Recent content by MarkGLN

Yes, I have two of the recommended test kits. In the last few months, I've been keeping the FC at 5-7. Yesterday, I used the Pool Math calculator to add enough bleach to raise the FC to 12. That seemed to do the job, along with the help of the brushing. Today, things look great. I'll have...

Thanks for the bump/replies. I went ahead and started the scrubbing. I mostly brushed in one direction, but sort of rotated the brush head around to maneuver into tight areas. I've become a little cautious as of late since the old plaster is acting a bit fragile. But the steel bristles are...

Thank you. I needed to hear that. I will now proceed to SLAM out those pesky black algae spots.

I guess the lack of replies means controlling brushing direction is an urban legend?

Anyone? (Never mind. This was answered in another thread.)

Yes, thanks, I read the article. By SLAM FC, I was really talking about anything between FC 9 and SLAM. Due to the uncertainty, I usually aim for FC 7 as the day-to-day level, not quite trusting 9 without more information. Anything above 9 is even more uncertain without more information.

FC - 7 CYA - 60 pH - 7.4 I'm keeping the FC level at 7-9 for my pool, which has plaster surfacing and aging copper piping. The 60 CYA, along with a pH of 7.2-7.8 will keep the copper piping from eroding, according to the wisdom of this board. However, I have a little black algae I need to get...

After buying a nylon-bristle brush for the pool, I was told to brush in one direction. For example, brush down the walls and away. The idea was that brushing in the opposite direction could be hard on the plaster. I'm not sure if this is correct, but it's the guidance I've been following...

Through process of elimination, I think I have a few spots of black algae in the plaster. Questions: 1. In using a nylon brush for normal pool maintenance, I read that the brush should be used in one direction only and have followed those instructions. Does the same hold true for...

Thanks. I figured that was the case, but needed to be sure.

When the return pipe and suction pipe in the pool are separated by only 2-3 feet, is it still best practice to add chemicals in front of the return stream? I imagine it is, but I want to make sure there's no immediate circling back into the skimmer. The pipes used to be separated about 20...

I'd like to again add the question about where to pour the MM, because.... I just found out something I hadn't known before... Reading through some old posts, some people reported that their pH went down off the charts (i.e., into the 6's) when using MM. With my old copper pipes, I can't let...

Either a maximum maintenance dose or a minimum-to-moderate stain treatment. For an estimated 16,800 to 17,000 gall pool how do these sound? 3 quarts MM - 48-hour pumping? 2 quarts MM - 48-hour pumping? 1 quart MM- 24-hour pumping? Or is 48 hours better? 1/2 quart MM - normal 6-8 - hour...

I thought the 48-hours rule was for an initial dose of MM. Does it also apply for the monthly maintenance dose?

Sorry. I see that now. ;) Got it. Should I run the pump 24 hours after adding? I think I read somewhere that because polyquat is viscuous, it doesn't mix well. MM is a compromise since my system really isn't set up for the other stain tests. Based on the initial treatment, MM works well...