I've been reading posts here the last couple weeks like an addict and gone through everything in Pool School at least once. Should be able to play with the test kit tonight. We bought our house two Aprils ago and I've been using chlorine pucks since then up til about a week ago. Stocked up on Target's 4 for 3 bleach deal. I think I'm ready to go!
So, any guesses on what my CYA will be after 2 summers on pucks?
Lat summer the pool was a dream to take care of, no problems at all. Occasional brushing. Didn't add anything other than chlorine all year and an occasional bag of shock (cal-hypo maybe? I'll have to check the box when I get home). I think I added one dose of ph-up at one point. Early this summer the pool guy I've gotten chemicals from (twice) recommended a phosphate treatment for one reason or another which (I now know) didn't gain me anything but extra brushing and filter cleaning. Since then we've had recurring brown/yellow algae on the walls and steps which needs to be brushed every week or so and comes back worse when I let the chlorine drop (duh).
My main question is: how do I know if it's mustard algae or not?
When I get a good look at it with goggles up close it looks green but from the deck it looks yellow-brownish and brushes easily. Do I do my first SLAM and then take it up to mustard shock just in case or do I go the regular route and see what happens?
I'm also thinking about waiting a few weeks before I do the inevitable drain and refill because I don't want to cool the water off too much right before the end of the swimming season and cut it short. Especially now that we're back to 100-degree days in Sacramento! (No cover so it probably wouldn't come back up to comfortable swimming temps before the days cool off too much anyway.) So I'm thinking I'll just keep it at target FC until I can drain, refill, and do a proper SLAM.
Honestly, other than when the algae shows up now and then, the pool's always looked great. I'm pretty much in love with this forum and I'd appreciate any tips!
So, any guesses on what my CYA will be after 2 summers on pucks?
Lat summer the pool was a dream to take care of, no problems at all. Occasional brushing. Didn't add anything other than chlorine all year and an occasional bag of shock (cal-hypo maybe? I'll have to check the box when I get home). I think I added one dose of ph-up at one point. Early this summer the pool guy I've gotten chemicals from (twice) recommended a phosphate treatment for one reason or another which (I now know) didn't gain me anything but extra brushing and filter cleaning. Since then we've had recurring brown/yellow algae on the walls and steps which needs to be brushed every week or so and comes back worse when I let the chlorine drop (duh).
My main question is: how do I know if it's mustard algae or not?
When I get a good look at it with goggles up close it looks green but from the deck it looks yellow-brownish and brushes easily. Do I do my first SLAM and then take it up to mustard shock just in case or do I go the regular route and see what happens?
I'm also thinking about waiting a few weeks before I do the inevitable drain and refill because I don't want to cool the water off too much right before the end of the swimming season and cut it short. Especially now that we're back to 100-degree days in Sacramento! (No cover so it probably wouldn't come back up to comfortable swimming temps before the days cool off too much anyway.) So I'm thinking I'll just keep it at target FC until I can drain, refill, and do a proper SLAM.
Honestly, other than when the algae shows up now and then, the pool's always looked great. I'm pretty much in love with this forum and I'd appreciate any tips!