Is this Mustard Algae

[Jenperk13]

I’ve been fighting what I suspect is mustard algae since Memorial Day. The color doesn’t seem to be consistent with mustard algae though. I had thought was sand, but it does “go away” when I triple shock for the most part. One thing is I am constantly brushing when i am
Actively treating it so if it was/is sand it would be stirred up too. I feel it’a pretty dark brown. We have patched 2 holes several weeks ago. We aren’t losing water. I have also thought it could be pollen but mostly think sand or is it algae? I have never noticed it on the wall or stairs.

 

[JohnT]

I’ve been fighting what I suspect is mustard algae since Memorial Day. The color doesn’t seem to be consistent with mustard algae though. I had thought was sand, but it does “go away” when I triple shock for the most part. One thing is I am constantly brushing when i am
Actively treating it so if it was/is sand it would be stirred up too. I feel it’a pretty dark brown. We have patched 2 holes several weeks ago. We aren’t losing water. I have also thought it could be pollen but mostly think sand or is it algae? I have never noticed it on the wall or stairs.

Welcome to TFP!

What are your chemistry numbers, particularly FC and CYA? What you are describing sounds more like barely controlled algae. How do you chlorinate.

 

[JamesW]

Pictures?

 

[Jenperk13]

I ordered the FAS part of the DPT test. I have the K2005. It should be here today. FC 2-4, PH 7.8, TA 100, CYA 75. We use unstabilized chlorine pucks in the skimmer basket.

 

[JamesW]

Mustard algae will usually have some color like green, yellow, brown, olive green etc. and this looks mostly gray.

It might be mustard, but it is difficult to tell for sure from the pictures.

 

[Jenperk13]

Mustard algae will usually have some color like green, yellow, brown, olive green etc. and this looks mostly gray.

It might be mustard, but it is difficult to tell for sure from the pictures.

When I use the dolphin and put cotton balls in it, it is grayish. To me it looks like a brownish color in person. I have never noticed green.

 

[JamesW]

To me, it does not look like typical mustard algae.

It might be mustard algae, but I am not really seeing the color of typical mustard algae.

Maybe the color does not show up well in the pictures.

 

[Jenperk13]

To me, it does not look like typical mustard algae.

It might be mustard algae, but I am not really seeing the color of typical mustard algae.

Maybe the color does not show up well in the pictures.

Do you think it’s a possibility it’s dirt or sand coming in from a leak?

 

[JamesW]

Do you think it’s a possibility it’s dirt or sand coming in from a leak?

A leak typically lets water out and things don't typically flow in.

In a few rare cases, return line can leak in a way that creates a venturi effect and that can sometimes pull in dirt.

Can you get a sample for closer inspection?

Maybe use a turkey baster to get a sample.

 

[Jenperk13]

A leak typically lets water out and things don't typically flow in.

In a few rare cases, return line can leak in a way that creates a venturi effect and that can sometimes pull in dirt.

Can you get a sample for closer inspection?

Maybe use a turkey baster to get a sample.

For sure, that was taken with an under water go pro. Let me see what else I can do.

 

[JamesW]

Maybe filter the stuff through a coffee filter to get a better look at it.

 

[Jenperk13]

It is super fine sand. I am so glad you had me get some of it out. I’ve been washing bathing suits for a family of 5 daily to avoid contaminating other pools. I’ve kept pool toys out, etc. we’ve missed out on swimming because the chlorine levels were so high from shocking. We need to figure out how the sand is getting in now.

 

[JamesW]

Is it gritty like sand?

Do you use DE?

 

[JamesW]

Do you have that type of sand around the pool or at a nearby property?

Fine sand can blow in from a long way away if you have high wind.

 

[Jenperk13]

Do you have that type of sand around the pool or at a nearby property?

Fine sand can blow in from a long way away if you have high wind.

It is gritty like sand. I did have dirt work done around memorial day and a week later had sod put down right by the pool. Would the filter catch it or would it keep cycling back through?

 

[JamesW]

Some might get through, but probably not a lot.

Maybe try putting a pound of DE into the filter to see if that helps.

Maybe get some skimmer socks for the skimmer baskets to see if they catch the sand blowing in.

 

[duraleigh]

Sand can be vacuumed off the pool floor and ANY working filter can catch it.

As of now, we are all stabbing guesses at your issue. A complete set of your (not pool store) test results would be very helpful. Can you post those?

 

[Jenperk13]

Some might get through, but probably not a lot.

Maybe try putting a pound of DE into the filter to see if that helps.

Maybe get some skimmer socks for the skimmer baskets to see if they catch the sand blowing in.

Thank you so much James! I just bought some skimmer socks.

Do we take the top off the filter to put the DE in there or put it in the skimmer?

Side note: our phosphates have been high since last year. Would a phosphate remove help the filter, filter better or is that unrelated. I’ve read algae feeds on phosphates.

 

[Jenperk13]

Sand can be vacuumed off the pool floor and ANY working filter can catch it.

As of now, we are all stabbing guesses at your issue. A complete set of your (not pool store) test results would be very helpful. Can you post those?

They are above.

 

[JamesW]

Do we take the top off the filter to put the DE in there or put it in the skimmer?

In the skimmer.