I have been successfully using BBB method for a while, but towards the end of last swimming season, I noticed some algae that I was not able to kill no matter how much I brushed and shocked. I think it is black algae. It has a waxy feel to it when you step on it.
The problem is that the plaster on the shallow side of my pool is flaked off and the black algae seem to be holding very well in those creases.
I tried placing the 3” puck and it works but I have too much of the algae. I sure can buy a large container of the pucks and keep moving them around until all algae dies (and leaves a light brown stain) but I also want to see if I can repair the problems on the steps and the base of the pool.
I also tried using a pressure washer which also seems to work but takes a good deal of time, so using the pucks seem to be easier.
I have read a lot on the internet and on this forum on what to do and made a plan. However, I am looking for recommendations.
I will use E-Z patch on the steps and cracks in the plaster after draining the pool until the shallow end is exposed. I am aware of the risk of floating the pool but my lot is not on a flat surface. It is relatively high spot compared to what’s around me.
I am thinking about using a variable speed grinder/polisher on low speeds to soften the bottom of the shallow end. I plan to use the following. STADEA Premium Grade Wet 4" Diamond Polishing Pads.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009SD ... MTXWSPT19O
I will have to experiment a bit with the grit levels. Maybe start with 100 to see if it cleans the creases out and use higher grits to make is smoother. If I can make the surface smooth enough, I am thinking it is much less likely to have a black algae problem.
I am also thinking to bleach wash the pool. At least the shallow end that is drained. Since we will be getting rains soon, I am not sure if I should drain completely to do a full bleach wash and acid wash as there are stains here and there on the plaster.
I have researched bleach washing and acid washing quite a bit too.
In summary:
I will need long gloves, eye protection, a good face mask, metal brush, rubber boots, chlorine, acid, and a flower watering can.
First, I will clean the filter.
Next, I will chlorine wash by directly applying chlorine to the black algae infested areas and brushing. I will do this in sections and quickly rinse it off to avoid discoloration. I have seen this done using only chlorine or chlorine and water mix.
Last thing is to acid wash. I have seen from pool pros that they mix half and half or 1 parts acid and 2 parts water in a flower watering can. They also add 2 ounces of bio-dex white n’ brite to reduces fumes. I will have to use 1 lbs of soda ash per 1 gallon of acid I would use. This, I will do in smaller sections too. Pour the mixture and immediately brush and a second person can rinse it off.
However, I am going to winterize the pool. So do you think it will be better if I brushed and shocked the pool, closed it, and do the acid wash next season?
Well, you might also think the plaster is beyond saving and recommend to be replaced. I just want to get a few more years life out of it.
The problem is that the plaster on the shallow side of my pool is flaked off and the black algae seem to be holding very well in those creases.
I tried placing the 3” puck and it works but I have too much of the algae. I sure can buy a large container of the pucks and keep moving them around until all algae dies (and leaves a light brown stain) but I also want to see if I can repair the problems on the steps and the base of the pool.
I also tried using a pressure washer which also seems to work but takes a good deal of time, so using the pucks seem to be easier.
I have read a lot on the internet and on this forum on what to do and made a plan. However, I am looking for recommendations.
I will use E-Z patch on the steps and cracks in the plaster after draining the pool until the shallow end is exposed. I am aware of the risk of floating the pool but my lot is not on a flat surface. It is relatively high spot compared to what’s around me.
I am thinking about using a variable speed grinder/polisher on low speeds to soften the bottom of the shallow end. I plan to use the following. STADEA Premium Grade Wet 4" Diamond Polishing Pads.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009SD ... MTXWSPT19O
I will have to experiment a bit with the grit levels. Maybe start with 100 to see if it cleans the creases out and use higher grits to make is smoother. If I can make the surface smooth enough, I am thinking it is much less likely to have a black algae problem.
I am also thinking to bleach wash the pool. At least the shallow end that is drained. Since we will be getting rains soon, I am not sure if I should drain completely to do a full bleach wash and acid wash as there are stains here and there on the plaster.
I have researched bleach washing and acid washing quite a bit too.
In summary:
I will need long gloves, eye protection, a good face mask, metal brush, rubber boots, chlorine, acid, and a flower watering can.
First, I will clean the filter.
Next, I will chlorine wash by directly applying chlorine to the black algae infested areas and brushing. I will do this in sections and quickly rinse it off to avoid discoloration. I have seen this done using only chlorine or chlorine and water mix.
Last thing is to acid wash. I have seen from pool pros that they mix half and half or 1 parts acid and 2 parts water in a flower watering can. They also add 2 ounces of bio-dex white n’ brite to reduces fumes. I will have to use 1 lbs of soda ash per 1 gallon of acid I would use. This, I will do in smaller sections too. Pour the mixture and immediately brush and a second person can rinse it off.
However, I am going to winterize the pool. So do you think it will be better if I brushed and shocked the pool, closed it, and do the acid wash next season?
Well, you might also think the plaster is beyond saving and recommend to be replaced. I just want to get a few more years life out of it.