Algaecide help please!!

[kbranford]

I have a 24 ft round above ground pool. Was green when I opened it 2 weeks ago. After multiple shocks and chlorine tabs still green. Didn’t know any better and added two gallons of Clorox treat algae and now I’m reading how bad that was. How do I get my pool clear?

 

[Texas Splash]

Welcome to TFP! Unfortunately, everything you've done thus far is probably hurting you. Tabs, algaecides, and shock products will not kill and remove algae. That can only be done with the proper amount of liquid chlorine and it must be balanced to the stabilizer level (CYA) accordingly. We follow the SLAM Process to kill/remove algae.

But now you may have other issues with the products you've added. The remedy is proper at-home water testing. Do you have a TF-100/Pro-Series test kit? A Taylor K-2006C kit perhaps? If not, you really must get one of those first. Everything you do, and the advice received here at TFP, is based on accurate numbers from one of those kits.

Keep in mind that if your water is complicated by algaecides that have copper or a high CYA level, a water exchange to some degree may be your best and first option. But with a full set of accurate water test results we can help.

 

[TinFoilHat]

I would drain it and start over following the guidelines recommended here on TFP.
Pool Care Basics
Test Kits Compared
FC/CYA Levels
PoolMath

 

[kbranford]

Thank you so much for your quick response. I unfortunately do not have either test kit but I did order the tf-100, it should be here Saturday. Until then what should I do? I run the filter 24/7. Should I start to vacuum to waste and add water or wait to know levels ? Ugh so frustrated with myself for just dumping all that Crud in.

 

[PoolStored]

Get one of the kits we recommend. Link-.>Test Kits Compared
Go to wal mart and get 10 gallons of liquid chlorine. "Pool Essentials Liquid Chlorine."
While you are waiting for the kit:

• Add 1/2 a gallon per DAY of liquid chlorine until the test kit arrives. Nothing Else.
• Download pool math. It is a tool that will help you with chemical additions. Link-->PoolMath
• Configure pool math for your pool, 14,000 gallons. Use your TFP login/password. In the config, enable sharing with TFP...that way we can see your results.
• Post pictures of the pool and equipment so we can see the condition of the water and your equipment.

When the kit arrives, Post a full set of results. FC, CC, pH, TA, CH, CYA.

This is what TFP pools look like. Link-->How Clear is TFP Clear?

 

[kbranford]

Get one of the kits we recommend. Link-.>Test Kits Compared
Go to wal mart and get 10 gallons of liquid chlorine. "Pool Essentials Liquid Chlorine."
While you are waiting for the kit:

• Add 1/2 a gallon per DAY of liquid chlorine until the test kit arrives. Nothing Else.
• Download pool math. It is a tool that will help you with chemical additions. Link-->PoolMath
• Configure pool math for your pool, 14,000 gallons. Use your TFP login/password. In the config, enable sharing with TFP...that way we can see your results.
• Post pictures of the pool and equipment so we can see the condition of the water and your equipment.

When the kit arrives, Post a full set of results. FC, CC, pH, TA, CH, CYA.

This is what TFP pools look like. Link-->How Clear is TFP Clear?

Ok I’ll head out shortly and get that going. Appreciate all the info and help.

 

[kbranford]

Welcome to TFP! Unfortunately, everything you've done thus far is probably hurting you. Tabs, algaecides, and shock products will not kill and remove algae. That can only be done with the proper amount of liquid chlorine and it must be balanced to the stabilizer level (CYA) accordingly. We follow the SLAM Process to kill/remove algae.

But now you may have other issues with the products you've added. The remedy is proper at-home water testing. Do you have a TF-100/Pro-Series test kit? A Taylor K-2006C kit perhaps? If not, you really must get one of those first. Everything you do, and the advice received here at TFP, is based on accurate numbers from one of those kits.

Keep in mind that if your water is complicated by algaecides that have copper or a high CYA level, a water exchange to some degree may be your best and first option. But with a full set of accurate water test results we can help.

Thank you so much for your quick response. I unfortunately do not have either test kit but I did order the tf-100, it should be here Saturday. Until then what should I do? I run the filter 24/7. Should I start to vacuum to waste and add water or wait to know levels ? Ugh so frustrated with myself for just dumping all that Crud in.

 

[PoolStored]

You can run the filter, just watch the pressures. Clean the filter, note clean pressure. When pressure rises 25%, clean again.
You can vacuum to waste, and BRUSH. All will help.

 

[kbranford]

You can run the filter, just watch the pressures. Clean the filter, note clean pressure. When pressure rises 25%, clean again.
You can vacuum to waste, and BRUSH. All will help.

Pressure gauge is not working. Reads zero at all times. Waiting on response on how to replace or fix.

 

[Texas Splash]

Pressure gauge is not working. Reads zero at all times. Waiting on response on how to replace or fix.

Understood. You can still begin the tedious task of removing visible debris from the pool. Yes, vacuuming to waste is fine. SInce you don't have a working guage at the moment, you can run it on filter for a while, then do a backwash to be safe. Or run it on recirculate if you're going to be away for a while.

The site tfteskits.net also has good quality glycerin gauges, so you might consider one of those. Of course you can order one off of Amazon as well. They are usually easy to replace by unscrewing and screwing back in by hand. Have some Teflon tape available to wrap the threads of the new gauge. If you have questions, post back here and show us some pics too.