Algae update

[Lemonhead]

So if you guys look into my past about algae you’ll see pics of stuff on the bottom of my pool. It appeared to be algae but I was In denial. I would complete multiple slams just to have it come back when the chlorine level would drop. I would blame bird droppings , sand from filter ( which I replaced ) , pollen , ect…. Well upon closing the pool for the winter when I was putting a cover on the skimmer opening I couldn’t believe my eyes . There was green algae in the tiny gap of where the skimmer plate presses against the liner . Could this have been the reason I could never get the pool floor algae free ? If so I think the only way to clean it right is when I open the pool this spring would be to drop the water level below the skimmer and unscrew the plate so I can. Get in there with a brush. Spray it with bleach brush some more and put it back together . I’m pretty sure theirs no other way . Correct me if I’m wrong. Than once I put everything back together as long as I keep my chlorine at the recommended levels for my cya the algae shouldn’t come back correct ? Or is that area going to get algae regardless of chlorine level ? Thanks guys for reading and any feedback.

 

[ajw22]

Your risk in unscrewing the skimmer plate is the liner will shift and you will not be able to get the holes to line up to replace the skimmer.

It sounds like you are correct that area can be a source of your algae problems.

Show us pics of the area and the pool.

 

[ajw22]

This the skimmer face with the algae?

 

[Lemonhead]

This the skimmer face with the algae?

Yes it’s in between the plate and liner. Are you saying if I unscrew that I’m screwed ?

 

[ajw22]

Are you saying if I unscrew that I’m screwed ?

Good chance. If the liner shifts you are not going to be able to pull it back up against the water weight to align the cutout and screw holes.

 

[Lemonhead]

Good chance. If the liner shifts you are not going to be able to pull it back up against the water weight to align the cutout and screw holes.

how do I glean the algae out of there. It’s been the reason for my
Problems
I think

 

[ajw22]

How old is your liner?

Soak the area with a spray of liquid chlorine regularly.

You may have to live with the problem until you replace your liner or willing to risk a liner replacement to remove the skimmer plate.

 

[Lemonhead]

How old is your liner?

Soak the area with a spray of liquid chlorine regularly.

You may have to live with the problem until you replace your liner or willing to risk a liner replacement to remove the skimmer plate.

The pool is 3 years old . Maybe if I just loosen it and not completely remove it will allow a gap so I can get in their with a brush

 

[Mdragger88]

There’s a gasket in there - it’s keeping it sealed so that water doesn’t get behind the liner.
I wouldn’t loosen the plate. Just spray with a diluted chlorine mixture & scrub it with a brush & rinse well. Use a toothbrush, baby bottle brush or something like that thats soft.
Check your weir door foam as well.
It’s generally removable.
Also - this is an above ground pool so check any ladders or steps & clean them inside & out. If water can go there algae can thrive there.
Steps & ladders are the #1 culprit for algae city in an above ground pool.
Many steps & ladders & their weights need modifications to allow better water flow and prevent algae formation.
If its in the pool it either needs to be completely sealed & impermeable or it needs adequate flow from properly chlorinated water.

 

[Lemonhead]

There’s a gasket in there - it’s keeping it sealed so that water doesn’t get behind the liner.
I wouldn’t loosen the plate. Just spray with a diluted chlorine mixture & scrub it with a brush & rinse well. Use a toothbrush, baby bottle brush or something like that thats soft.
Check your weir door foam as well.
It’s generally removable.
Also - this is an above ground pool so check any ladders or steps & clean them inside & out. If water can go there algae can thrive there.
Steps & ladders are the #1 culprit for algae city in an above ground pool.
Many steps & ladders & their weights need modifications to allow better water flow and prevent algae formation.
If its in the pool it either needs to be completely sealed & impermeable or it needs adequate flow from properly chlorinated water.

Theirs no getting a brush in their good enough in my opinion . I mean I can try. I remember the first year when I went to close the pool. I had to unscrew the plate to put on a different plate that would fit the plastic snap on winter cover. The guy at pool store told me theirs screws on both sides. Well
He was wrong and when I took the last screw out the skimmer fell off on the back side and all the water started rushing out. I’m sure I got water behind the liner. It really sucked . But everything lined right back up and I screwed it all back together . I’m just a little
Confused. If I drain the water to below all that than how come I can’t take it apart. Would the liner move this time because it’s a little older ?

 

[Mdragger88]

If you attempt it you want the water level just below the opening so the water pressure holds the liner in place. Also, when removing the plate it is a good idea to replace the gasket.
Perhaps just loosen then spray, scrub & tighten back up ?

 

[Lemonhead]

If you attempt it you want the water level just below the opening so the water pressure holds the liner in place. Also, when removing the plate it is a good idea to replace the gasket.
Perhaps just loosen then spray, scrub & tighten back up ?

I will try the loosen technique first. And see if I can get to it all. I will have a new gasket ready to go if I take it all the way off. Also I’ll make sure just to lower enough like you said. Thanks for the tips if I do it

 

[Newdude]

I’m just a little
Confused. If I drain the water to below all that than how come I can’t take it apart.

You might do it 5 times in a row successfully, but the 6th time needs a new liner.

Whatever the odds are, many have been unsuccessful, so it's always a thought when messing with the skimmer.