Definite algae possible mustard - alternatives?

Jaywalker · Jun 14, 2022

I've definitely had to brush of algae around the spillway to the skimmer basket, and am noticing possible indications of mustard bloom, and I need some alternatives to clearing it up and keeping it clear.

Tonight's chemical test showed the following:
FC - 8.0
CC - 0
pH = 7.8 (so I added 16oz muriatic acid) (Ground water here is high pH.)

One month ago I definitely had mustard while the CYA was 95; I drained the pool and replaced water to a CYA 45, then shocked the pool for mustard per the current directions (chemicals were done right, but I'm unable to brush to the desired amount).

I'm using trichlor tabs to ensure the FC doesn't drop when I don't notice it and supplementing it with liquid 10% chlorine to keep it above 7.0 - 7.5, but I missed a beat a week ago and let the FC drop to 5.

So, what are my alternatives? My old way can't work any longer as I can't brush multiple times a day and will have to miss daily daily chem testing occasionally. Here's what I see a viable alternatives, but I'll accept other suggestions:
1. Polyquat
2. Remove phospates
3. Hire a pool car company.

Deb04 · Jun 14, 2022

Another alternative would be a Salt Water Generator.

Note that using tabs is raising your CYA again.

Jaywalker · Jun 14, 2022

Jaywalker · Jun 14, 2022

Deb04 said:
Another alternative would be a Salt Water Generator.

Note that using tabs is raising your CYA again.

Thanks. I should consider SWG. When I considered it previously there was a concern that it stained sandstone in this high-pH ground water. Is this still a consideration?

The trichlor tabs do raise CYA, but not very rapidly - I only need to drain water every two or three years.

tim5055 · Jun 14, 2022

Jaywalker said:
Here's what I see a viable alternatives, but I'll accept other suggestions:
1. Polyquat
2. Remove phospates
3. Hire a pool car company.

None of those are viable alternatives if you want to follow our pool care system.

You don't say what test kit you use, but a slam and keeping adequate chlorine while limiting CYA is your only option. That is liquid or a SWCG.

With visible algae it's time to replace water to lower CYA, get a good test kit if you don't have one and SLAM the pool.

SLAM - Shock Level and Maintain

We’ve all had to deal with a green pool. Clear algae from your pool with a SLAM! Read here to use shock level and maintain to clear your pool.

www.troublefreepool.com

Fooling around will just prolong the agony.....

Jaywalker · Jun 14, 2022

tim5055 said:
None of those are viable alternatives if you want to follow our pool care system.

You don't say what test kit you use, but a slam and keeping adequate chlorine while limiting CYA is your only option. That is liquid or a SWCG.

With visible algae it's time to replace water to lower CYA, get a good test kit if you don't have one and SLAM the pool.

SLAM - Shock Level and Maintain

We’ve all had to deal with a green pool. Clear algae from your pool with a SLAM! Read here to use shock level and maintain to clear your pool.

www.troublefreepool.com

Fooling around will just prolong the agony.....

Thanks for your input, but I don't believe you read my OP. I drained my pool last month and the CYA is now close to 45, so I don't wish to lower it further. I then slammed my pool and followed though with mustard shock, though I can no longer brush the pool. I believe I explained that I can no longer use the troublefreepool care recommended system and I'm looking for valid alternatives.

jeffchap · Jun 15, 2022

Well, you're not likely to get many recommendations for alternative methods here. That's like asking what Camaro to buy on a Mustang forum.

I'm having trouble understanding why the TFP method is burdensome to you. Why do you need daily brushing and testing? I never brush and once my pool is balanced, I test maybe once a week, sometimes only every other week. It couldn't be any easier.

I understand you may have algae now, and a SLAM will require frequent testing and brushing. But once the SLAM is complete, maintenance should require no more than 5 minutes per week.

If you are continually getting algae blooms, then you are not following the TFP protocol to the letter. Algae cannot survive with FC within the proper range for your CYA. So you must be allowing your FC to drop below the minimum. There can be no other cause.

You mention using tri-chlor tabs. You know we discourage anything but liquid chlorine. I believe an over reliance on tabs may be the root of your trouble. Mixing the TFP method with others doesn't usually turn out too well, as you have discovered.

But if cost is not an issue and the labor is your problem, a pool care service may be your best bet. Hopefully you can find a good one that understands the CYA/FC relationship. Best of luck to you!

Jaywalker · Jun 15, 2022

jeffchap said:
Well, you're not likely to get many recommendations for alternative methods here. That's like asking what Camaro to buy on a Mustang forum.

I'm having trouble understanding why the TFP method is burdensome to you. Why do you need daily brushing and testing? I never brush and once my pool is balanced, I test maybe once a week, sometimes only every other week. It couldn't be any easier.

I understand you may have algae now, and a SLAM will require frequent testing and brushing. But once the SLAM is complete, maintenance should require no more than 5 minutes per week.

If you are continually getting algae blooms, then you are not following the TFP protocol to the letter. Algae cannot survive with FC within the proper range for your CYA. So you must be allowing your FC to drop below the minimum. There can be no other cause.

You mention using tri-chlor tabs. You know we discourage anything but liquid chlorine. I believe an over reliance on tabs may be the root of your trouble. Mixing the TFP method with others doesn't usually turn out too well, as you have discovered.

But if cost is not an issue and the labor is your problem, a pool care service may be your best bet. Hopefully you can find a good one that understands the CYA/FC relationship. Best of luck to you!

Perhaps I didn't phrase it properly, but that's partly because I don't want to discuss my physical problems openly. The problem is multiple-time-per-day brushing during a slam, not during normal times.

But you're right about this likely not being the place to fully consider alternatives to the TFP system. Thought I'd try, though, since I've spent 13 years here getting good advice.