SLAM process and getting rid of mustard algae😭

[slcresswell]

I understand the SLAM process, but if you are to vacuum and brush daily, what do you do with those tools after each use? Put into the pool while it is being Slammed? Does that disinfect the tools during the process?
Also, is it safe to get into the pool during the SLAM because we are unable to efficiently brush and vacuum outside of the pool. Thanks!

 

[Texas Splash]

No need to leave the tools in the pool unless someone was forced to treat for Mustard Algae which requires an additional 24 hrs period of even higher FC levels. For those people, the toys and tools should be left in to kill MA spores. But for general algae (most common), that is not needed.

Also, for regular SLAM purposes, it is still safe to swim as long as your FC does not exceed the SLAM level based on your current CYA.

 

[slcresswell]

No need to leave the tools in the pool unless someone was forced to treat for Mustard Algae which requires an additional 24 hrs period of even higher FC levels. For those people, the toys and tools should be left in to kill MA spores. But for general algae (most common), that is not needed.

Also, for regular SLAM purposes, it is still safe to swim as long as your FC does not exceed the SLAM level based on your current CYA.

I’m pretty sure we are dealing with mustard algae and I’m sick of messing with it. I want to just give up and keep swimming like normal till we close it end of August. Water is clear, mainly collects in the middle of the pool and spots scattered here and there. Shows up again after vacuuming and even comes back after vacuuming to waste. Usually all in the exact same spots. Test results….

FC - 14.48
TC - 14.48
PH -7.3
CH - 212
TA - 91
CYA - 51

I know the chlorine is high. We triple shocked it before we left for a week vacation and left the SWG on higher than normal to hopefully help keep things at bay. Which it did. Nothing got worse.

 

[Texas Splash]

Test results…

I believe that is your problem right there. Those appear to be pool store tests because neither the Taylor K-2006C nor the TF-100/TF Pro Series kits provide such results. As such, they are probably way off the mark. We see it here time & time again.

We recommend to all our members that they use one of those test kit for accurate at-home testing. I'll post a couple links for your to review. The proper test kit makes all the difference. Also see our Pool Care Basics page for lots of great info.

Test Kits

tftestkits.net

Swimming Pool Test Kits Compared

What pool test kit should I buy? Why shouldn't I use test strips? Our recommended test kits will pay for themselves in no time!

www.troublefreepool.com

 

[slcresswell]

I believe that is your problem right there. Those appear to be pool store tests because neither the Taylor K-2006C nor the TF-100/TF Pro Series kits provide such results. As such, they are probably way off the mark. We see it here time & time again.

We recommend to all our members that they use one of those test kit for accurate at-home testing. I'll post a couple links for your to review. The proper test kit makes all the difference. Also see our Pool Care Basics page for lots of great info.

Test Kits

tftestkits.net

Swimming Pool Test Kits Compared

What pool test kit should I buy? Why shouldn't I use test strips? Our recommended test kits will pay for themselves in no time!

www.troublefreepool.com

Not sure what you mean by the issue with the results. I go to a very trusted pool store (not Leslie’s) and have been going to them for years. Results have always been pretty accurate and this is the first year we have had issues with algae. Why would their results be so off?

 

[Texas Splash]

I go to a very trusted pool store (not Leslie’s) and have been going to them for years.

Not trying to throw stones at your trusted local store, but we see it here all the time. Complete & total disbelief of how different local free testing was compared to an owners own personal testing with a proper kit. Many pool owners simply refuse to drop the coin required to get one of those kits, then they get frustrated with multiple trips to that store, LOTS of $$$ wasted on products the store advised that never work or actually made things worse. Doesn't help that you are mid-way into the season and probably just want to get through the next 60 days or so. I get it.

But from a TFP forum position, when it comes to water chemistry, we have more faith in a complete newbie who has never held pool water in their hands using a proper test kit than the locals who claim to have all the answers, sell over-priced products, and give generic industry recommendations with no real understanding of the chemistry. We're happy to explain more of this you if you would like, but obviously we can't force you or anyone else to get to get one of those recommended test kits and take the leap to TFP to be 100% in control of your own water. That's totally your call. We're here either way you decide. If you have more questions, let us know. Many of them are in that link above.

 

[slcresswell]

Not trying to throw stones at your trusted local store, but we see it here all the time. Complete & total disbelief of how different local free testing was compared to an owners own personal testing with a proper kit. Many pool owners simply refuse to drop the coin required to get one of those kits, then they get frustrated with multiple trips to that store, LOTS of $$$ wasted on products the store advised that never work or actually made things worse. Doesn't help that you are mid-way into the season and probably just want to get through the next 60 days or so. I get it.

But from a TFP forum position, when it comes to water chemistry, we have more faith in a complete newbie who has never held pool water in their hands using a proper test kit than the locals who claim to have all the answers, sell over-priced products, and give generic industry recommendations with no real understanding of the chemistry. We're happy to explain more of this you if you would like, but obviously we can't force you or anyone else to get to get one of those recommended test kits and take the leap to TFP to be 100% in control of your own water. That's totally your call. We're here either way you decide. If you have more questions, let us know. Many of them are in that link above.

I totally understand! I’m not in a position to drop $100 on a test kit at this moment. So I feel stuck. I wish I could just throw a bunch of chlorine in everyday, brush and vacuum everyday for a few days and call it. Sorry I’m just tired of it and want to just let it go to be honest.

 

[TinFoilHat]

Don't let it go. You are a hundred dollars and some liquid chlorine away from solving this.

 

[slcresswell]

I totally understand! I’m not in a position to drop $100 on a test kit at this moment. So I feel stuck. I wish I could just throw a bunch of chlorine in everyday, brush and vacuum everyday for a few days and call it. Sorry I’m just tired of it and want to just let it go to be honest.

Not trying to throw stones at your trusted local store, but we see it here all the time. Complete & total disbelief of how different local free testing was compared to an owners own personal testing with a proper kit. Many pool owners simply refuse to drop the coin required to get one of those kits, then they get frustrated with multiple trips to that store, LOTS of $$$ wasted on products the store advised that never work or actually made things worse. Doesn't help that you are mid-way into the season and probably just want to get through the next 60 days or so. I get it.

But from a TFP forum position, when it comes to water chemistry, we have more faith in a complete newbie who has never held pool water in their hands using a proper test kit than the locals who claim to have all the answers, sell over-priced products, and give generic industry recommendations with no real understanding of the chemistry. We're happy to explain more of this you if you would like, but obviously we can't force you or anyone else to get to get one of those recommended test kits and take the leap to TFP to be 100% in control of your own water. That's totally your call. We're here either way you decide. If you have more questions, let us know. Many of them are in that link above.

So if at this point I wanted to start the SLAM process based on the results I have now, how much chlorine would I add? Liquid or granular? And do I turn my SWG off?

 

[Donldson]

So if at this point I wanted to start the SLAM process based on the results I have now

You can't. You need to test several times a day to perform the process. What, do you plan to waltz in to the pool store several times per day for days, getting free testing, and leaving?

 

[slcresswell]

Don't let it go. You are a hundred dollars and some liquid chlorine away from solving this.

I appreciate your confidence. I’ve been overwhelmed and worried about this for the last few weeks.

 

[slcresswell]

You can't. You need to test several times a day to perform the process. What, do you plan to waltz in to the pool store several times per day for days, getting free testing, and leaving?

No I don’t plan on doing that. To be honest, I don’t need tough love here. I’m a work from home mother of two that can’t spend 24/7 Slamming a pool to 100% accuracy. Grace would be appreciated please.

 

[Texas Splash]

The key is accurate testing, so we don't want you guessing and wasting money. Best option I can think of.... Get yourself an HTH drop test kit at Walmart. Then order the FAS-DPD portion that comes with the expensive kits. The FAS-DPD provides the accurate FC testing you must have. Then you will be in a better position to attempt the SLAM Process. Yes, liquid chlorine is the primary agent.

 

[slcresswell]

Not trying to throw stones at your trusted local store, but we see it here all the time. Complete & total disbelief of how different local free testing was compared to an owners own personal testing with a proper kit. Many pool owners simply refuse to drop the coin required to get one of those kits, then they get frustrated with multiple trips to that store, LOTS of $$$ wasted on products the store advised that never work or actually made things worse. Doesn't help that you are mid-way into the season and probably just want to get through the next 60 days or so. I get it.

But from a TFP forum position, when it comes to water chemistry, we have more faith in a complete newbie who has never held pool water in their hands using a proper test kit than the locals who claim to have all the answers, sell over-priced products, and give generic industry recommendations with no real understanding of the chemistry. We're happy to explain more of this you if you would like, but obviously we can't force you or anyone else to get to get one of those recommended test kits and take the leap to TFP to be 100% in control of your own water. That's totally your call. We're here either way you decide. If you have more questions, let us know. Many of them are in that link above.

So if at this point I wanted to start the SLAM process based on the results I have now, how much chlorine would I add? Liquid or granular? And do I turn my SWG off?

 

[Texas Splash]

Here you go.

FAS/DPD Chlorine Test Kit

tftestkits.net

 

[Texas Splash]

When we begin the SLAM Process, we say to leave the SWG off. They aren't designed to maintain the elevated FC level required. You will use liquid chlorine.

 

[Texas Splash]

This is the chart you would refer to so you know what FC level to maintain. It all depends on your current CYA. That CYA test must be accurate and stores get it wrong a lot.

 

[Texas Splash]

Download the PoolMath app. There is a free version. Load your pool info then go to the section Effects of Adding. Then you can see how much of any chemical to add.

 

[slcresswell]

The key is accurate testing, so we don't want you guessing and wasting money. Best option I can think of.... Get yourself an HTH drop test kit at Walmart. Then order the FAS-DPD portion that comes with the expensive kits. The FAS-DPD provides the accurate FC testing you must have. Then you will be in a better position to attempt the SLAM Process. Yes, liquid chlorine is the primary agent.

Thank you for the suggestions!

When we begin the SLAM Process, we say to leave the SWG off. They aren't designed to maintain the elevated FC level required. You will use liquid chlorine.

As far as brushing and vacuuming goes, vacuum, backwash, rinse every time? And do I place the tools back in the pool after every time to sanitize?

 

[Texas Splash]

The tools don't need to stay in the pool. We backwash when the filter pressure increases by about 25% from the clean pressure. So take note of the clean filter gauge reading, then backwash when it goes up by 25%. It's not a lot, so be ready.