20 days into a SLAM still seeing algae?

[MBoymer]

As the title states I am 20 days into a SLAM. I had previously finished one, after scrubbing EVERYTHING. Passed OCLT. Pool looked great. I noted high chlorine consumption and started another SLAM. Pool looked terrible so I assumed that I stopped my SLAM too soon. Hopped into the pool, donned a mask and snorkel and started brushing. Sure enough, greyish dust everywhere. Restarted SLAM only I was holding my chlorine level at 35 PPM because i had just upped my CYA to 90 thinking I was done with my last SLAM. Got my FC where it needed to be and used the SWG to supplement once levels were achieved. Have been holding steady at SLAM levels battling Florida storms every evening. I have had enough rain that my CYA is now down to 50. Also had to replace salt and my Borates are probably non existent. Since starting my SLAM, I have brushed meticulously ALMOST every day. I figured my SLAM would just be extended. Brushing the pool during the day I see no difference in the clarity of the water. Pictures attached. However at night with the light on, it looks like I still have "clouds" of algae when brushing near the light. I can see no scientific way that it can be algae as I have not had any CC's in at least 10 days, and the algae cant be getting worse provided testing is accurate. I wonder if its the idiot testing somehow, my equipment, (24 inch nylon brush with wall whale attachment, 18 inch nylon brush for stairs and sun shelf, plus a nylon corner brush for corners) The pool clarity is amazing right now, but the clouds of whatever it is at night are driving me crazy as it is always there and not lessening. The pics attached are after brushing the pool today. The night pics are my ordeal. Anyone have any thoughts on what I am looking at??? Thanks .

 

[JamesW]

Can you show the system?

 

[MBoymer]

Can you show the system?

The system? For brushing? Or something else. Think pool info is in signature and the pool math should be visible. Was actually going to edit the post to state this.

 

[JamesW]

The pump, filter etc.

 

[wireform]

When was the last time the filter was cleaned and what's the psi on the gauge relative to your clean filter psi. Does the gauge rest at "0" when the pump is off.

 

[MBoymer]

The pump, filter etc.

 

[MBoymer]

Here you go.

 

[MBoymer]

Sorry lol. Here you go!

 

[JamesW]

Is this a suction limiting vent system?

If yes, maybe there is stagnant water in the line?

 

[JamesW]

When is the last time the filter was cleaned?

Can you pull the cartridge and show it before and after cleaning?

 

[MBoymer]

Is this a suction limiting vent system?

If yes, maybe there is stagnant water in the line?

View attachment 452835

Yes it is. Any way to get to that with chlorine?

 

[MBoymer]

When was the last time the filter was cleaned and what's the psi on the gauge relative to your clean filter psi. Does the gauge rest at "0" when the pump is off.

Filter was cleaned about a week ago. Gauge seems to be accurate. (rests at zero) numbers don't usually hit 25% before I wind up cleaning it on the highest rpm level a clean filter usually sits at 26-27 psi the Guage reads slightly higher, but not at 28 psi yet. Still far less than the 25 % threshold

 

[MBoymer]

When is the last time the filter was cleaned?

Can you pull the cartridge and show it before and after cleaning?

Can pull it now. Will take about a half hour. Will post picks of before during and after.

 

[MBoymer]

Can pull it now. Will take about a half hour. Will post picks of before during and after.

Pics as promised. Difficult to use the hose and snap a pic Think the color of what is coming off the filter is brownish? Grey maybe? Got a decent shot of it though. The table is white and makes it easy to see how much is coming out of the filter.

 

[wireform]

Something else comes to mind,
a) the sheer waterfall
b) the umbrella socket on the shelf
Both these items can be your problem.

 

[MBoymer]

Something else comes to mind,
a) the sheer waterfall
b) the umbrella socket on the shelf
Both these items can be your problem.

The sheer waterfall has been running continuously (though turned down to just enough to spill over so the return water circulates better). I have not cleaned the umbrella holder since the last slam, however I am due to pull the light and the drains again. The one item I have never considered is the suction air thingy and have never cleaned it.
Despite all of these things.... I simply cannot see how algae can still be thriving in slam conditions. Will also double check the CYA Tommorrow (should be lower as I've drained the pool after a rain again) I believe it to be algae and I'm afraid to stop slamming.
Again, the water seems crystal clear, even when brushing, I only notice the weird cloud at night in front of the light. Will update Tommorrow with numbers and an OCLT.
I have also considered using a combination SS/nylon brush. Wondering if it's necessary. Will absolutely get one if it will help, but I would rather not use SS as it seems to be frowned upon with pebble tec.

 

[wireform]

You can also look at the back of the weir door, have seen nasties there which can definitely hold it up.

 

[MBoymer]

You can also look at the back of the weir door, have seen nasties there which can definitely hold it up.

Have cleaned there too, but will again.

Edit...

Got to thinking about brushes after my last post. Grabbed my softest brush 18 inch nylon ( I think). Scrubbed up and down as hard as I could with not much showing in front of the light. I tried to run the brush sideways so the 18 inches scrubs left to right and scrubs a "smaller" area with 18 inches of "scrub". Lo and behold poof of maybe algae. Tried this in the shallow end as well with a very small but definately visible "poof". Currently thinking my brushes are the issue. Can anyone weigh in on the stiffest brushes out there? Preferably a 24 inch version. Or is stainless steel something to invest in until I can be rid of said algae and switch back to nylon??

 

[mknauss]

I would not use a stainless steel brush. Hard on your plaster finish.

I use a Whale Wall brush. Has a little scoop on the head that is adjustable for more force on the wall when brushing.

 

[MBoymer]

I would not use a stainless steel brush. Hard on your plaster finish.

I use a Whale Wall brush. Has a little scoop on the head that is adjustable for more force on the wall when brushing.

Thank you. I have one on the highest setting.
Short of using snorkel gear and manually scrubbing the entire pool by hand, is there a better (stiffer) brush out there?