaner, except for Precision 2.0, which pulls about 25 GPM. It looks similar to the 2.0, but the power difference sets the Vac Daddy apart. It feels like you are using the pool filtration system with the vacuum connected to the skimmer. In reality, most pools will pull about 60 GPM unless powered by a three-hp pump, considering the resistance of the plumbing and distance from the skimmer. Having all of that power sitting right behind the vac head is fantastic.

You also need access to a socket for this to work at your customer's home. It comes with a power unit that needs to be plugged in. Most pool owners will have a socket by their pool or equipment area. It comes with 45 45-foot cord that attaches from the power unit to the VacDaddy and has the look and feel of a robotic pool cleaner cable. The cord was not a big deal for me as I knew that the 60 GPM would only be produced by an external power source. 


Thursday, May 2, 2024

HASA & Orenda One Year Later

 It has been one year since HASA, Inc. acquired Orenda Technologies, and I sat down with Terry Arko of HASA to see how the deal is going at the present time. Terry Arko was recently inducted into the “Pool Nation Hall of Fame” for his contributions to the pool service industry. 



The merger means that two industry education powerhouses have now joined forces. Bob Lowry’s teachings and the Orenda Academy are an unusual mix. Bob Lowry has his target ranges, and Orenda teaches exacting math based on the LSI numbers. But they have made things work and Orenda has even added a new Commercial Pool Service course to their Orenda academy. 

SAUGUS, Calif., March 27, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Hasa, Inc. ("Hasa"), supported by Wind Point Partners ("Wind Point"), is pleased to announce its recent acquisition of Orenda Technologies ("Orenda"), a leader in the production and distribution of eco-friendly, professional-grade pool chemicals. This acquisition broadened Hasa's product line and enhanced its market presence across the continental United States in the recreational water treatment sector.

As part of the acquisition, Hasa plans to bolster its support for both the commercial and residential pool markets, positioning Orenda as a key brand within its strategy. Orenda is recognized for its premium range of pool care products and stands out in the industry with its extensive array of educational materials for both professionals in the pool industry and homeowners.

Harold Evans, Chairman & CEO of Orenda, stated, "Hasa represents the gold standard in our field, and we couldn't have envisioned a more aligned partner for our valued customers. We're thrilled about this union with Hasa, which promises to substantially augment the value our customers gain from enhanced offerings and services. I am also eager to contribute to Hasa's future success in my new role as an executive advisor."

Jarred Morgan, President of Orenda, will remain at the helm of the Orenda division post-acquisition. Mr. Morgan expressed, "We take great pride in our established brand, which stands on the pillars of exceptional products and a reputable team. We are committed to maintaining our high standards of service and are excited about fueling further growth with Hasa."

Peter Leemputte, Principal at Wind Point, remarked, "The inclusion of Orenda is a strategic enhancement to the Hasa portfolio. Targeting acquisitions is key to our strategy for building value at Hasa, and we are thrilled to kick off our merger and acquisition efforts with the integration of such a stellar company like Orenda."


Monday, April 29, 2024

Best Swimming Pool Run Time (VS Pump Examples)

No matter how long you run your swimming pool pump, you will not get all the water from the pool through the filter and back out again. So does run time matter? Yes and no. Technically speaking you should try to get at least one cycle of water through the pool, 2-3 cycles all the better as you can see from the study I am referencing below.



You usually need a flow meter attached to your pool equipment to calculate a water cycle. As a rule of thumb, 50 GPM is the average, with a single-speed pump running at 3450 RPM. You can get a ballpark and use this formula if you do not have a flow meter on your equipment. 

Pool size/ 50 Gallons Per Minute/ 60 minutes. Here is an example with a 20,000-gallon pool:
20,000 Gal / 50 GPM /60 minutes = 6 hours and 30 minutes

So, a water cycle will go through the pool once every 6.5 hours. But how much pool water will go through the filter and back into the pool? Here is the study abstract for you.

"The primary objective of this study was to conduct a quantitative analysis of the hydraulic efficiency of a 1:25 bench-scale swimming pool and to determine whether the recirculation efficiency could be increased by modifying parameters such as turnover rate, inlet/out configuration, and extent of mixing within the pool. Salt tracer studies were conducted using KCl to determine the residence time distribution and describe the hydraulic characteristics of the pool. The results indicated that removing the tracer always followed an exponential decay curve, i.e., 63, 86, and 95% for the first, second, and third turnover periods, respectively. In most experiments, the exponential decay rate matched the inverse of the system's theoretical hydraulic detention time. The results showed that none of the investigated parameters significantly impacted the tracer removal efficiency. Increasing removal efficiencies of current treatment technologies, such as sand and cartridge filters, from approximately 25–90% would significantly improve the removal rate of Cryptosporidium-sized particles. Improving the treatment efficiency beyond 90% would have little additional impact, but further improvements could be achieved by decreasing the system turnover rate."


Does this mean we give up on the one cycle through the filter since it only gets 63% of the water through and will never reach 100% (based on the study, only 95% can be reached)? Certainly not. Since the whole reason for circulation is to prevent bather-to-bather disease, the longer you can run, your pool increases disease prevention. You also prevent algae and poor water quality (cloudy water) by running your pool as much as possible each day during the season.
This study shows that you need to be aware that short run times are ineffective for your pool. The longer run times the better. If you are worried about electricity costs, switching to a Variable Speed (VS) pump would be wise. 
 
Video Outline:
Runtime depends on pool size
Know your pool size
Know your GPM 
Having a Clean filter is important
Flow Meter – Flowvis is the best
Intellifo 3 has a flow meter built-in
No flow meter- use 50 gallons per minute as a rule of thumb
VS pumps maximize your energy savings
Single Speed pump is an energy hog 2nd next to AC
One turnover, Two is best during peak season
Pool use is a factor – if in heavy use, 2-3 cycles
Commercial pools 24-hours
You want as much water through the filter as possible so that your sanitizer – usually chlorine- is circulated in the pool effectively.
Getting all the water through – technically never happens
VS Pumps can run as long as 24 hours
Set two speeds: low & Medium
1800 RPM and 2400 RPM
Water clarity & swimmer safety is key
Single Speed Pump: you are setting your run time with an Intermatic timer


Wednesday, April 24, 2024

Avoid Damaging Your Swimming Pool Surface

Any pool surface type can be easily stained to any product containing acid, like a battery-operated toy (when the batteries explode from being on the pool bottom) or a 3” trichlor tablet, which includes a type of acid in cyanuric acid and has a pH under 3. Roof nails, staples holding up Christmas lights, and fertilizer pellets can also cause rust stains in your pool. 



Fiberglass and vinyl pool surface chemicals can sometimes burn or bleach the surface. Don’t use granular Trichlor and cal hypo should not be added directly to the vinyl pool; I prefer adding cal hypo through the skimmer to avoid bleaching out the vinyl liner; in some cases, manufacturers will void your warranty on your fiberglass or vinyl pool if you use trichlor tablets in these pools. The pH is relatively low in a fiberglass and vinyl pool since it is plastic, and using any pool chemical with a low pH, like Trichlor, can lead to metal staining from the equipment as the low pH reacts with metal components. Dichlor has a pH of about seven, so it is safe to use in a fiberglass or vinyl pool. Liquid chlorine is also safe to use directly in these pool surface types. 

Plaster is a standard surface type made with cement and white marble aggregate. The problem with white plaster is that any stain becomes very evident, and in many cases, the pool chemistry affects the color. You can also go with a color plaster, making your pool stand out and look great. The problem with the colored plaster is that the mottling or pattern discoloration is very apparent and visible over time. But it is still the most affordable pool surface type on the market.

Quartz is a surface type that combines a quartz aggregate and polymer-modified cement making, which is more durable than standard plaster and gives it a longer lifespan. You can also get Quartz in various colors; the finish holds up well against chemicals and is more stain-resistant. It is a hard surface type that is very smooth and swimmer-friendly—an excellent choice and a step up from standard plaster.

Pebble Tec is a well-established brand that combines cement and small pebbles and stones. Pebble Tec is highly durable and long-lasting. There is a great variety of surface types and colors to choose from. The drawback is that the surface can be rough on the feet, but it resists stains, looks uniform throughout, and lasts over 15-20 years. It is a more expensive choice, but you can't beat the durability and look of Pebble Tec.

Wet Edge is much like Pebble Tec but at the same time different. Mike Willard of Your Pool Builder in Texas recommends and uses the Wet Edge surface. Wet Edge aggregate finishes are durable and beautiful. All Wet Edge finishes are handcrafted and custom-made for each swimming pool. The finish is white cement-based but with blended polymers to make them denser and more durable. There are several different Wet Edge Surface types, and you can learn more directly from their 

Of the different surface types, the Wet Edge is the premium choice. But your budget might not make it the choice for your pool build, so I recommend going with a Quartz finish versus standard white plaster if you have to go down.

Fiberglass pool surfaces are famous for swimming pools due to their durability, smooth finish, and low maintenance. Here are some critical points about fiberglass pool surfaces:

Material Composition: Fiberglass pools are made of reinforced plastic with fiberglass strands. The pool shell is created by layering fiberglass and resin in a mold.

Smooth Finish: One of the main advantages of fiberglass pools is their soft and non-porous surface. This smooth finish is comfortable for swimmers, inhibits algae growth, and makes cleaning easier.

Durability: Fiberglass is known for its strength and durability. Fiberglass pools are less likely to crack over time than concrete pools, and they are more flexible, making them resistant to ground movements.

Low Maintenance: Fiberglass pools generally require less maintenance than other types. The smooth surface helps prevent the buildup of algae and other contaminants, reducing the need for frequent cleaning and chemical treatments.

Installation Time: Fiberglass pools are often quicker to install than concrete pools. The pool shell is pre-manufactured and delivered to the site, making the installation more efficient.

Cost: While the initial cost of a fiberglass pool may be higher than that of a vinyl liner pool, it is often comparable to or lower than that of a concrete pool. Additionally, the lower maintenance requirements can lead to cost savings over time.

Design Options: Fiberglass pools come in various shapes and sizes, and some manufacturers offer customization options. However, the design choices may be more limited compared to concrete pools.

Resistant to Stains: Fiberglass surfaces are less prone to staining than other pool surfaces. This is beneficial in maintaining the pool's aesthetic appeal.

Vinyl pool surfaces are another standard option for swimming pools, offering advantages and considerations. Here are some critical points about vinyl pool surfaces:

Material Composition: Vinyl pools have a flexible liner made of vinyl material that is installed over the pool's structure, which is typically made of metal, wood, or concrete.

Smooth and Non-Porous: Vinyl pool surfaces are smooth and non-porous, like fiberglass. This smooth surface is comfortable for swimmers and helps resist algae growth.

Affordability: Vinyl pools are often more affordable upfront than fiberglass and concrete pools. This makes them a popular choice for homeowners on a budget.

Versatility in Design: Vinyl pool liners come in various patterns, colors, and designs, providing flexibility for customization. This allows pool owners to achieve a specific aesthetic that suits their preferences.

Comfortable Surface: The vinyl liner provides a softer and more comfortable surface for swimmers than concrete. This can be particularly appealing for families with children.

Easy to Install and Repair: Vinyl pool liners are relatively easy to install and can be replaced or repaired more quickly than other pool surfaces. However, they are susceptible to punctures or tears, which may require patching or replacement.
Limited Lifespan: Vinyl pool liners have a limited lifespan compared to fiberglass or concrete surfaces. They typically last around 10 to 15 years before needing replacement.

Maintenance Requirements: Vinyl pool surfaces require regular maintenance to ensure longevity. Proper water chemistry and balanced pool maintenance are essential to prevent liner fading or damage.

Susceptibility to Sharp Objects: While vinyl is durable, sharp objects can puncture or tear it. Care should be taken to avoid introducing sharp items into the pool.

Resilience to Freezing Conditions: Vinyl pools are less prone to cracking in freezing conditions than concrete pools. However, precautions should still be taken to winterize the pool properly.


Monday, April 22, 2024

Using Chlorine Enhancers

Chlorine Enhancers:
The high price of chlorine these pay for themselves.
Three categories that are in active use



Phosphate Remover and Enzyme Combo Product:
Natural Chemistry Perfect Weekly & Pool Perfect & Phosfree are two such products.
Allows chlorine to be more effective.
Removes one food source for algae.

Phosphate reducers are specialty chemicals used to remove phosphates from pool water. They are typically salts of aluminum or lanthanum, which, when added to water, produce insoluble phosphate compounds, which are removed through filtration, vacuuming, or both. It creates an ION exchange, causing the phosphates to drop, and they can be vacuumed and filtered out of the pool. Phosphates are food for algae, and by eliminating them from the water, you eliminate at least one major food source for algae. This will prevent algae growth, so chlorine levels drop rapidly in some pools. 

SMARTZyme™ technology breaks down suntan, cosmetics, body oils, and other non-living organic waste in pool water.

Increases filter efficiency.
Reducing Chlorine Demand: Enzymes reduce chlorine demand by breaking down these organic materials. This means chlorine doesn't get used up slowly because it's not as busy reacting with these contaminants. When chlorine is not excessively used, its concentration can remain more stable.

Resulting Chlorine Efficiency: When the pool's chlorine is freed up from dealing with organic contaminants (thanks to the action of the enzymes), it can more effectively focus on its primary job: sanitizing the pool by killing bacteria, viruses, and algae. This can make the chlorine appear to last longer because its effectiveness is maintained or even enhanced.
Easy to use – pour in a weekly dose.
It is inexpensive when compared to using more chlorine each week.
Pool with heavy bather loads – great choice.

Mineral Technologies
PoolRx+ NSF 50 approved EPA registered algaecide
Copper Sulphate Pentahydrate: 86.85%
Zinc Sulfate Monohydrate: 1.51%
Silver Nitrate: 0.40%
Chelated – suspended and won't drop out of solution
It prevents microalgae and algae of all types. 
Reduces chemical use by up to 70%

PoolRx minerals allow chlorine or other sanitizers to last longer in the water. This process reduces the amount of chlorine/sanitizer needed to eliminate and prevent algae and bacteria.
The Jacuzzi JMCS Mineral System with Nature 2 Express uses minerals such as silver and copper to filter out bacteria and control algae while reducing chlorine demand.
Minerals are slowly released into the water each day the pool is running.
For residential and commercial pool use to prevent algae – especially if your pool is algae-prone

Borates: 
It's not algaecide, but it is algae stat.
Algae Growth Inhibition: Borates act as a biostatic agent, meaning they don't kill algae directly but inhibit its growth. They achieve this by affecting the enzymes inside algae cells, disrupting their ability to perform photosynthesis effectively.

The Borate in the water at 50 ppm helps reduce chlorine usage by eliminating Carbon Dioxide and keeping the pH stable. Chlorine lasts longer when the pH is right at 7.6-7.8. When the chlorine is in the ideal range, the killing element in chlorine, the HOCI, is at the most balanced percentage, so the chlorine in a pool with a pH of 7.4 is 30% more effective than in a pool with a pH of 8.0. This is a significant factor in creating the safest swim environment, and the borates will keep the pH much more stable and, in turn, make the chlorine much more effective.

pH Buffering: Borates help stabilize the pH level of pool water. A stable pH is critical for the effectiveness of chlorine, which is the primary disinfectant used in pools to kill bacteria and algae. By maintaining a stable pH, borates ensure that chlorine remains effective over a more extended period, thus indirectly contributing to algae control.

Borates are added as a one-time thing and do not evaporate out, but you do need to add a maintenance dose when the season begins. Borate testing can be done with test strips and photometers like the Lamotte spin touch. Any of these chlorine enhancers can save you money on your chlorine use, and they are also compatible with each other if you wish to use any of them.

Any combination of these will save you money on your pool route by reducing the amount of chlorine you will use weekly. Using an enhancer to offset the cost makes sense with chlorine at such high prices. You can charge the customer for the product; even if you absorb some or all of the cost, you will save money on your chemical cost each week. 

Visit my Website: http://www.swimmingpoollearning.com/
eBook: https://www.swimmingpoollearning.com/swimming-pool-care-ebook
YouTube Video Index: http://poolmandave.blogspot.com/2014/03/swimming-pool-tips-reviews-how-

Wednesday, April 17, 2024

Got a Green Swimming Pool?

Green Pool Clean-Up Step-by-Step:
Ensure the pool can be cleared up vs. draining and refilling it. A rule of thumb is that draining may be better if there are more than 4 inches of sediment on the bottom. There would be a lot of algae and dirt on the pool bottom, which would be more like a pool sitting unattended for over a year or more. Generally, a pool that has only been green for a few months can be cleared with chemicals and algaecide. Also, make sure the equipment is in good working order.



Step One: Scoop out all leaves and debris from the bottom and surface. Don't worry about stirring everything up; you will vacuum at the end of the treatment.

Step Two: Brush the pool as best as you can. Some of the algae might be tough to brush off. If you have a plaster or Pebble Tec Pool, a Steel Algae Brush will help. However, much of the algae will be loosened once the chemicals are added to the pool. 

Step Three: If you have a D.E. Or Cartridge filter, clean it apart. The filter type is usually on the label on the filter. 
If you have a Sand filter, you will just be Backwashing it during this process. For a D.E. Or Cartridge filter, you likely have to clean it again one more time or more. 

Step Four: Bomb the pool out. You want to bring the chlorine level up to 30-50 ppm to start to kill the algae. The algae and other organic material in the pool will destroy a lot of chlorine in the first 24 hours. A shorthand guide:

14,000-gallon pool: 14 gallons of 12.5% liquid chlorine or a combination of that and 1 lb. Bags of shock. 
20,000-gallon pool: 20 gallons of 12.5% chlorine.
30,000-gallon pool: 30 gallons of liquid chlorine. 

I suggest using Sodium Bromide to help kill the algae. Sodium Bromide is very effective. However, it does "use up" some of the chlorine, so don't overdo it. I suggest one Capful be added to one gallon of liquid chlorine. So, if you add 8 gallons of liquid chlorine, four capfuls of Sodium Bromide should be sufficient. If you want some of the chlorine to be active, you don't want to add eight capfuls of sodium bromide to the pool. Each Capful is about 4 oz. 

Step Five: Run the pool for 24-48 hours straight. You may have to add more chlorine after 24 hours and clean the filter again—no need to vacuum the pool yet. Let everything slowly settle to the bottom first. This may take a couple of days. 

Step 6: After the pool has cleared enough for you to see the bottom, you can manually vacuum out the pool. The stuff on the bottom will be dead algae and other organics like dead mosquito larvae and other bugs and plants. If you have a sand filter or a D.E. Filter with a "Waste Mode," vacuum the pool with the Multiport Valve to that setting. If you do not have a backwash valve with a "Waste Mode," you can vacuum directly into the filter. Note that you must clean the filter after vacuuming if you do not vacuum to Waste. 

A portable clean-up pump comes in handy here, but it is an investment of about $200. If you plan on using it again, it would be a worthwhile investment; otherwise, vacuum and clean the filter.
It may take a week or two to clear up completely, but the pool will eventually become crystal clear blue. 

FLOC?:
Using a pool Floc has its benefits, and you should purchase a bottle or dry container of Aluminum Sulphate (Floc) to help accelerate your pool's recovery. The Floc will help clump up all dead algae and organic particles and sink them to the pool bottom. Generally, you will leave your pool off for 24-48 hours for the Floc to be more effective. Once everything drops to the bottom, the pool will be much more transparent, and everything will be easier to vacuum. In most cases, you must have a filter with a multiport valve to vacuum it to "Waste." You can also use a portable clean-up pump if you have one. Floc is optional but can help to clear the pool up faster, especially if you have an inefficient filter type like a Sand Filter.