Getting rid of Black Algae

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S

shorembo

0
Silver Supporter
Jan 24, 2012
53
SW Florida
My pool is:
Crystalcrete
Outdoor / unscreened
17,000 gallons
Salt generator
12 years old
Hayward C1750 Cartridge filter

My problem is that for the life of my pool, I would get a few small black spots in etched holes in the concrete starting in late summer. This usually went away by brushing the pool then sprinkling chlorine (originally used some Black Spot crystals then I switched over to just a regular pack of shock) and let it settle to the bottom of the pool overnight (without running the pump). The above process usually took care of things.

It seems this summer my attack is worse. I am now getting the same stuff in the tile grout around the water line. I have tried the chlorine crystal treatment a few times but it just seems to be alot worse this year.

Is there any help?

I did get a little of the black/green stuff from the tile grout and smeared it on white paper. It was interesting because it did not smear too good. Basically crumbled but left a thin dark green smear on the paper.

(Not that this might make a difference but I was using Jacks Magic for a number of years regulary but quit using it around two years ago)

Here are my test numbers (from pinch-a-penny testing)
Total Chlorine = 5.0 ppm
Free Chlorine = 5.00 ppm
Combined Chlorine = 0.0 ppm
pH = 8.0
Acid Demand = 4
Total Alkalinity = 160 ppm
Calcium Hardness = 370 ppm
Stabilizer = 90 ppm
Salt = 3,500 ppm

Thanks for any help.
 
Welcome to the best pool site on the web! We have the way to fix your pool!

First off you need to do a little learning. I have posted three links for you. One is how to put your pool in your siggy so everyone that reads your posts will know your pool. The second is the meat of what we want you to learn-the ABC of pool water chemistry. The third is a link to show you the BEST water test kits that will help you take control of your pool.

http://www.troublefreepool.com/content/115-read-before-you-post

http://www.troublefreepool.com/content/123-abc-of-pool-water-chemistry

http://www.troublefreepool.com/content/124-pool-test-kits-comparison

For right now maybe you can get a cheap ph test to get your ph down. Once you get your ph down you can add a gallon of chlorine/bleach so things do not get worse before you get in a good test kit.

Once you get a good test kit you will be able to start the SLAM as told in this link:

http://www.troublefreepool.com/content/126-defeating-algae

I hope you find this helpful and gives you hope that you CAN get rid of the black yuckies forever.

Kim
 
Great! You are on the way!

Bleach/chlorine-yes you can just use store bleach so long as it is NOT no splash, added smells, etc. It needs to be JUST bleach.

You should also look around for your best source for bleach/chlorine as far as price and convenience. Here is a neat link to help your figure out the best price.

http://poncatechsquad.com/Dan/Chlorine/

Some people find their best price at Walmart, Lowes, ACE Hardware, pool store, etc. Just make sure to check the % AND date code before you buy. With ACE and the pool store you will have to "rent" their jugs but it pays off in the end for me.

Kim
 
Do I need to adjust my CYA levels prior to slamming the pool? (I know the pH needs to be lowered)

Here are my test numbers
Total Chlorine = 5.0 ppm
Free Chlorine = 5.0 ppm
Combined Chlorine = 0.0 ppm
pH = 8.0
Total Alkalinity = 150 ppm
Calcium Hardness = 250 ppm
Stabilizer = 30 ppm
Salt = 3,500 ppm
 
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