Help me get my pool ready
- Thread starter EJ797
- Start date
Just got home and tested: FC 15
Added chlorine
Wasn't able to brush today but the water is crystal clear it seems. I'll brush in the morning and give it an extra day to make up for not brushing today. I'll post in the morning but won't be able to do an overnight test till tomorrow night...
Does that seem reasonable?
Added chlorine
Wasn't able to brush today but the water is crystal clear it seems. I'll brush in the morning and give it an extra day to make up for not brushing today. I'll post in the morning but won't be able to do an overnight test till tomorrow night...
Does that seem reasonable?
Yes. Once your water is crystal clear, the OCLT is the next step to confirm that you lose less than 1ppm FC overnight and test for CC's that are .5 or less. Then you are done with the shock process.
Tested FC this morning: 19.5
Vacuumed and Brushed the pool.
Added chlorine to get me through the day.
Removed the steps from the ladder as I will be replacing them with plastic steps.
Removed the drain cover and found some kind of a blob of rust affixed to the bottom of the drain cavity. I removed what I could and vacuumed it out. I'll try to get the rest tomorrow.
Removed the light and brushed and vacuumed the niche.
Water was crystal clear before I performed the work above:
I have some concerns though. The finish of the pool definitely shows a lack of maintenance prior to, and some during, my ownership of the house. There is calcium scaling and pitting. The scaling is green which tells me there is some kind of algae in it. The pitting also has a ting of color leading me to believe there is algae in it as well.
The scaling is not that bad and can be addressed with a pumice stone I believe. What should I do about the algae in the pitting?
Also, there is a black algae, I believe, that grows like little cotton balls:
The previous owners had a finish applied on top of the existing finish but stopped below the tile line. This black algae is most prevalent where the two finishes meet. The shock process hasn't killed this algae yet.
I'm willing to bet the overnight test is going to be fine tomorrow and I will be able to take the FC up to Mustard Algae levels which is the plan. Although, I plan on getting some pumice stone and getting rid of the scaling first. Is there anything else I can do to help resolve the problems listed above?
Vacuumed and Brushed the pool.
Added chlorine to get me through the day.
Removed the steps from the ladder as I will be replacing them with plastic steps.
Removed the drain cover and found some kind of a blob of rust affixed to the bottom of the drain cavity. I removed what I could and vacuumed it out. I'll try to get the rest tomorrow.
Removed the light and brushed and vacuumed the niche.
Water was crystal clear before I performed the work above:
I have some concerns though. The finish of the pool definitely shows a lack of maintenance prior to, and some during, my ownership of the house. There is calcium scaling and pitting. The scaling is green which tells me there is some kind of algae in it. The pitting also has a ting of color leading me to believe there is algae in it as well.
The scaling is not that bad and can be addressed with a pumice stone I believe. What should I do about the algae in the pitting?
Also, there is a black algae, I believe, that grows like little cotton balls:
The previous owners had a finish applied on top of the existing finish but stopped below the tile line. This black algae is most prevalent where the two finishes meet. The shock process hasn't killed this algae yet.
I'm willing to bet the overnight test is going to be fine tomorrow and I will be able to take the FC up to Mustard Algae levels which is the plan. Although, I plan on getting some pumice stone and getting rid of the scaling first. Is there anything else I can do to help resolve the problems listed above?
There is no point in performing the OCLT if you still have visible algae. It all need to be gone before you lower the FC down to normal levels.
I'm not going down to normal levels, I am raising the FC to Mustard Algae levels. Should I still wait to raise the levels? (BTW, Love your kit. I should have bought the XL option though. I had to reorder some reagent to get me through this...)
Also, should I be brushing with a stainless steel brush? All this time I have been using one with plactic bristles...
Also, should I be brushing with a stainless steel brush? All this time I have been using one with plactic bristles...
For the black algae you'll need a steel brush...it'll rip the tops off the clumps so the stuff underneath can get killed. Expect to do it a few times!
So, now I plan to focus on the calcium scaling with pumice stones and the black algea with a stainless steel brush. Once those issues are resolved I'll raise the FC to Mustard Algae levels... Any advice on the pitting that seems to have algea in it?
Attacking black algae is a long-term proposition. It includes brushing with a steel brush as often as possible (without damaging plaster) and persistent dosages of higher than normal chlorine but not shock value levels.
I would suggest a guideline of about twice the normal FC for your CYA level and then hold that FC by testing ONCE every other day or so and then adding enough chlorine to get back to that same level.
This may take more than a couple of weeks even. Meanwhile, it is fine to swim in your pool and enjoy it once your temps allow.
I assume you have POSITIVELY identified it as black algae by getting some between your thumb and finger and rubbing it flat. It should be slimy and VERY dark greenish.
I would suggest a guideline of about twice the normal FC for your CYA level and then hold that FC by testing ONCE every other day or so and then adding enough chlorine to get back to that same level.
This may take more than a couple of weeks even. Meanwhile, it is fine to swim in your pool and enjoy it once your temps allow.
I assume you have POSITIVELY identified it as black algae by getting some between your thumb and finger and rubbing it flat. It should be slimy and VERY dark greenish.
Is the stainless steel brush, given the other issues I have, a good idea regardless of the black algae or is it just for black algae? What else would I use such a brush for?
Well, I suppose it might help remove other things on your pool walls, floor or decking. I have suggested it to you for working with black algae.
I have a vinyl-lined pool and do not have a stainless brush
I have a vinyl-lined pool and do not have a stainless brush
It can help a little with scale, but not enough to make it worth your time spent brushing.
I assume you have POSITIVELY identified it as black algae by getting some between your thumb and finger and rubbing it flat. It should be slimy and VERY dark greenish.
Sorry, no not yet. I meant to say that before the question regarding uses for the stainless steel brush...
Identify it for sure. You'll waste your time treating for black algae if it's not black algae.
Okay, I was able rub some of the black algae between my fingers and it is in fact a dark green. I wan't able to really tell if it was slimey though... So, I would think it is definetly algae because it is green and from what I've read it seems like black algae. Is there another type of algae it could be?
I think you've got it; it's black algae...that's the only kind that forms the little mounds of dark green.
Alright, I tested last night when I got home:
FC 14.5
PSI 12.5
I added chlorine last night and tested again this morning:
FC 21
PSI 12.5
Today I will hopefully be able to attack the scaling with a pumice stone and the black algea with a SS Brush. My larger concern at this point is the remaining issue with what seems to be algea in the pitting on the walls. Is that possible or could it be another type of stain?
FC 14.5
PSI 12.5
I added chlorine last night and tested again this morning:
FC 21
PSI 12.5
Today I will hopefully be able to attack the scaling with a pumice stone and the black algea with a SS Brush. My larger concern at this point is the remaining issue with what seems to be algea in the pitting on the walls. Is that possible or could it be another type of stain?
I do not understand. It sounds like you have identified the black algae correctly and we have discussed how to treat for it. Rephrase what you are asking (or maybe I am just not getting it
)I'm dealing with a multitude of issues; Likely Mustard Algea; Black Algae, Algae in calcium scaling and what seems to be Algae in some pitting of my finish.
I have maintained the pool at regular shock level since Sunday brushing and vacuuming daily (except for one day that my schedule didn't allow for brushing and vaccuming) The water is now clear but I have identified the black algea and algea in the scaling and pitting (I believe) now that I have gone in the pool for other reasons. I'm not sure if that explains where I am. I have tried to be very detailed in my posts from the begining of the thread. A quick read from the begining should provide a clear picture of where I am if your willing and able to run through it. I appreciate all the help. (BTW, the pool does look better now than I've ever seen it. I just want to make sure I address all the issues before I bring the FC to normal levels. Also, I still have to raise the FC to Mustard Algea levels and brush.)
I have maintained the pool at regular shock level since Sunday brushing and vacuuming daily (except for one day that my schedule didn't allow for brushing and vaccuming) The water is now clear but I have identified the black algea and algea in the scaling and pitting (I believe) now that I have gone in the pool for other reasons. I'm not sure if that explains where I am. I have tried to be very detailed in my posts from the begining of the thread. A quick read from the begining should provide a clear picture of where I am if your willing and able to run through it. I appreciate all the help. (BTW, the pool does look better now than I've ever seen it. I just want to make sure I address all the issues before I bring the FC to normal levels. Also, I still have to raise the FC to Mustard Algea levels and brush.)
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