Algae again!!!??? Am I testing right? (Video)

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slick-rides

Active member
Jul 8, 2021
27
Cleveland, OH
Ugh! Getting frustrated. Had solar cover on a few days and found algae after taking it off. I've been maintaining a really high chlorine level to prevent this. Don't understand how the algae is surviving. It has me questioning if I'm testing correctly. Here's a video of my chlorine test last evening...


And here's a video of what I assume is the algae...


Slammed a couple weeks ago, and maintained higher than suggested chlorine levels since. Maybe poor circulation is contributing? Skimmer and return jet are on same side of pool, 4-5ft apart which I know isn't ideal. Pool seems to stay the cleanest if the return is aimed straight out and down a tad. Water is crystal clear, I'm running pump 24hrs and rinsing filter daily.

I brushed the algae last night and it dissolves with 2 swipes of brush.
 
Only been using my kit for a week but not sure how the test is affected by not swirling after each drop of R-0871 added?
 
Last edited:
slick-rides said:
Ugh! Getting frustrated. Had solar cover on a few days and found algae after taking it off. I've been maintaining a really high chlorine level to prevent this. Don't understand how the algae is surviving. It has me questioning if I'm testing correctly. Here's a video of my chlorine test last evening...


And here's a video of what I assume is the algae...


Slammed a couple weeks ago, and maintained higher than suggested chlorine levels since. Maybe poor circulation is contributing? Skimmer and return jet are on same side of pool, 4-5ft apart which I know isn't ideal. Pool seems to stay the cleanest if the return is aimed straight out and down a tad. Water is crystal clear, I'm running pump 24hrs and rinsing filter daily.

I brushed the algae last night and it dissolves with 2 swipes of brush.
Click to expand...
I'm a newbie but the directions say: Swirling constantly and counting the number of drops as you go, add R-0871 one drop at a time.

I'm guessing not swirling could be an issue? Maybe try it again with the swirling and see what it does?
 
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Try again,
Swirling with one hand continuously & put the drops in with the other hand at a rate of one drop per second w/ the bottle completely vertical, barely squeezing (u want large drops that fall naturally from the bottle).
The waiting/sitting can result in the pink coming back therefore you end up adding more drops to clear & assuming a higher fc reading than actual.
 
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Mdragger88 said:
Also have u done an Overnight Chlorine Loss Test ?
Regardless, visible algae = SLAM Process time.
Click to expand...
Not since completing the last slam. I just don't understand why algae is able to come back since I've kept chlorine levels much higher than the recommended range since the last slam. Guess I'll slam again in a couple days. Want the kid to be able to use it next couple days.
 
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slick-rides said:
Not since completing the last slam. I just don't understand why algae is able to come back since I've kept chlorine levels much higher than the recommended range since the last slam. Guess I'll slam again in a couple days. Want the kid to be able to use it next couple days.
Click to expand...
It is safe to swim from minimum all the way up to slam level for your cya
 
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@slick-rides
It looks like u had about a 3 day slam - which is pretty quick (unless u were slamming before logging in poolmath).
Are u certain you didn’t end too early? Did u pass ALL 3 end of slam criteria?
Also have you checked/cleaned your ladder/steps? They are terrible about harboring algae.
 
slick-rides said:
Are you saying you can swim during the slam process? My slam minimum is 16, and I'll actually keep it higher to make sure it doesn't drop below that, maybe 20fc
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Yes - it is perfectly safe to swim during slam so long as you can see the bottom of the deep end (whole pool in your case), your fc is between min & slam level for your cya -not higher, & you have adjusted ph to 7.2 before beginning. Most people just re-up slam level after their swimming session is done & carry on.
Going much higher than slam level isn’t advised as it puts you at risk for unnecessary damage to equipment, surfaces, & people. Also it’s basically a bleach sacrifice to the sun gods - you are better off just dosing more frequently.
 
Mdragger88 said:
@slick-rides
It looks like u had about a 3 day slam - which is pretty quick (unless u were slamming before logging in poolmath).
Are u certain you didn’t end too early? Did u pass ALL 3 end of slam criteria?
Also have you checked/cleaned your ladder/steps? They are terrible about harboring algae.
Click to expand...
I was slamming for a few days before, but didn't have a proper test kit to record accurate logs until I started using poolmath. CC has always been .5 or lower, passed the oclt, water is/was clear. I don't keep a ladder in the pool, only put it in when swimming. I did have a post when I slammed with guidance from a couple members.
 
Even if the ladder only goes in sometimes you need to check/clean it (the legs can hold gallons of nasty water 🤢) so every time u put it back in you’re not re introducing algae. Also it may need to be modified so it drains properly/or gets good flow.
A pic of it would help us give u some ideas/ remedies.
Your water looks beautifully clear with the exception of the patch of possible algae.
When you raise to slam level that should turn white/grey & then u will know its definitely algae. Also u can try to capture some of it & see if it is slimy.
Algae poofs away when brushed as well.
What you’re experiencing is the reason why we often tell people to stay at slam level for one more day after passing all 3 end of slam criteria as a little insurance that they are truly done.
*edit*
Also give that cover a scrub w/ diluted bleach.
 
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Thanks everyone!

I ordered the Taylor SpeedStir and will get it Monday. I just don't have good dexterity to swirl and drop at the same time. 🤪

I checked the skimmer door and two return vents that aren't in use. All seem clean. I'll check out the inside of the ladder tomorrow.
 
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