I'm entering the second summer with my pool and have cleared up a bunch of misconceptions after finding this website. My pool was filled in 3/2010, but I was steered in the tab direction and now have CYA of 100ppm. I ran into some algae issues towards the end of last summer that have arisen again as the water temp has risen past 70F this spring. Most of the algae grows on the waterfall rocks and in pm shade areas. Very slight amounts that brush off but I couldn't figure out why.
Now I know that my diligence at maintaining 3ppm FC last summer was not even close to what I need at these CYA levels. So, I'm OFF the tabs and strictly to liquid now. So I just added 2 gallons tonight to get the FC up to 10 ish. I have a TF kit to measure the higher levels acurately.
So here are my questions:
1. Should I be shocking just because I have seen a little algae? I guess I'm asking if ANY presence of algae always requires a shock. Or, would just getting the FC to the correct FC/CYA ratio be a sufficient starting point and then see if the algae returns?
2. I've been using the biodex phosphate remover. Is this a waste of money if I get the FC/CYA ratio correct? Or is this a good insurance against future algae? The pool does get a lot of debris from trees.
3. My water is extremely hard. CH levels 450 even with water that is only a year old. I know I should expect bi annual draining, but is there a way to deal with scale other than keeping pH in the optimal range?
I know a half drain would help a lot, but at this point in the year water is now real expensive here and I'd like to get through the summer. At least next year when I refill I know to stay away from the tabs...
Now I know that my diligence at maintaining 3ppm FC last summer was not even close to what I need at these CYA levels. So, I'm OFF the tabs and strictly to liquid now. So I just added 2 gallons tonight to get the FC up to 10 ish. I have a TF kit to measure the higher levels acurately.
So here are my questions:
1. Should I be shocking just because I have seen a little algae? I guess I'm asking if ANY presence of algae always requires a shock. Or, would just getting the FC to the correct FC/CYA ratio be a sufficient starting point and then see if the algae returns?
2. I've been using the biodex phosphate remover. Is this a waste of money if I get the FC/CYA ratio correct? Or is this a good insurance against future algae? The pool does get a lot of debris from trees.
3. My water is extremely hard. CH levels 450 even with water that is only a year old. I know I should expect bi annual draining, but is there a way to deal with scale other than keeping pH in the optimal range?
I know a half drain would help a lot, but at this point in the year water is now real expensive here and I'd like to get through the summer. At least next year when I refill I know to stay away from the tabs...