Fixing my Algea Monster overseas with no bleach available

[dhulls]

We spent the last three months of winter (yes we are in the Southern hemisphere) in the States. We came back and our pool is a massive green algae monster. Here is my numbers from the fancy new test kit I got in America.

FC - 0
CC or TC - 0
pH -8.2
TA - 90
CH - 600
CYA - 95

The bottom of the pool is full of leaves. For now I am still mostly trying to remove as much solids as I can.
My main problem is that I can not get Bleach locally (Lesotho or South Africa). I have tried and tried and the only thing I can find is about 6 gallons of 4% for about 35 dollars. If I can't find bleach my only option is to try and use granulated chlorine which will only result in bringing my CYA up again. Any other ideas on what I can do? Thanks again for your help. I will add pictures when I get a chance.

 

[JamesW]

Re: Fixing my Algea Monster overseas with no bleach availabl

I think that with a little bit of searching, you should be able to find sodium hypochlorite.

You could call swimming pool companies who sell supplies, do service or build pools. If they don't sell chemicals, they will usually know who does.

You could call chemical sellers such as building supplies, janitorial, laundry etc. You could call one of the local hotels to see where they buy supplies or who services their swimming pools. Lancer's Inn Maseru, Lesotho Sun Hotel or the Khali Hotel etc.

http://www.approvedlocal.co.za/

http://www.approvedlocal.co.za/search_r ... n=&submit=

http://www.approvedlocal.co.za/find/swi ... l-service/

http://www.approvedlocal.co.za/search_r ... n=&submit=

http://www.approvedlocal.co.za/search_r ... n=&submit=

If necessary, buy the 4 % sodium hypochlorite. The links above seem a little bit slow, but did give multiple results.

 

[faby3003]

Re: Fixing my Algea Monster overseas with no bleach availabl

You could check the price of lithium based granular shock.

 

[dhulls]

Re: Fixing my Algea Monster overseas with no bleach availabl

I have looked around South Africa and Lesotho quite a bit. I have tried in the past to contact several of the hotels, but it is probably time to try again. I have talked to multiple (10 or so) pool suppliers in South Africa. They all claim that it is illegal & extremely dangerous to use Sodium Hypochlorite. So while I can obtain some bleach, it is about 4 times more expensive than it is in the US, and I just can't afford that right now.

 

[JamesW]

Re: Fixing my Algea Monster overseas with no bleach availabl

With your pH and calcium hardness so high, you're probably going to have some scaling. You should lower the pH to prevent further scaling.

You might want to drain and refill, but that is not always a safe thing to do.

 

[duraleigh]

Re: Fixing my Algea Monster overseas with no bleach availabl

dhulls,

Is there no bleach in the grocery stores in South Africa?

 

[guamguy]

Re: Fixing my Algea Monster overseas with no bleach availabl

Once you get the algae cleared up, it sounds like a SWG might be your best option for day-to-day chlorination. I thought that the price of bleach here at $3.35 for a large bottle of Clorox was high!

 

[dhulls]

Re: Fixing my Algea Monster overseas with no bleach availabl

I can buy it in the store but it works out to $6 for a gallon of 3% Bleach. And with the amount needed according to the pool calculator I am trying to find a cheaper way to get my pool up and running.

 

[dhulls]

Re: Fixing my Algea Monster overseas with no bleach availabl

Spent the last few days calling dozens of chemical and cleaning companies in South Africa. Just sourced someone who can manufacture 15% Sodium Hypochlorite. It works out to about $3.80 per gallon in US dollars. Would 150 Liters, (about 40 gallons) be enough to get the pool into shape so I can start using the SWG?

 

[Bama Rambler]

Re: Fixing my Algea Monster overseas with no bleach availabl

150 liters would most likely get the job done unless it's in really bad shape. Even if it is, it's likely enough.

 

[BillV]

Re: Fixing my Algea Monster overseas with no bleach availabl

That's a really good price for 15% !!

 

[dhulls]

Re: Fixing my Algea Monster overseas with no bleach availabl

I've been scammed a few times in South Africa, so we will see how it goes. But the guy sounds legit and knows what he is talking about. The price is great, the next cheapest price I found that is about a 5 hour drive away is about $9.50 per gallon. I have been looking for over a year on and off for bleach and I finally found some and at a great price. Now to just take a day off of work, spend $60 in gas and pick up some bleach.

 

[CUTiger78]

Re: Fixing my Algea Monster overseas with no bleach availabl

How cheap is water? Maybe a drain, clean, & refill would be cheaper. Just a thought.

 

[dhulls]

Re: Fixing my Algea Monster overseas with no bleach availabl

Water would run at $360 to fill it up, so the bleach I finally found would be the way to go. Sometimes I miss being in the States so I can go to Sam's or something and get bleach the easy way. But we do like living in Lesotho for the last 6 years. Still almost freezing at night here, should start getting warmer soon.