Water Test Results - help

[Echoeast]

We seem to be having some trouble this year with algae in our water. SWG and pump has been running for 12 hours a day. Pentair IC-60 Chlorinator now set to super chlorinate for 48 hours. It's been hot and sunny here in NJ. Water temp is 86 degrees and air temp has been in the 90's. Just brushed pool/backwashed sand filter Getting a lot of green in the skimmer sock. Struggling to get it crystal clear like other years. Can anyone please help us get back on track?

Thank you, Tom

TF-100 Kit Results 7/9:
FC 9.5
PH 8.2
TA 120
CH 125
CYA 32
SALT 3300 PPM

Pool Store Test Comparison 7/9:
FC 9.12
TC 9.12
PH 8.3
TA 98
CH 89
CYA 51
PHOSPHATES 766
SALT 2525

Just added: 45 oz Muriatic acid 31.45% and PR-10,000 Phosphate remove - 10 oz (this clouded the water slightly more).

PH Tested at 7.8 yesterday on 7/8 before bumping up SWG.

SWG IC60 set at 35% with super chlorinate on
Intelliflow pump set at 2450 RPM

 

[Texas Splash]

Hello Tom and welcome to TFP! Keep in mind that if you have algae, the occasional FC increase won't resolve it. You need to consider our SLAM Process. If we consider your CYA to be 30, your slam FC level is 12. That's the number you need to maintain. Before starting the SLAM Process, lower the pH down to somewhere between 7.2-7.4. Maintaining that elevated FC level is key.

 

[Echoeast]

Hello Tom and welcome to TFP! Keep in mind that if you have algae, the occasional FC increase won't resolve it. You need to consider our SLAM Process. If we consider your CYA to be 30, your slam FC level is 12. That's the number you need to maintain. Before starting the SLAM Process, lower the pH down to somewhere between 7.2-7.4. Maintaining that elevated FC level is key.

Thank you TexasSplash. I'll start the SLAM process. I guess I didn't understand where the algae came from if the FC levels where in the normal zone. I guess if there was any leaves or debris that didn't get vacuumed out or removed quickly it would lead to an algae bloom. Or maybe if the PH gets too high the chlorine starts to become ineffective. I'll post an update to let you know how it goes. Have a good day. -Tom

 

[Newdude]

I didn't understand where the algae came from

That's easy peasy. If you had algae, your FC dipped too low. There's no two ways about it. Raise your targets once you're out of the woods.

What are your targets anyway ?

 

[Echoeast]

That's easy peasy. If you had algae, your FC dipped too low. There's no two ways about it. Raise your targets once you're out of the woods.

What are your targets anyway ?

Target FC was around 3 SWG with 40 CYA. I did review a test result from the log and it dipped down to 1.5 at one point. So I think what I didn't understand from reading pool school is that if your FC drops below target FC and you start getting algae, no matter what you should start to SLAM. I was just bumping up my SWG thinking that should be enough to kill everything off but the water is definitely a little greenish. I have not been going up to SLAM levels. Thanks NewDude for the insight.

 

[Newdude]

I have full sun and need 70 CYA or the FC is wiped faster than I can produce it. 40 is likely too low for you. The target is DEFINITELY too low, as you've seen.

Aim for the high end of target range. When it fluctuates a little on particularly high UV days, it'll fall back into range and still remain free and clear of min.



I target a 10 for my 70 CYA and step in when it gets beyond 8 to 12.