Is this... black algae?

peacefulkancer

Gold Supporter
LifeTime Supporter
Aug 5, 2013
219
Chandler, AZ
Pool Size
12000
Surface
Plaster
Chlorine
Salt Water Generator
SWG Type
Pentair Intellichlor IC-40
For this season I have something black on my [horizontal] walls. I've SLAMed twice and done the OCLT twice which came back 0ppm and 1ppm respectively. I wire brush these areas at least once a day and nothing ever changes. The areas have probably doubled since February, when I first noticed them. The filter has been cleaned and recharged.

Last Test:
FC: 7.5
CC: 0
TA: 110
CH: 400
pH: 8
CYA: 45
NaCl: 3000

I know the CH is high but this is pretty much what comes out of the tap here in Phoenix, AZ. Area is not raised or slimy - feels like rest of pebbletec. Almost seems like it is the plaster, which is normally a brownish color.

On bottom step in corner with a little up on second step:
GOPR0022 (Medium).JPG

GOPR0023 (Medium).JPG
 
Did the filter have any turquoise or gray stains?

It might be copper or silver.

Have you used copper or silver algaecide?

Drop some vitamin C on it to see what happens.
 
Did the filter have any turquoise or gray stains?

It might be copper or silver.

Have you used copper or silver algaecide?

Drop some vitamin C on it to see what happens.
Turquoise - I would say no. It was mostly the normal brownish sand with a tinge of green like it always is. This water is only about 2 years old and I've never used any silver, copper, or any other algaecide in this water. I'm not sure how I would drop Vitamin C on it as it is under water. Help?
 
Get some vitamin C tabs and drop them on a spot.
Cheap Vit C tablets in a sock.....bash it a bit to crush a few up.. .lay sock on stain for a few minutes and see if that lifts the stain or changes it in any way. Report back.

I put a dichlor tablet on one spot for ~3 mins. No effect.
I put crushed Vitamin C tablets on a spot and left for ~15 mins (until they 100% dissolved). No effect.
 
Vitamin C might make a clear spot or a darker spot. Mostly looking for any reaction or difference.

The stain might be mottling.

 
Vitamin C might make a clear spot or a darker spot. Mostly looking for any reaction or difference.

The stain might be mottling.

Interesting with the mottling. I wonder why it is suddenly showing up and seemingly "spreading."
 

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Has anyone ever tried pressure washing with water still in the pool? The water would reduce the psi seen on the pebbletec. Thoughts?
 
So a few things... I tried pressure washing and nothing came off. Secondly, I went in and inspected it up close with goggles. It looks like it is the non-rock part (the aggregate?) that is turning from brown to black. Is this mottling?
 
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