Hi,
I need some advice from the experts here. I have some organic algae pool stains (I assume thats what this is) I am having trouble removing completely. Last year (2016) my pool was a swamp (see dark green pic) and as a result I still have some stains from that time. I have since learned how to balance the water properly and keep it algae free (thanks to this site of course). However, There are still stains I am having trouble removing (see pics)
My numbers as of this afternoon are
16,000 gallon pool
PH=(7.8 - a little elevated I think? due to adding 30 oz of 12.5% liquid chlorine to raise the FC last night)
FC = 5.5
CC = 0
TA = 80
CH = 250
CYA = 25 (black dot barely visible at 25)
In the last 2 weeks or so I kept the pool at shock level for 3-4 days (16-20 FC) which is a higher shock level needed for a CYA of 25 ish.. I had read that keeping the pool at shock level and brushing with pool twice a day (with a steel brush) would remove the stains. While it did a pretty good job (notice the streaks.. as it was solid brown prior to shock level so it did remove a good bit) there are quite a few stains left. I also tried pumice stone and it took a lot off (notice the much blue walls just below the tile in some areas).. However, pumice stone that I found doesn't last long and isn't cheap. I would need too many stones and a lot of elbow grease to clean all the stains...
So I went to my pool chemical supplier (this Is not Leslies!. Trust me been down that road and never again.....great prices at this place comparatively speaking) to pick up some liquid chlorine and I showed the owner the pics. He seemed to think it was algae that was still alive? I hadn't even considered that as the water has been balanced for quite some time and I have passed the "Overnight FC loss test" quite some time ago.. (i.e I tested back in march and have been maintaining a FC of 5 at this point. I think these are just stains from last year (see green swamp pic) vs living algae? SO.....
Any info/advice is greatly appreciated as always..
Thanks
James
I need some advice from the experts here. I have some organic algae pool stains (I assume thats what this is) I am having trouble removing completely. Last year (2016) my pool was a swamp (see dark green pic) and as a result I still have some stains from that time. I have since learned how to balance the water properly and keep it algae free (thanks to this site of course). However, There are still stains I am having trouble removing (see pics)
My numbers as of this afternoon are
16,000 gallon pool
PH=(7.8 - a little elevated I think? due to adding 30 oz of 12.5% liquid chlorine to raise the FC last night)
FC = 5.5
CC = 0
TA = 80
CH = 250
CYA = 25 (black dot barely visible at 25)
In the last 2 weeks or so I kept the pool at shock level for 3-4 days (16-20 FC) which is a higher shock level needed for a CYA of 25 ish.. I had read that keeping the pool at shock level and brushing with pool twice a day (with a steel brush) would remove the stains. While it did a pretty good job (notice the streaks.. as it was solid brown prior to shock level so it did remove a good bit) there are quite a few stains left. I also tried pumice stone and it took a lot off (notice the much blue walls just below the tile in some areas).. However, pumice stone that I found doesn't last long and isn't cheap. I would need too many stones and a lot of elbow grease to clean all the stains...
So I went to my pool chemical supplier (this Is not Leslies!. Trust me been down that road and never again.....great prices at this place comparatively speaking) to pick up some liquid chlorine and I showed the owner the pics. He seemed to think it was algae that was still alive? I hadn't even considered that as the water has been balanced for quite some time and I have passed the "Overnight FC loss test" quite some time ago.. (i.e I tested back in march and have been maintaining a FC of 5 at this point. I think these are just stains from last year (see green swamp pic) vs living algae? SO.....
- If I pass the Overnight FC loss test-- there is no living algae correct? These should be just "organic algae stains" I presume left over from last year? Again a lot of the stains were removed by shocking the pool for a few days last week but I seemed to have hit a plateau on removing the remaining stains shown and my rotator cuff is about worn out from brushing so much!
- I'm Assuming these are just organic stains at this point (I'll do another FC loss test tonight for good measure) to confirm unless you guys think different?
- The aforementioned pool chemical supplier also mentioned algaecide as a means to remove said stains shown in the attached pics. However, as previously mentioned, he suggested it might be live algae which makes no sense to me. Cant see how it can be alive based on the #'s I have taken and given here?
- Is there any chance this could be live algae based on the info provided today? If so.. I Guess I just need to go to shock level again until I pass the OFC test which I already have..? seems like a waste of chemicals and $$ in this scenario.
- Assuming its just organic stains-- which I think it is but I'm a novice here... what do you guys/gals suggest at this point? Would a metal eliminator be something to consider even though I cant see how these are metal stains?
Any info/advice is greatly appreciated as always..
Thanks
James