Dead Algae

[Hockeykid]

I have a problem that started last season, which what I believe has been dead algae appearing on my pool floor. Pool water was perfectly clear, little smelly, and once I turn on the pool pump after robot vacuuming the floor then what looks like dirt/sand comes back immediately. It’s not dirt because when I touch it, it will puff up and disappear. When I learned about the SLAM process on this site I ordered up the TF100 kit and went to work. Seemed like everything worked decently with the SLAM but I suspected the water wasn’t quite perfect as I noticed a little of the algae coming back; however, it was time to close the pool so I figured I’d get back at it when I opened the pool, if necessary.



I opened the pool and sure enough I had the issue still. So I SLAM’d. I went so far to hold the SLAM for a week extra after passing the overnight loss test, and continued to test every day still. Everything looked great with the testing and water clarity and no evidence of the algae. Only issue, my pool liner looked to have some staining, I suspected it was metals so I added metal stain remover. The stain seems to be gone now, however, after almost a week after completing the SLAM I am getting this “dead algae” forming again. Any suggestions?



Currently:

TA 100

PH 7.4

CYA 60

FC 4.5

CC .5



Above ground vinyl lined pool.

Thanks!
Matt

 

[Texas Splash]

after almost a week after completing the SLAM I am getting this “dead algae” forming again.

You sure it's not just some late springtime pollen or something settling on the water and sinking? If not, you may need to run another Overnight Chlorine Loss Test to be safe.

 

[Hockeykid]

It has worsened each day for about 3-4 days and it’s very abundant across the entire pool at current day. I can do an overnight loss test tonight and see.

 

[Hockeykid]

I’ll do the OCLT but have a question. I attached a photo of my water line which appears to be discolored. I have tried to hand rub shock, metal remover, scale remover but can’t get it out. Fo you think it’s algae and keeps feeding the problem? The water level is currently lower but maybe rainfall carries it into the water?

It has worsened each day for about 3-4 days and it’s very abundant across the entire pool at current day. I can do an overnight loss test tonight and see.

 

[Texas Splash]

which appears to be discolored

Are you referring to what appears to be a lighter/faded area at the waterline? If so, how old is the liner?

 

[Crusje]

Have you looked at what the stuff on the floor is? My pool has perfect numbers but I see stuff by the vinyl seams every day. I put the robot out to vacuum and it's just Crud the falls on the pool from trees, not the grayish dead algae color.

 

[Hockeykid]

Are you referring to what appears to be a lighter/faded area at the waterline? If so, how old is the liner?

Hi, the line is older and definitely faded. Above the water line it looks like a little discolored/brownish and not the blue/grey colors BUT at this point I’m just looking for something to help explain my issues maybe. Either case I restarted the SLAM as recommended.

Had an issue come up however. I tested the PH today, had not done so since starting the SLAM and it’s reading 8.2! As I understand thing, the PH isn’t stable during the SLAM but should I care if it’s this high right now. TA was 100 and PH was 7.4 before Slamming. Note; just before this SLAM I had Metal Out in my pool to remove stains (they are gone now).

 

[Hockeykid]

Have you looked at what the stuff on the floor is? My pool has perfect numbers but I see stuff by the vinyl seams every day. I put the robot out to vacuum and it's just Crud the falls on the pool from trees, not the grayish dead algae color.

Definitely not just from the trees. It got better and stopped during the first slam. After stopping the slam it came back. It poofs away when you touch it.

 

[Hockeykid]

Just providing an update. My pool appears to be fixed and has looked good for a couple weeks after stopping the second Slam attempt. Fingers crossed it stays good. It took forever for the SLAM to complete which I was surprised and frustrated all at the same time. If my PH was higher than 7.2 maybe that was the cause?? IDK but I’m glad things are looking up….just wanted to share. Thanks!!

 

[Hockeykid]

So, once again the same problem with my water came back. Water is crystal clear. Water is smelly. Once the filter turns on my freshly vacuumed pool has dead algae accumulating on the floor.

My pool has been in the SLAM process 90% of the days since opening the pool, I have had very few days off down time in between slams.

I keep slamming until I see zero dead algae, no foul smell, and pass the overnight test. Generally the smell and the overnight test is quick to obtain but the elimination of the dead algae is super slow. I have been so frustrated, I have continued the slam for 2 weeks beyond the fist day I pass the overnight test with clear water just to make sure there are no surprises. I had been keeping up daily with checking chlorine levels post slam. I’m at the point where it will be cheaper to empty my pool and refill. What your thoughts?


TA 60
PH 7.4
CYA 50
FC 6 (been keeping between 6-8)
CC .5 (most days of reads 0)

* My CC is always low. All season even durn the slamming process I am not usually above .5, only on occasions did I broach 1 CC. I am always fighting off the dead algae rather than then passing the overnight loss test.


Thanks
Matt

 

[Texas Splash]

Good morning. You really shouldn't be in SLAM mode most of the season. Something is off for sure. I don't see anywhere that you did a sand deep cleaning. Have you considered that? Maybe do one when you close in a month or so?

How about posting a pic or two of the pool so we can see everything in and around it?