It's not algae after all........help!

[kabs996]

I was able to use the catfish to suck some of it up but some of the debris went right through the skimmer sock. Then catfish died. So I will have to do it again once charged but it seems to be fine dust or dirt in clumps at the bottom. Could this be an algae problem?

 

[duraleigh]

Both pictures posted are dead algae (possible some living as well) but it is not sand.

 

[kabs996]

Both pictures posted are dead algae (possible some living as well) but it is not sand.

So what do I do? I slammed the pool at the beginning of the season.

 

[Texas Splash]

So what do I do? I slammed the pool at the beginning of the season.

Follow the SLAM Process once again.

 

[kabs996]

When i brush it up its the color of dirt like a brownish yellow tint. Could it be mustard algae?

 

[Texas Splash]

When i brush it up its the color of dirt like a brownish yellow tint. Could it be mustard algae?

While not as common as many think, it's possible. But even if it is, the regular SLAM Process is still step #1. Once all 3 SLAM criteria are compete, then you can increase the FC to mustard level for 24 hrs.

How cold is your water now? Getting close to 60 degrees yet?

 

[kabs996]

While not as common as many think, it's possible. But even if it is, the regular SLAM Process is still step #1. Once all 3 SLAM criteria are compete, then you can increase the FC to mustard level for 24 hrs.

How cold is your water now? Getting close to 60 degrees yet?

Noooooo I dont have a thermometer in it but its not that cold. Prob low 80's upper 70's.

 

[Texas Splash]

its not that cold. Prob low 80's upper 70's.

No problem, Just curious to see how close you are to closing. The cooler water should help with the SLAM Process. As a reminder, if the pH is 7.2, you're ready to increase the FC. But I'd recommend removing the ladder and inspecting it really well. Maybe disassemble any parts you can.

 

[kabs996]

No problem, Just curious to see how close you are to closing. The cooler water should help with the SLAM Process. As a reminder, if the pH is 7.2, you're ready to increase the FC. But I'd recommend removing the ladder and inspecting it really well. Maybe disassemble any parts you can.

I will probably close it in the next 3 weeks. I have step in stairs and use concrete inside pvc pipes to weigh them down.

 

[Texas Splash]

I will probably close it in the next 3 weeks. I have step in stairs and use concrete inside pvc pipes to weigh them down.

Ooooooh. Those may be your issue as well. Steps are notorious for hiding algae.

 

[kabs996]

Ooooooh. Those may be your issue as well. Steps are notorious for hiding algae.

How do I find the algae on them?

 

[Texas Splash]

How do I find the algae on them?

It's not so much on them, but in and under them. Any hollow spots. Also those PVC tubes used to help hold them down. Often times there are gaps or voids under stairs and weights like that. Common with wedding cake steps as well. Just something to keep in mind.

 

[JamesW]

Looks like mustard algae.

 

[kabs996]

So I just brushed my pool and this is definitely sand.

 

[JamesW]

You said that it went through a skimmer sock.

Sand does not go through a skimmer sock.

 

[kabs996]

 

[kabs996]

You said that it went through a skimmer sock.

Sand does not go through a skimmer sock.

You're right this stuff is sitting at the bottom of the pool.

 

[kabs996]

So I think I have sand getting in pool somehow and a possible algae problem. How in the world is sand getting into the pool? Like I said we cannot find a tear anywhere but this sand resembles the same coarse sand that is under the liner. My son swam last night and isn't it possible that swimming will stir up the water and the movement could suck the sand up through a hole? I am really baffled with this pool........

 

[JamesW]

Can you vacuum it up?

If it goes through a sock, it's not sand.

The yellow is probably beta-carotene, which is in mustard algae. The yellow is why it's called "mustard". Beta-carotene is the chemical that makes carrots orange and squash yellow.

Beta-carotene is a chlorine neutralizer. It's an antioxidant. It's one of the reasons that mustard algae is so hard to kill.

 

[kabs996]

Can you vacuum it up?

If it goes through a sock, it's not sand.

The yellow is probably beta-carotene, which is in mustard algae. The yellow is why it's called "mustard". Beta-carotene is the chemical that makes carrots orange and squash yellow.

Beta-carotene is a chlorine neutralizer. It's an antioxidant. It's one of the reasons that mustard algae is so hard to kill.

Yes when I vacuum it up it is a coarse sand in the vacuum bag. How do I get rid of mustard algae? I have been dealing with this for a few years now. It's awful. Now since opening my pool in May my liner is stained yellow all around the walls and I cannot brush it off.