Just started SLAM #3 this season...what am I doing wrong?
- Thread starter Jellwood
- Start date
I’m so sorry...was not intending to be a Newbie nuisance or disregard any TFP principles with theoretical guessing. I am truly grateful for all advice and help I have received here.
Will SLAM and attempt to finish it correctly.
Thanks @markayash and @BadDogPSD. We’re pretty much done with pollen here. Whatever it is, I’m sure the slam will kill it!
Look up caterpillar poop or frass. We had it last year and it took a long time to figure out what it was. Ours started in the pool but I soon noticed it all over the deck. Hard and black while dry but as soon as they get wet it turns green. Touch it then, and it turned to slime.
Wow that sounds VERY similar!! Thank you!! I’ll let you know what I find out!!! How did you figure it out!??
Once I realized it was coming from outside the pool and not a form of algae, I just googled as best I could and got lucky.
Been reading a lot about setting up a hot tub and how Ahhh-Some is highly recommended to clean the bio-film and gunk from the pipes and tub. I read through this entire thread and can't help but think that "slimy and gelatinous" sounds like the stuff you get out of your pipes when you clean your hot tub. I am probably way off but just thought I'd mention it. I know they make a version for pools but I DO NOT recall ever seeing it recommended here, so I wouldn't try it without an experts blessing. Just thought I'd throw this out there for discussion. Good luck!
Wow! Am currently reading some TFP threads about frass/caterpillar poop from oak tree caterpillars and we have TONS of huge oak trees all around the pool. Our decking is a mess of old bricks/weeds/anthills so I never noticed the poop but I bet it’s small and everywhere (and in my pool!!!).
Not sure what to do...need to read more...caterpillars will keep eating and pooping and will outlast any SLAM!
Maybe shut off main drain and use hair nets on skimmers? If it floats first it might catch most of it
OKAY! @jlt19 I think you are RIGHT!!! THANK YOU!!! Did some reading and actually found some TFP threads about oak tree caterpillar poop. 
We have tons of huge white oaks all around the pool and I have noticed several dead caterpillars in my dolphin filter basket lately. The shape, color and consistency descriptions fit exactly what I’m seeing.
Also. The frass theory helps explain:
1) why the spots were “appearing out of nowhere” all day long (falling from the trees!)
2) why the spots would sit on the bottom and/or float and I could scoop them with the net
3) frass is apparently acidic...we have faint iron staining on our liner but there are mysterious “clean” white circles/spots all over the pool bottom... maybe Frass fell there and sat for a bit! Who knew frass acid could possibly treat iron stains???
And ew. This stuff must be everywhere in our yard and pool deck and I just never noticed it.
I do still need to finish my slam, hopefully tomorrow. @markayash, in the meantime I will get those hairnets in the skimmers and try to skim out as much frass as I can before it hits the filter. Here’s hoping caterpillar season ends sooooon!!
Thank you, everybody!!!
We have tons of huge white oaks all around the pool and I have noticed several dead caterpillars in my dolphin filter basket lately. The shape, color and consistency descriptions fit exactly what I’m seeing. Also. The frass theory helps explain:
1) why the spots were “appearing out of nowhere” all day long (falling from the trees!)
2) why the spots would sit on the bottom and/or float and I could scoop them with the net
3) frass is apparently acidic...we have faint iron staining on our liner but there are mysterious “clean” white circles/spots all over the pool bottom... maybe Frass fell there and sat for a bit! Who knew frass acid could possibly treat iron stains???
And ew. This stuff must be everywhere in our yard and pool deck and I just never noticed it.
I do still need to finish my slam, hopefully tomorrow. @markayash, in the meantime I will get those hairnets in the skimmers and try to skim out as much frass as I can before it hits the filter. Here’s hoping caterpillar season ends sooooon!!
Thank you, everybody!!!
Butterflies are a gift so just wait for natures beautyOKAY! @jlt19 I think you are RIGHT!!! THANK YOU!!! Did some reading and actually found some TFP threads about oak tree caterpillar poop.
Also. The frass theory helps explain:
1) why the spots were “appearing out of nowhere” all day long (falling from the trees!)
2) why the spots would sit on the bottom and/or float and I could scoop them with the net
3) frass is apparently acidic...we have faint iron staining on our liner but there are mysterious “clean” white circles/spots all over the pool bottom... maybe Frass fell there and sat for a bit! Who knew frass acid could possibly treat iron stains???
And ew. This stuff must be everywhere in our yard and pool deck and I just never noticed it.
I do still need to finish my slam, hopefully tomorrow. @markayash, in the meantime I will get those hairnets in the skimmers and try to skim out as much frass as I can before it hits the filter. Here’s hoping caterpillar season ends sooooon!!
Thank you, everybody!!!
Messages from the Caterpillar
This past week, as we spent time on the deck with family and friends, we experienced an unexpected guest. Under the table, where bare feet...
The frass wasn't what caused the algae issue I don't believe. I just became super vigilant about skimming and keeping the deck clean (also used skimmer socks). I do think it happened much later in the season though and it only lasted a week or so. Or we closed (can't remember).
We ended up having the large oak removed this May because of this, leaves, acorns, and the amount of shade it caused (kept pool cold). So no more frass for us, but I'm happy you were able to at least pinpoint what you've been dealing with. Sometimes that's harder than anything!
Ah! I love this!!!Messages from the Caterpillar
This past week, as we spent time on the deck with family and friends, we experienced an unexpected guest. Under the table, where bare feet...www.finding-the-peace.com
Yes!! Thank you so much. SLAM for the “actual” algae issue we also had is going well today so far. Water is clear...not quite amazing TFP perfection clear...but pretty darn good and will see if I pass the OCLT tonight.