How to confirm if I have BA?

[Meadow]

Our pool was drained/filled 3 weeks ago by the so-called pool specialist for a plaster patch work caused by rusty rebar. While they’re on it, I asked them to investigate what looks like a stubborn quarter size black spot on the shallow end. They claimed they don’t know exactly what it is and it would mean another patch if they have to dig deeper. So I said ok, what do I know, you’re the experts.

Then I came to know about BA after reading the newly acquired K-2006 handbook. The BA description hit me and I became anal about it, since. I attempted to scrape off the black spot with a brush pole. The top layer came off easily but it remains black as I dig deeper.

I am in the water restriction zone and draining the water again is not an option. How to confirm if the black spot as shown in the pic is BA and what would you recommend I should do? TIA

Btw, I can’t open the pics in the Pool School - Black Algae. What’s up with that?

http://s1383.photobucket.com/user/meadow9/media/Pool/BA_zps2oasjlds.jpg.html

 

[Texas Splash]

Have you tried scraping some of the substance and smearing it on a white piece of paper? Does it look green? It might just be black algae then as noted on the TFP Pool School - Black Algae page (The pics show for me upon opening the page). But your isolated dot contradicts the description of black algae in general that typically is found in groups or clusters. Still, it can be resolved by following the steps on that TFP page above. It doesn't mean draining the pool. So I would recommend trying all of the tips on that page first to see if that helps resolve your issue. If not, it's possible the spot is from something else and not BA after all. Hope that helps.

 

[gwegan]

Reboot your computer -- do the pictures show up now?

The important test is the smear test : if its green against the white paper it is algae.

If that is negative hold dome vitamin C tablets against it for a couple minutes. Did that make a difference? If so its metals.

Next hold a trichlor puck against it. Difference? If so its organic.

 

[pooldv]

I see the pics fine on my Tab also.

In Photobucket to the right of the pic copy the IMG code and paste it into your post and the pic will be embedded in your post like this,

 

[Meadow]

Have you tried scraping some of the substance and smearing it on a white piece of paper? Does it look green? It might just be black algae then as noted on the TFP Pool School - Black Algae page (The pics show for me upon opening the page). But your isolated dot contradicts the description of black algae in general that typically is found in groups or clusters. Still, it can be resolved by following the steps on that TFP page above. It doesn't mean draining the pool. So I would recommend trying all of the tips on that page first to see if that helps resolve your issue. If not, it's possible the spot is from something else and not BA after all. Hope that helps.

I tried to scrape it off with my fingernail when the pool is empty but it is rock solid and won't budge. Then earlier today I used the pole hoping to collect samples but it quickly dissolved under the water like black ink. As a result, I left behind a half inch deep circular depression on the plaster like a crater.

Reboot your computer -- do the pictures show up now?
The important test is the smear test : if its green against the white paper it is algae.
If that is negative hold dome vitamin C tablets against it for a couple minutes. Did that make a difference? If so its metals.
Next hold a trichlor puck against it. Difference? If so its organic.

I went underwater to collect samples but I failed. It ain't black and hard to see. Scrubbing it with trichlor yields no significant change. The black spot is indeed smaller when I first took ownership of the pool 6 months ago. So I know it is getting bigger. I will try the Vitamin C approach.

I see the pics fine on my Tab also.
In Photobucket to the right of the pic copy the IMG code and paste it into your post and the pic will be embedded in your post like this,

Nope, no pics for me! And yes, that's exactly what I did.

Pool School - Black Algae pics still no show for me but icons. No biggie, I googled BA images. Found nothing similar to what I have.