Hi all - I am a new pool owner and not sure what to do next. Above ground pool, bleach, 18x34 oval. Pool is blue but cloudy, with some yellowish/green sediment on bottom of pool. I think it is mustard algae because the pool steps feel slimy, but not sure if pollen acts that way too.
Used TF-100 Test Kit and got following levels:
TC - 5
Br - 10
FC - 14
CC - 1
CYA - 60
PH - 7.5
TA - 130
Do I shock it when FC is already at 14?
Or do I add algaecide and leave chlorine levels alone?
Is it safe to swim with FC at 14?
What about using pool clarifier?
Thanks for any input you can provide to this newbie....
Welcome to the forum.
Can you post some pictures as well as add your pool's info into your signature? The pool info will help others with your questions. Don't forget to list your TF-100!
http://www.troublefreepool.com/content/115-read-before-you-post
With a CYA of 60ppm, your daily FC target is 7ppm, with the absolute minimum at 5ppm. Shock FC level is 24ppm. Your current level of FC 14ppm is somewhat elevated, but quite shy of killing anything that doesn't belong in the water.
http://www.troublefreepool.com/content/128-chlorine-cya-chart-slam-shock
Cloudy water is almost always a chemistry issue, and chlorine is the remedy, just chlorine. Please do not waste your money on algaecides or clarifiers, which usually do more harm than good, they are not silver bullets. Why would you suspect mustard algae, which is somewhat rare?
With your descriptions like 'slimy', I would suspect algae. Does it sort of 'poof' away when brushed? (you are brushing, right?).
If this were my pool, I would begin a SLAM:
http://www.troublefreepool.com/content/125-slam-shock-level-and-maintain-shockingl
We do not advocate the pool $tore 'Shock & Pray" mantra. A SLAM is a maintained elevated FC level based on your CYA level. The SLAM is maintained until all organics (eg algae) are destroyed (oxidized by chlorine), and is confirmed by passing the three required criteria of the SLAM:
1) Water that is clear of algae, dead or alive
2) OCLT pass (
http://www.troublefreepool.com/content/136-perform-the-overnight-fc-chlorine-loss-test-oclt)
3) CC's are 0.5ppm or less
How do you normally chlorinate the pool?
Also be sure to check out
Pool School, especially
The ABC's of Pool Water Chemistry &
Pool Chemistry.
And of course, ask any questions you have, and please keep all of them in this thread, it makes it easier to follow.
Great to have you with us,
Dom