Possible Cause of Algae

[GypsmJim]

I had a lot of problems last year with recurring algae. After finding this site and following all the rules listed here I finally solved it. So far this year the chemistry is perfect and the water crystal clear.

It occurred to me that last year we had a bunch of kids use the pool regularly, and subsequently found out they were pein in the water.

I realize urine is sterile, but could that have an effect on algae growth?

 

[Donldson]

A little yes, mostly no. Pee neutralizes chlorine, but it is so little that it will have no noticeable effect in a properly chlorinated pool. Your problem last year was almost certainly not maintaining a high enough FC level for your CYA level and algae was able to take a hold. If a tiny bit of urine had any effect on that then your FC level was already too low to begin with.

 

[Richard320]

Urine will feed algae, but it doesn't create it. The algae had to be there to start with, which points to insufficient chlorine.

If you have one of those colorblock testers that says 1-3 FC is ideal, ignore it. That only applies to water with no CYA. Adhere to the FC/CYA chart.

 

[GypsmJim]

Thanks for the comments.

My CYA was too high and the CL too low last year. My test strips didn't tell me the truth and i didn't know about this site. You guys got me straightened out.

Thanks again...