Algae growing by the day . . .

[nsmar]

We are entering our 9th year with our pool. Until now it has been very trouble free, however this year we can't seem to get things going right.
A bit of background. I've been fighting CYA levels the last couple of years so I started the season with a HUGE water dump. Like almost all of the water. . . The pool was refilled with city water, local pool guy came out to replace the sand and install a new chlorinator. The chlorinator wasn't installed properly and had a slight leak causing it to not hold the seal. Regardless, the pool went several weeks without enough chlorine. Everything seems to be working properly now, just can't hold chlorine. I don't want to start adding stabilizer and get back in the CYA battle. I'd prefer to get away from the chlorine pucks that contain stabilizer, just don't have enough experience to feel comfortable in proper maintenance. My main struggle now is the algae (green) that is growing in abundance.
Pool Style 7 way test results this evening:
Hardness: 100
Total Chlorine: 0
Free Chlorine: 0
PH: 6.8 - 7.2
Alkalinity: 80
Stabilizer: 0 - 30

Also recently treated for phosphates.

 

[tim5055]

Welcome to TFP!!

We base our pool care system on accurate testing and only adding what the pool needs, when it needs it. To do that you need your own accurate test kit. Order a TF100 and at least include the XL option. That will give you what you need while you are clearing the pool, and probably enough reagents for a couple of years normal use.

While you wait for it to get delivered, you have a homework reading assignment. Start with ABCs of Water Chemistry and Turning Your Green Swamp Back into a Sparkling Oasis

 

[nsmar]

Thanks for the article links. Luckily my pool isn't to the swamp level referenced. I'll use information to try and raise the shock level. Any future suggestions on pool maintenance are appreciated.

 

[Mr Bruce]

Welcome!

Those appear to be guess strips. If you don't get the test tim5055 mentioned or at least a Taylor 2006 you are never going to be able to manage your pool on your own.

 

[tim5055]

Any future suggestions on pool maintenance are appreciated.

Mr Bruce is correct, without an accurate test kit you will be spinning your wheels.

At this point many people grab a water sample and run down to the pool store to see what they say. While you would think that a "professional" would be the best, unfortunately in most cases it is quite the opposite. Between employees who blindly trust the word of chemical sales representatives and high school kids working in the pool store for the summer you end up with poor results from their testing.

I recomended you get the TF100 and at least include the XL option, but if for some reason you want anothr option the Taylor K-2006-C uses the same chemicals/reagents as the Tf-100. Be careful comparing prices because the K-2006 comes in sizes, designated by a letter. The basic K-2006 has .75oz bottles. You need to get the K-2006-C to get the larger bottles that you want. Even then it is a little short on the reagent & powder for the FAS/DPD test.

 

[nsmar]

Hey guys, wasn't sure if I should start a new post, so I decided to just add to this one since this is where we started. . .
I received my kit and have completed my 2nd week of tests.
TF100 kit
Week 1 results:
FC & TC 2.5
Calcium - 300 (might have had a double drop)
TA: 120
CYA:20
PH: 7.8

I added about 10 lb of stabilizer. Remember the huge water dump? I apparently over did it.

Week 2 results: I completed these this morning around 7:15 a.m. Pool had not been running since yesterday evening around 6:00 pm. Current air temp is 82
FC 10.5
CC 0.5
TC 11 (OOPS!)
Calcium 200
TA 120
CYA 50
PH 7.5

I've been running the automatic chlorinator wide open due to what appeared to be spots of algae on the side in a few areas. I also have added liquid chlorine bleach to help with shocking. I'm not sure how anything could live in the water at this point. I brush the sides of the pool nothing comes off. Is it possible staining has occurred? (Gunite color is white). I also would like to get away from the puks due to the stabilizer that is in them. Suggestions on how to successfully chlorinate & the product best suited to do this would be GREATLY appreciated.