Fine algae dust

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J

JaySee

Well-known member
Jun 29, 2021
61
Toronto
Pool Size
70000
Surface
Vinyl
Chlorine
Liquid Chlorine
Hi All,

I've had a relatively trouble-free pool all summer... that is, up to the last week when I've noticed a fine green algae dust settling at the bottom of the pool.

I've brushed everything, taken apart the light and cleaned it by hand, and there's been no patches of algae found. Did a SLAM, and passed it in a day, but
a day later there's another fine layer of algae dust that clouds up if I brush the bottom of the pool. So I vac'ed the pool until no clouds appeared when I brush.

But today, the fine dust has reappeared and it's even settling in the 'dimples' of my stairs, which I've never seen before.

My last test numbers were: FC=8, CC=0, CYA=30, PH=7.8

We had a period of heavy rain 2 weeks ago that I thought threw things out of whack but right now I'm not sure what I'm missing.

Any tips would be appreciated, thanks!
 
Hi, yes definitely passed OCLT with flying colours. Removed the ladder completely too.

Re: filter, it's been approximately 2.5 weeks since the last backwash. I'm thinking that might be the culprit-- the pressure has been rock solid (little to no increases in pressure since I've started using skimmer socks) so perhaps I've been lax in the backwash. I just did a LONG backwash (took about 1.5 inches of water out) and there's always a few grains of sand in the sight glass even after rinsing (???).

Doing another OCLT tonight, and will report back tomorrow.

Re: sand deep cleaning -- I never knew that was a thing until I just googled it! Will definitely do that at the top of the next pool season.
 
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JaySee said:
sand deep cleaning -- I never knew that was a thing until I just googled it! Will definitely do that at the top of the next pool season.
Click to expand...
In case you need it, here's our link for when you're ready.

Deep Cleaning a Sand Filter

This post will walk you through the anatomy of a sand filter, and then provide a video at the end for how to deep clean your sand filter. The filter used in the photos and videos is a Hayward S180T top mount sand filter. The images are of a similar filter. Obviously not all filters are...
www.troublefreepool.com www.troublefreepool.com
 
A quick update, SLAMmed the pool last night (FC 12 CC 0.5), did at test at 5AM (FC 11.5 CC 0.5).

Thinking that I'll keep it at SLAM for another day and do another OCLT in case these numbers are a fluke, while running the pool robot a few times to clean up what's already in there.
 
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New update-- now the sun is up I went to check on the pool. Water is crystal clear, BUT there's patches of green algae near the main drain. This is new, I've never had this happen before. Especially just completing an OCLT last night I have no clue why this is happening.

WhatsApp Image 2022-09-09 at 10.17.20 AM(2).jpeg

Any idea what would be causing this? It's gone from fine algae dust to visible patches, despite SLAMming and passing OCLT twice. I've opened up the main drain to keep water flowing through there.
 
Three criteria to finish slam:
1) OCLT <= 1ppm
2) CC <=.5ppm
3) Clear water, including NO living or dead algae on walls or floor.

Keep slamming!
 
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PoolStored said:
Three criteria to finish slam:
1) OCLT <= 1ppm
2) CC <=.5ppm
3) Clear water, including NO living or dead algae on walls or floor.

Keep slamming!
Click to expand...

Yep, I'm going to vacuum and keep slamming. But any clue on what would the source of the algae? I've scrubbed everything and pulled the ladder. I notice the the large patch is near the main drain, close to the deep end jet, and a tiny patch near the small jet. Coincidence, or are the jets somehow contributing to the algae?
 

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