SLAM Issue

[MWC]

Ok, have been lurking and reading a lot. Pretty sure I have had a mustard algae issue. I am on about day 8 of SLAM. I have passed the OCLT test once- 2 nights ago. Am using the 2006C kit from Taylor.

My CYA is @ 40 and I’ve maintained FC over 16 for a while. I even had a few days at MA slam level.

After passing, I then cleaned my main light out thereafter (contained a lot of hard, black “chips” and a rusty powder). CC went up and loss went up.

I think I am back on track to pass OCLT again. Hopefully soon. I am running as of writing 915p at about 21 FC.

So my issue is this - I’m still seeing very small amounts of something in a certain spot. The same spot. But, I don’t see this stuff when I run my bubbler on a slightly open setting. I am not sure what I’m seeing is algae even. It may be dust, pollen, or heck even sand from my concrete decking. But it seems to me that the added circulation from the bubbler is not letting this stuff settle.

My water is clear as can be aside from this one small thing. CC has stayed good aside from the post-light cleaning.

So, I guess I’m trying to justify passing all three phases of slam with this context ….. thoughts on whether I’m good? I pass the “no visible” part (assuming it’s algae) with the bubbler on. Should I just leave it on?

I’ve cleaned main drains, behind light, and have scrubbed weir doors to extent I can.

Also, not sure I’ve seen any literature on cleaning a Brilliant Wonders bubbler or Hayward accent lights - but I am not sure either of those have niches to clean so I’ve not messed with them….any ideas to contrary ?

 

[ajw22]

Welcome to TFP.

Sounds to me like you have dirt that blows into your pool and your water flow causes it to settle in one favorite spot. That has nothing to do with your SLAM Process. Run your pool cleaner to get rid of it.

 

[MWC]

The problem for me is I am playing that game in my head of is it algae? Is it dirt? Is it this that the other? It’s a little maddening to say the least.

 

[MWC]

I did not pass the overnight test, had a loss of 1.5.

 

[ajw22]

I did not pass the overnight test, had a loss of 1.5.

Then keep the SLAM going and don’t worry about what that stuff is.

Let the data guide you, not your imagination.

 

[MWC]

Passed OCLT this am - drop of .5. Believe will give this a couple insurance days to see if those results replicate.

 

[Newdude]

Maintaining a slam at the end is WAY easier than starting a new one in a few weeks. It's always the smart call to hold it for a couple days for insurance.

 

[MWC]

Believe have passed OCLT consistently since first reported on the 24th. Had two nights where felt I passed but the PM # was maybe off by a .5 margin, so depending on the starting point one could debate whether I passed. But, today I passed a 7 hour in-day test (5a-12p, only .5 loss) as we have no sun today here (cloudy.) I feel good about where I’m at. Will start the 24 hour mustard slam today. At CYA of 40, I need to be over 23 I believe.

 

[Newdude]

need to be over 23 I believe.

60% of your CYA, so 24 is 'over 23' as you say.

 

[MWC]

Question. That stuff is still showing up. Very small amounts. It’s gritty (captured in skimmer sock). Would that rule out algae? I’m passing all tests but this little gunk keeps appearing in same area (near a return). I’ve been playing with the circulation pattern which seems to help some.

 

[MWC]

I may have stopped the SLAM too soon…..

 

[Parac]

Have you done another OCLT yet to verify if it is algae?

You were passing the OCLT before, so you didn't necessarily stop too soon, but may have fallen below the required FC since then. Are you following the FC/CYA level since the SLAM?

 

[MWC]

No I have not done another OCLT. I plan to start the slam again and begin testing again.

I think I never passed prong 1 (lack of anything visible in pool). Think I had wishful thinking on that.

I’ve been slowly lowering the chlorine to regular levels but have just fallen under the slam level yesterday. Had a fairly decent amount of this in there this afternoon. I can only deduce it’s growing or showing up as chlorine is being lowered.

Side note:
My auto cover was replaced today (unrelated to slam, ropes broke). The cover guy noticed a small amount of something in the cover box when he removed the old cover.)

 

[Newdude]

I’ve been slowly lowering the chlorine to regular levels

Well then, you didn't lose any ground at least. So there is that.

Did you go buck wild locating every last inch algae could be hiding in plain sight ?

 

[MWC]

I did the best I could. Cleaned bottom drains. Behind main light. I have three accent lights and a bubbler I didn’t mess with. I am trying to get some feedback from members on how to address those. I’m operating under the theory that the accent lights lack niches to clean. I’m scared to pull the bubbler out also.

I did start back with some cal hypo shock yesterday - I know that’s not recommended or preferred but that’s all I had laying around. My calcium hardness is 250 after btw. I noticed some grayish dead stuff this am. Have shut the SWG down; have bleach on hand (as of this am, there’s apparently a liquid chlorine shortage here) and am slamming again. My cya is now 30 but I am thinking I treat it as I have 40.

Also have a new SpeedStir device and this thing is money.

 

[Newdude]

I did start with some cal hypo shock - I know that’s not recommended or preferred but that’s all I had laying around. My calcium hardness is 250 after btw

Large quantities cause cloudiness. And obvs it's spikes the CH. Other than that, there's no harm using it.

We are 'against it' because so many newbs think it's the miracle answer to tabs jacking the CYA. And their test strip says their CH 'is like. Between 250 and 500'.

I’m operating under the theory that the accent lights lack niches to clean

Ok, great.

I’m scared to pull the bubbler out also.

It should just need to be cycled with SLAM water daily. Twice a day for 15 mins would be even better.

Also have a new SpeedStir device and this thing is money.

It's crazy. We can tell people until we are blue in the face. I dunno if they think we are biased, or trying to drum up sales for Taylor/Ceblanc, or what.

But then they finally get one and instantly get it.

I know of exactly *1* member who didn't love theirs immediately. 1. And he's since come around to it, he was just epicly too stubborn and not open to change when it arrived.

 

[MWC]

The only thing I’m noticing now — which I noticed during my last days of the slam too - is I can’t seem to ALWAYS replicate the free chlorine # in back to back tests. And that affects the OCLT. I’m noting a margin of difference even now. Kind of driving me bonkers. Any insight? Using water from same location.

 

[Newdude]

replicate the free chlorine # in back to back tests.

How off are you between the two now ? (By hand is now irrelevant).

I like to pre-squeeze the bottle a little so the first few drops don't squirt.

The bottle goes completely vertical.

Aim for 1 second apart drops that gravity forms for consistency.

Using water from same location.

Elbow deep ? If not you want it elbow deep.

 

[MWC]

I think this am - I noticed one test was 16 the other 18.

Elbow deep, every time.

 

[MWC]

One thought: I have some discoloration on the liner above the water line. Black/yellow….very subtle. Could that be part of the issue?