How to prevent algae even when I stay on top of chemicals

PoolStudent · Sep 21, 2014

I have been testing my pool daily for FC, CC and pH and have not had my FC go below 4 for a CYA of 30ish. My CC has not gone above 0.5. I also try and keep the pH at 7.4 to 7.5.

I run my pump at 1000 rpm for 10 hours and 1500 rpm for 2 hours each day.

I have been brushing the pool twice a week and vacuuming once a week.

My water has been very clear, and it got a bit grayish today cause I brushed everything up. We have been getting a lot of rain again. I started a SLAM and it should be a short one and I know I need to pass the 3 tests.

Can I fix my problem by running the pump at a higher rpm for a few hours? Something like 1000 rpm for 9 hours and 2000 rpm for 3 hours, and maybe I can cut down the hours I run the pump at 1000 if I do this. Or is the best solution to just get a pool cleaner and run it a few times a week.

tim5055 · Sep 21, 2014

Are you sure it was algae and not just dirt or plaster dust in the pool? When I sweep mine I always get a grayish "cloud", but it's not algae.

Proper chlorination will keep the bad stuff away.

My pool robot cleans this stuff up. I usually run it once/twice a week.

PoolStudent · Sep 21, 2014

It was greenish when I swept the floor. Other times I see a little white powder move around. It is hard for me to tell if it was algae or just dirt as it was mostly on the bottom but all over the pool.

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tim5055 · Sep 21, 2014

PoolStudent said:
It was greenish when I swept the floor. Other times I see a little white powder move around. It is hard for me to tell if it was algae or just dirt as it was mostly on the bottom but all over the pool.

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I'm going to bet if you do a OCLT tonight you will pass.

PoolStudent · Sep 21, 2014

Last time I called it an algae bloom could have been dirt too cause I never failed the oclt test. Could be my filter but the pressure hasn't gone up on the gauge and it seems to be working.

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tim5055 · Sep 21, 2014

I find that I'm always second guessing myself. It may be time to relax and fire up the blender.

PoolStudent · Sep 22, 2014

Well I found that my filter's pressure went up from 2 psi to 4 psi. I cleaned it out this morning and the pressure went down. This was down at 1500 rpm. I'm thinking I might do the filter pressure test at a higher rpm so that I can see a more substantial pressure reading.

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jblizzle · Sep 22, 2014

I would highly recommend you read the pressures at a higher RPM to know when you get a 20-25% pressure rise indicating a need to clean it.

Also, the liquid filled gauges from tftestkits.net are really nice and easier to read since they are larger and only go from 0-30psi with 0.5psi lines.