algae or plaster dust?

[iain42]

I kept my pool open year round and kept chemicals in check and fairly clean. I just like to have it running as it looks nice. For the worst part of the winter I did leave a cover on the pool. The pool is grey plaster almost a year old. I noticed when I jumped in to start scrubbing the steps and side walls that sometimes a bit of grey dust would show up in the water. Is this from the plaster or could it be algea? Is there a way to tell for sure?

The pool has done this consistently. I bumped my chlorine levels to be on the safe side. We are adding an SWG tomorrow so that should help in the future.


Currently
FC 12
PH 7.4
CH 330
TA 80
CYA 50
SALT 3200
Water Temp 64

 

[Oly]

The overnight free chlorine loss test is a good method to determine if algae is an issue. If it's not algae then it it may be small particle dirt and dust that is accumulating on the surface and settling on the bottom. What do you use to clean the pool floor and walls?

 

[iain42]

The overnight free chlorine loss test is a good method to determine if algae is an issue. If it's not algae then it it may be small particle dirt and dust that is accumulating on the surface and settling on the bottom. What do you use to clean the pool floor and walls?

Yeah I forgot about the overnight test. I'll get back into the swing of things.

I just use a generac wide pool brush. This year I hope to get a pool cleaning bot.


I am thinking of getting one of those mits for cleaning around the stairs.

 

[Oly]

Do an OCLT to rule out algae. So you are brushing that's good but to clean your pool are you hand vacuuming or relying on your bottom drain? If you can manage the up front cost of a robot you should embrace the technology it has many advantages for pool owners.

 

[bmoreswim]

If you pass our OCLT, then it's debris, whether plaster or just common dust-like debris. I used a pressure side cleaner for several years and would routinely see little plumes of dust come off the bottom when brushing or walking, even if the cleaner had just run. Then when I got a robot, and BAM! It's gone. Dolphin robots with dual filtration do an amazing job of getting all that stuff out. And they brush some for you. Though maybe not a proper substitute for real brushing, many opt to do less brushing once they get a robot.

 

[iain42]

Do an OCLT to rule out algae. So you are brushing that's good but to clean your pool are you hand vacuuming or relying on your bottom drain? If you can manage the up front cost of a robot you should embrace the technology it has many advantages for pool owners.

I will do an OCLT. I am back to brushing twice a week. I'll get a robot this year.

 

[iain42]

If you pass our OCLT, then it's debris, whether plaster or just common dust-like debris. I used a pressure side cleaner for several years and would routinely see little plumes of dust come off the bottom when brushing or walking, even if the cleaner had just run. Then when I got a robot, and BAM! It's gone. Dolphin robots with dual filtration do an amazing job of getting all that stuff out. And they brush some for you. Though maybe not a proper substitute for real brushing, many opt to do less brushing once they get a robot.

Dang you guys are really making me want to buy a robot ASAP. Thanks for the advice!!!!

 

[Oly]

Doheny's Discovery, S200, Active20, Triton owners club

Pretty excited, I just ordered my first robotic pool cleaner. I chose the Doheny Discovery, which appears to be the same model as the Maytronics Dolphin S 200 / Active 20 models. As of today, the Doheny's Discovery was on sale for $649.00 with free shipping and no tax, which helped smooth over...

www.troublefreepool.com

Check out this thread for more info on robots.

 

[bmoreswim]

Doheny's Discovery, S200, Active20, Triton owners club

Pretty excited, I just ordered my first robotic pool cleaner. I chose the Doheny Discovery, which appears to be the same model as the Maytronics Dolphin S 200 / Active 20 models. As of today, the Doheny's Discovery was on sale for $649.00 with free shipping and no tax, which helped smooth over...

www.troublefreepool.com

Check out this thread for more info on robots.

79 pages and counting of robot goodness.

 

[iain42]

Early afternoon I jumped in the pool and scrubbed the pool well. It was a little cloudy when I was finished. Turned off the system and started OCLT 9pm first test and 7:20am second test. 10.8 or .6 to 10.0. It says if OCLT looses 1ppm or less we pass. I guess this is a pass. I will run one more time tomorrow.

FC 10ppm
PH 7.8
TA 90
CH 350
CYA 80
Salt 4200
Temp 76