Is anything acceptable during summer heat?

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K

KJB1

Well-known member
Jan 8, 2021
264
Temecula, CA
Pool Size
12500
Surface
Plaster
Chlorine
Liquid Chlorine
Been religiously testing and dosing my pool since I slammed it last October. We had the first really hot few days in a row with over 100 degree days. Water is still in the 80s. Yesterday evening I noticed a very small green spot in a top corner just at the water line, maybe an inch or 2 down. Tested chlorine, 6.5ppm. Raised to 8.5, and did an OCLT. Lost absolutely no chlorine overnight. Tested 8.5 before the sun hit the water. Normal chlorine use is about 1.5ppm per day if no one swims. Have not fallen below min. Levels post slam last year.

With the sun blasting shallow water is a tiny spot of algae enough to necessitate a slam? Hard to judge since it already passes the OCLT without a problem. Water is clear as ever.
Only my second year with a pool and I’m looking for perfection. Not sure what is normal.
 
Seems like what you are seeing above the waterline is something out of control from the pool chemistry. Perhaps moisture from evaporation is accumulating under the coping in that corner area. Since it's not under the waterline it's not able to receive cleansing from chlorine nor is it effecting your chemistry, however you don't want it to spread and eventually get in there. It may just be one of those areas you have to manually brush every couple days or so to keep from getting stagnant. Perhaps just a a seasonal thing depending on local weather. Sometimes I get a black scum line in one corner and I have to brush it a few times then it's gone. For some people, the inside of their skimmer is the same way.
 
My description wasn’t clear. It is 1-2” below the water surface. So it’s under water. That’s why I’m confused. I didn’t think it was possible
 
If it’s touching the water at all maybe there’s just less circulation in that area (a stagnant pocket sorta)
You can try adjusting your jets to help remedy the situation- throw a bunch of ping pong balls in & see what happens, adjust a little & try again.
To be on the safe side, take your sample from that area & if it’s lower fc than the rest of the pool (your normal test spot) then start getting your sample from there so u know you’re dosing high enough.
For instance, my pool water flows in a circle but my steps obstruct that some so there’s less circulation there. So that’s where I pull my samples from so I know I’m covered when I dose based on that sample.
71D2E828-84C7-4350-84D6-1C67051B3F7E.jpeg
 
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KJB1 said:
My description wasn’t clear. It is 1-2” below the water surface. So it’s under water.
Click to expand...
Normally that's reason enough to start a SLAM Process, but you aren't losing FC. :scratch: I think @Mdragger88 brings up a good point about circulation and some additional brushing in that area to keep it well chlorinated. Something to keep an eye on.
 
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Texas Splash said:
Normally that's reason enough to start a SLAM Process, but you aren't losing FC. :scratch: I think @Mdragger88 brings up a good point about circulation and some additional brushing in that area to keep it well chlorinated. Something to keep an eye on.
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I got enough chlorine for an overnight slam. It’s worth the $6 to try it. I brush pretty often but probably the exact corner doesn’t get hit because of how it is.
 
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You may be better served finding a brush that can get into that area better.
That area looks pretty shallow. You could just jump in and brush it with a scrub brush or nail brush.

Also, you may be able to adjust your returns to get better circulation in that area.
 
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proavia said:
You may be better served finding a brush that can get into that area better.
That area looks pretty shallow. You could just jump in and brush it with a scrub brush or nail brush.

Also, you may be able to adjust your returns to get better circulation in that area.
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I did get one of those round toilet brush looking attachments. I’ll keep up on that corner better. Tried adjusting the return and unfortunately when they glued it on some glue overflowed into the eyeball. I don’t want to risk cracking anything.
The shelf things are overrated. Not really a fan but never know until you have it.
Upped my chlorine to Slam level for tonight and check in the morning. Should be good to go. The water is so clear I can read a book on the bottom.
 
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I have a few spots like that in my large, freeform Florida pool. Despite passing the overnight testing and keeping chlorine levels on the upper range of normal. Once or twice a year I will rub a chlorine tablet directly on those spots and they do not return for 5-6 months. I suspect it is a flow issue in certain areas exacerbated by my Pebble Sheen. The rest of my pool looks great.
 
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mitchellb said:
I have a few spots like that in my large, freeform Florida pool. Despite passing the overnight testing and keeping chlorine levels on the upper range of normal. Once or twice a year I will rub a chlorine tablet directly on those spots and they do not return for 5-6 months. I suspect it is a flow issue in certain areas exacerbated by my Pebble Sheen. The rest of my pool looks great.
Click to expand...
Thanks. Being new at this, I have no idea what is normal or acceptable. I see those crazy pools with all the rocks and even sand bottom and don’t know how it’s even possible to keep them clean and spot free. I was even thinking if it’s Mustard algae but wouldn’t that cause chlorine consumption? I don’t even know how yellow mustard algae works.
 
Wow 103 degree summer sun eats up chlorine quick. 6ppm down by lunch time. I’m going to keep it above mustard algae min. Level and hope for the best. July should be a good test.
 
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