Mustard Algae: To SLAM or not?

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HouTX

HouTX

0
Apr 13, 2015
53
Houston, TX
Background:

1. Based on research on this forum I have had Mustard Algae for over 2 months now. It is on the walls and bottom of about 10% of the pool that sees some shade during the day. It is "stable" in that it is still concentrated in the same area, no better or worse. Since the pool has seen no use I have not addressed this issue, however, I have maintained it otherwise and all the readings are in line with what is recommend on this forum.
2. Pool water is clear
3. I have no CC and OCLT is less than 1
4. Current readings are:
FC-7
CC-0
CYA-55
PH-7.6
Water Temp-mid- 70’s
5. Pool will not be used again until around April/May
6. SPA will see some use during winter months

Question:
1. Under the scenario described above should I SLAM the pool or try the “boost” with SWG?
2. If I should SLAM the pool the instructions say that I am done when “CC is 0.5 or lower; You pass an OCLT (ie overnight FC loss test shows a loss of 1.0 ppm or less); And the water is clear." Since I am starting with this scenario how do I know I am done with the process?

Suggestions sincerely appreciated
 
2. Pool water is clear
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Anytime there is visible algae ANYWHERE in a pool, we do not consider the pool water clear for our purposes.

Several years back, a member reported his pool was perfectly clear but unusable because if he attempted to get in the pool, the 6" layer of algae and leaves and junk on the bottom was disturbed and made the water murky.
Since I am starting with this scenario how do I know I am done with the process?
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When the pool no longer shows ANY visible algae.
 
When I first noticed algae a few months back, I brushed all that was visible (water got cloudy) and kept the pump running, about 8 hours later the pool had no visible signs of algae and remained that way for a week or so.

Under the circumstances my plan to SLAM is as follows:

Reduce pH to low 7's
Add bleach to required level using Pool Math
Brush Pool
Run filter and maintain Chlorine at designated level for 12 hours (since I am expecting "done SLAMing" conditions to be met well before 12 hours)

Any issues with the plan above and should SWG be off during the SLAM process ?
 
My opinion is that you are trying to rush it, abiding by the letter of the law and not the spirit of the law. The Maintain in Shock Level And Maintain is there so that the process is different from a Shock which you describe. Maintaining the shock level of chlorine gives the chlorine time to interact with all algae in your pool, it's recesses and be worked into the microscopic algae that is attached to the many tiny surfaces of the shell. Brushing regularly, read daily or more often, helps to penetrate the outer layer of the algae (biofilm as those smarter than I refer to it as) and attack the tender bits of the algae beneath. So a few days of "extra" SLAMming would seem wise and a conservative approach.

Disclaimer: Non-expert here but successful follower of TFP methods for three years.

I'm no expert but that's my take on the process.
 
HouTX said:
Does not make sense to me either, but I am going by my research on this forum and apparently they are not mutually exclusive, and I have ruled out pollen.
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Looking at the mustard algae info I'd have to agree with your research. I've never had it so I can't be of help. Sorry. The folks here are awesome and I'm sure if you follow the mustard algae advice to a "T" you won't have any problem getting rid of it. Take your time, there are no shortcuts. Good luck and let us know how it goes.
 
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HouTX said:
When I first noticed algae a few months back, I brushed all that was visible (water got cloudy) and kept the pump running, about 8 hours later the pool had no visible signs of algae and remained that way for a week or so.

Under the circumstances my plan to SLAM is as follows:

Reduce pH to low 7's
Add bleach to required level using Pool Math
Brush Pool
Run filter and maintain Chlorine at designated level for 12 hours (since I am expecting "done SLAMing" conditions to be met well before 12 hours)

Any issues with the plan above and should SWG be off during the SLAM process ?
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I can almost promise that the SLAM, if conducted properly will NOT be done in 12 hours. My recent SLAM with clear water/no visible algae (just a high chlorine demand) took over four days to pass all three criteria to discontinue the SLAM.

pooloperator said:
Have you checked for phosphates?
It's never good to leave algae as it can destroy pool finishes, fortunately you have pebble tech which stands up the best as algae 'roots' into the finish.
Is it a 'dead' area or is there little water movement there?
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Welcome to TFP, thanks for jumping in.

Following our guidelines we tend to ignore phosphates. While pool stores will tell you they are "algae food" that doesn't matter in a properly chlorinated pool. Few of us here ever have our water tested by a pool store to get a phosphate/TDS number, and some folks that do report high phosphate numbers but a beautiful clear pool. I invite you to read thru Pool School (link above). starting with the ABCs of Pool Water Chemestry would probably be the best.
 
It's never good to leave algae as it can destroy pool finishes, fortunately you have pebble tech which stands up the best as algae 'roots' into the finish.
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I think I might put a caveat onto that and say that SOME algae could conceivably do harm to a finish but it would have to be a badly neglected pool over a long period. Black algae comes to mind that it can root into a pool finish over a couple of years but most normal algaes are harmless enough to your pool surface......they may need some extensive cleaning but there should be no permanent damage.

Phosphates are simply not relevant to a healthy, chlorinated pool. Phosphates CAN be an issue if you have algae but the whole idea we teach is not to get algae.

If you do, chlorine can remove it whether or not phosphates exist in the water.
 

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Houtx,
1. Under the scenario described above should I SLAM the pool or try the “boost” with SWG?
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I believe I would first brush the affected areas up into the circulating chlorinated water. That may be all you need. To be even more sure, I would elevate the FC up to around 10 ppm or so and brush for at least the next 3 days. There should be no trace of algae left.

If there is, you need to SLAM your pool. (which is impossible to do in 12 hours.....the OCLT takes that long alone)
 
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