Mustard algae and waterbody proximity

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W

wolf party

Member
May 18, 2024
16
FL
Pool Size
6000
Surface
Vinyl
Chlorine
Liquid Chlorine
I live on a lake. My pool is uncovered and I can't always keep all the birds and other creatures out if it. Because of this, I have mustard algae on and off all year. I scrub down everything every few days, which keeps it mostly in check. A SLAM will get rid of it... for a while.

It's not really a big deal, but I'm not sure this is to be expected when you live next to freshwater, or if I'm doing a poor job of managing my FC. I accidentally double dosed stabilizer when I opened this year, so my CYA is higher than I wanted, but... last year I had a hard time keeping CYA up at all. With all the Florida summer rain and sun I was constantly adding stabilizer on top of regular trichlor puck use. So I'm hesitant to drain and refill.

Right now my CYA is 60 and I'm trying to keep my FC at least 10. I just finished a SLAM and I've been mustard free for several days, but... I feel like it's just waiting for me to let my guard down.

pH 7.4
FC 12
CC 0
TA 150
CYA 60
 

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I assume you have checked the stairs for hidden algae?

Other than that, it sounds like you have a solid plan. Most importantly, listen to what your pool is telling you. If 10 FC doesn't cut it and you end up with algae, then shoot for 12. Keep in mind that not all pools are created equal and you need to adjust to the factors specific to your pool like poor circulation, direct sun, extra bather load, and in your case, birds/wildlife.
 
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It's not the lake, it is your FC management. I live on a lake with algae during the summer, I never get algae. All the other advice above it true, but mustard algae does not require staying at the top of the range, Black algae does...but I keep mine 1 or 2 above range so that if I get a high demand day, I will never get below range. Remember, FC levels up to SLAM levels are safe for people, and equipment, so run at the top end of the range or higher.
 
JJ_Tex said:
I assume you have checked the stairs for hidden algae?

Other than that, it sounds like you have a solid plan. Most importantly, listen to what your pool is telling you. If 10 FC doesn't cut it and you end up with algae, then shoot for 12. Keep in mind that not all pools are created equal and you need to adjust to the factors specific to your pool like poor circulation, direct sun, extra bather load, and in your case, birds/wildlife.
Click to expand...

I have a removable ladder - does letting it dry off in the sun kill mustard? I leave the brush and nets and stuff in the pool during the SLAM, but not the ladder...
 
Okay, well, I cleaned everything. Tools, toys, ladder. Scrubbed under every fold in the liner, drain cover, skimmer part. My FC hasn't dropped below 12 since I posted and my entire pool is yellow today, with the FC at 16. I'm guessing I have a circulation issue. I will post in one of the other sections.
 
Well, yeah, I had a circulation issue. It's me, I'm the issue. I didn't clean the sand filter this year and it was CLOGGED FULL with oak junk and ants. Rinsed and rinsed and rinsed it with the hose and now I can actually see water moving in the pool again. Off to the store to get my jugs filled.
 
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