Algae & Low Chlorine

[jalexander]

I'm SO glad to have found you guys! I bought my TF Test Kit early this week, and when it came in tonight I was like a little kid again, rushing out to play with my new chemistry set.

So, background:

My pool is about 4 years old now. The first two years I hired a professional pool guy who knew his stuff. My pool was perfect. Unfortunately, my Dad went on disability permanently and with that a fixed income. So, we made a deal, he would try to keep up the pool, and I would help him with the bills. Taking care of the pool can't be that bad, right?

2 years later, we fight way too hard to keep the pool clear. One small slip-up, and it's green with algae. We check chlorine daily, and it's low. We're turning up the chlorinator, dropping tabs in the main skimmer, shocking it, etc... I feel like we're constantly "playing defense", and are never able to get in front of it. Dallas, TX is hot, of course, and we've had weird rain lately with it raining one day a week, the past 8 weeks. So, that seems to have made it even more erratic.

I've now bought all the chemicals and materials you guys suggested, replaced the Polaris (it was about worn out), and changed out the filters in the pump. Now, to get my head wrapped around the chemistry of maintaining my pool.

Doing my tests today, here's what I have:

Chl: 0.5
pH: 6.8
CYA: 100
CH: 270
TA: 100
FC: 0.5

Any advice on steps to get back on track?


Thanks so much all!
-Jason

 

[JasonLion]

Welcome to TFP!

Your main issue is your CYA level. Not only is a CYA level of 100 make it exceedingly difficult to take care of the pool, it might actually be higher. The common CYA tests will report any level over 100 as 100, so your CYA level might actually be quite a bit higher.

The best solution is to replace water to get the CYA level down below 100, and preferably down to something like 50.

 

[jblizzle]

Re: Algae & Low Chlorine

I will respond to make it a Jason trifecta

First step is to replace water. How much deepens on how high the CYA really is. Try that test again starting with a 50/50 mix of Pool and tap water and then double the result. The lighting is important with this test ... should be outside with back to the sun.

 

[jalexander]

Great, thank you guys!

I suspected the CYA (I read a lot here on the site, and remember seeing something about the tablets leaving CYA which will build up over time?). Ok, let me do another 50/50 test tomorrow when it's bright outside again, and I'll post results.

Side question, somewhat related:

We have a pool party on the Fourth. Depending on the results of course, will I have time to get it under control by then? Or, should I just keep "doing it the hard way" until afterwards? Just curious!


Thanks again!
-The Other Jason

 

[JohnN]

Not a Jason, but my name does start with a J. First, like Jason 3 said, do the CYA test with the dilution. You will eventually have to replace at least 50% of your water. After getting the CYA down to about 50, retest pH. If it is still low, you would want to raise it to about 7.2. It is important to do this before starting the shock process, because high FC makes pH test invalid. Then you follow the shock process, as outlined in pool school (linked to in my signature.)

 

[Richard320]

Well....if you work fast you could have a partial drain and refill done by the Fourth. As long as it ain't green right now.

Or you could try maintaining it at 100 CYA, which means raising FC up to about 13 and keeping it there and then dealing with it after. To copy something I posted a while ago: It CAN be maintained with astronomical CYA, but it is not easy, nor would I recommend it. Just for starters, the pH test will always be iffy, because the FC level has to be kept so high. And the color block quick test for FC is useless. The only way to test FC is the FAS-DPD test every day.