Been battling algae since May. Thanks to TFP, I identified the type of algae (yellow mustard) and learned how to treat it correctly. This morning, pool finally passed the OCLT after 8 days of shocking and a 24/7 filter run -- not looking forward to that utility bill! 
A few questions about maintenance going forward:
1. Based on test results posted below, are we OK to swim? Per various postings on TFP, it's safe to swim up to "regular" shock levels -- for our pool that would be 15 FC. However, the pool only lost 1 ppm FC today, perhaps because it gets full sun for 7 or so hours and has a screen enclosure. Given the current FC of 25, would that mean about a 10 day wait? I'm not sure any of us has that much POP! :-D
2. Since FC is >10 ppm, I'm assuming that is what's pushing up the PH. Do I try to bring PH down now or wait for FC to come down first?
3. I'd like to add borates via Borax. Should I wait for FC and PH to be goal range first?
4. I'd like to keep FC @ minumum mustard algae levels (for us that would be 7.5 ppm) for the rest of the season. Theoretically, would that and borates keep algae at bay? I have a heavy, small kid-centric bather load -- up to 7 kids at once swimming, splashing, etc. for up to 5 hours at a time. Yeah, my house is the house all the friends like to play at during our loooong, hot summers.
That's it for now, I think. Thanks again for this wonderful forum!
Test results @ 5p
FC - 25
CC - 0.5
pH - Invalid due to high FC but I took it anyway 8.2 - pre-shock it was 7.8
TA - 140
CH - 230
CYA - 50-55
TEMP - 82F
Sparkly, clear blue water (
)
Filter run time is now 9a-7p.
Navigator runs when pool is not in use.
A few questions about maintenance going forward:
1. Based on test results posted below, are we OK to swim? Per various postings on TFP, it's safe to swim up to "regular" shock levels -- for our pool that would be 15 FC. However, the pool only lost 1 ppm FC today, perhaps because it gets full sun for 7 or so hours and has a screen enclosure. Given the current FC of 25, would that mean about a 10 day wait? I'm not sure any of us has that much POP! :-D
2. Since FC is >10 ppm, I'm assuming that is what's pushing up the PH. Do I try to bring PH down now or wait for FC to come down first?
3. I'd like to add borates via Borax. Should I wait for FC and PH to be goal range first?
4. I'd like to keep FC @ minumum mustard algae levels (for us that would be 7.5 ppm) for the rest of the season. Theoretically, would that and borates keep algae at bay? I have a heavy, small kid-centric bather load -- up to 7 kids at once swimming, splashing, etc. for up to 5 hours at a time. Yeah, my house is the house all the friends like to play at during our loooong, hot summers.
That's it for now, I think. Thanks again for this wonderful forum!
Test results @ 5p
FC - 25
CC - 0.5
pH - Invalid due to high FC but I took it anyway 8.2 - pre-shock it was 7.8
TA - 140
CH - 230
CYA - 50-55
TEMP - 82F
Sparkly, clear blue water (
)Filter run time is now 9a-7p.
Navigator runs when pool is not in use.
