Algae?

[Pardue14]

So I am at the end of my SLAM - passed OCLT for a few days actually, 0 CC and water is clear. However, I continue to have this pesky silt/dirt/algae that insists on helping itself to my pool bottom. Nothing on the walls, only the floors and most often peeking out from under the seems of my vinyl liner. Last night I put a knee high in my skimmer basket and this morning found what looks an awful lot like sand but I fear it may actually be algae. I'm too paranoid to let my FC drift down just yet. Can anyone identify from the attached photo what I might be dealing with?

FC: 12
CC: 0
TA: 140
CH: 130
CYA: 30
PH: 7.2 - at the beginning of SLAM

 

[duraleigh]

I don't see algae. Nice collection of assorted Spring droppings (and a bug!) but no algae.

That you have correctly completed the OCLT is a giveaway that you are algae free.

That sandy looking stuff.....does it feel gritty when you pinch it?

Regardless, I would continue to run the pump to keep out all the flowers, etc. and I would let the FC drift on down to about 4 ppm before adding more CYTA up to about 50, then run you FC at 6-7 ppm

 

[Pardue14]

Lol my pool lends itself to many of the surrounding trees so debris bouquets are in surplus.

No, the stuff that looks like wet sand does not have a gritty texture - it’s quite odd. It felt kind of soft and mushy. After letting it sit outside and dry, it feels sort of cotton-ish. I can take it between my fingers and form little balls. Possibly pollen?

Yes, I will definitely increase my CYA and follow your advice.

 

[duraleigh]

Possibly pollen?

Absolutely. Sand would be gritty

 

[mbUofL]

Absolutely. Sand would be gritty

Lol my pool lends itself to many of the surrounding trees so debris bouquets are in surplus.

No, the stuff that looks like wet sand does not have a gritty texture - it’s quite odd. It felt kind of soft and mushy. After letting it sit outside and dry, it feels sort of cotton-ish. I can take it between my fingers and form little balls. Possibly pollen?

Yes, I will definitely increase my CYA and follow your advice. View attachment 413111View attachment 413112

We had a big storm the other night and my skimmer and pump basket had the same stuff. I believe its something dropping from the oak trees nearby.

 

[Bperry]

I get a similar goop in my skimmer and assume it’s pollen and leaves. It’s a temporary thing over here.

 

[Pardue14]

I’m so relieved. The way it was showing up on the pool bottom was eerily similar to the algae I dealt with last year. My skimmer has never produced anything like that before - so thankful to have found this site!!