Added products we probably shouldn’t have…now what?

[Schaeper]

We had a small bout of mustard algae after coming back from a trip. Did the SLAM process and got my chlorine up to 40ppm for 3 days (as my CYA was 63 at the time) then I had to leave again for the weekend so I never got to complete the overnight test as my husband was in charge at that point and he went to the pool store and he took their advice. Things that have been added over the last two weeks (not all at once)… yellow out, black alcegide, and orenda pr-10000 (phosphate remover) I added pics of the products. I told my husband these products were like a bandaid but he wanted to try it anyway and now I’m reading more into them and yikes. How badly did we screw up and what do we do from here? The pool was clear for 5 days but our chlorine demand was crazy…my salt cell I was having to turn up everyday to even hold 3ppm FC so I did dump some chlorine in yesterday but this morning we woke up to what looked like the start of some algae…it was on the bottom and was like a murky white color. Our cya is now at a 37 and I just checked FC at 8ppm. We have a fiberglass pool with an autocover and our pool is heated. We live in NKY and it’s been HOT this past week…it will start to cool off next week so I’m hoping that will help to control the algae.

What should we do from here? SLAM again I’m guessing but my main question is will these products that we added effect the pool differently when we SLAM or will the pool act differently after the SLAM is complete? Thanks!

 

[Newdude]

Looks like you dodged a bullet because all 3 products are the TFP friendlier versions of the chemicals.

What's going on with the massive CYA drop ?

Refresher if you need it : SLAM Process

 

[proavia]

How did you get a CYA of 63 and now a CYA of 37?

Your initial attempt of a SLAM Process for 3 days with a reported CYA of 63 and FC of 40ppm wasn't a SLAM - it was more of a "dump and pray" operation.

Re-read the SLAM Process. It outlines very specific parameters - including FC levels based on the CYA reading.
For a CYA of 70 (any reading between 61 and 69 gets rounded up to 70), the SLAM Process FC level is 28. Increasing FC above recommended SLAM levels can damage pool surfaces and pool equipment. More isn't always better in this case.

Others will be along to advise what the 3 pool store potions may have done to your pool water.

Post a full set of current test results from your K-2006 Salt test kit.
FC
CC
pH
TA
CH
CYA
Salt
Water temperature

 

[Schaeper]

How did you get a CYA of 63 and now a CYA of 37?

Your initial attempt of a SLAM Process for 3 days with a reported CYA of 63 and FC of 40ppm wasn't a SLAM - it was more of a "dump and pray" operation.

Re-read the SLAM Process. It outlines very specific parameters - including FC levels based on the CYA reading.
For a CYA of 70 (any reading between 61 and 69 gets rounded up to 70), the SLAM Process FC level is 28. Increasing FC above recommended SLAM levels can damage pool surfaces and pool equipment. More isn't always better in this case.

Others will be along to advise what the 3 pool store potions may have done to your pool water.

Post a full set of current test results from your K-2006 Salt test kit.
FC
CC
pH
TA
CH
CYA
Salt
Water temperature

I don't know how the CYA dropped so much. Unfortunately I am waiting for more reagent to come to test CYA myself but the pool store has been pretty spot on for CYA when I've compared what I did to theirs and when I got the test from their store I tested everything else myself before I went and the numbers were pretty spot on. I'm guessing because we had the autocover off and it was extremely hot and we had to add some water that the CYA dropped?

The mustard algae page here on TFP brings you to the SLAM levels for mustard algae and it says you need to SLAM to 40ppm (I attached pic of chart)? So should I not be raising the FC that much?

Test results currently without me testing the CYA:
used 10mL sample for Chlorine
FC 7
CC 1
pH 7.8
Alkalinity 80
Calcium 320
Salt 3400
Water temp 89

 

[Schaeper]

Looks like you dodged a bullet because all 3 products are the TFP friendlier versions of the chemicals.

What's going on with the massive CYA drop ?

Refresher if you need it : SLAM Process

Not sure why the CYA dropped so much. I ran out of reagent and waiting on more to test for myself. But the pool store was spot on with the other levels that I tested before I brought it to the store. I'm guessing because we had the autocover off and it was really hot so we had to add some water? I've read that SLAM page so many times but I'm just wondering if the chemicals we used will screw up re-doing the SLAM? Or if I need to be doing something different. So over this lol. Mostly just mad because the kids can't swim while it's still nice out right now.

 

[Newdude]

I'm guessing because we had the autocover off and it was extremely hot and we had to add some water that the CYA dropped?

Did you refill half the pool ? Probably just another example of wonky pool store testing, no matter your previous experience with them. They're only as good as this time, and there is no guarantee.

Accurate CYA is critical for SLAM. Get that nailed down as soon as the replacements come. And it's sunny.

The mustard algae page here on TFP brings you to the SLAM levels for mustard algae and it says you need to SLAM to 40ppm (I attached pic of chart)? So should I not be raising the FC that much?

You need to pass a regular slam, then hold mustard algae slam (60% of CYA) for 24 hours.

 

[Schaeper]

Did you refill half the pool ? Probably just another example of wonky pool store testing, no matter your previous experience with them. They're only as good as this time, and there is no guarantee.

Accurate CYA is critical for SLAM. Get that nailed down as soon as the replacements come. And it's sunny.



You need to pass a regular slam, then hold mustard algae slam (60% of CYA) for 24 hours.

Lol no! I guess I screwed up with the CYA testing and trusting them. But the reagent won't be here until Tuesday. Our local store didn't have any of that unfortunately. Not sure what to do until then? Also I have struggled with that CYA test so how do I know I'm accurately recording that? If it isn't above like 40 I feel like it's hard to tell. Would the chemicals I added be messing with that test? Also why did you say "And it's sunny". Does it have to be sunny to test CYA?

Thank you for that last bit of info though... didn't realize I SLAM normally...pass the overnight test, THEN do the mustard algae SLAM.

 

[proavia]

Not sure why the CYA dropped so much. I ran out of reagent and waiting on more to test for myself. But the pool store was spot on with the other levels that I tested before I brought it to the store. I'm guessing because we had the autocover off and it was really hot so we had to add some water? I've read that SLAM page so many times but I'm just wondering if the chemicals we used will screw up re-doing the SLAM? Or if I need to be doing something different. So over this lol. Mostly just mad because the kids can't swim while it's still nice out right now.

How did you measure a CYA of 63 and 37?
The K-2006 CYA test can't accurately provide a result between the lines on the vial.
Are the 63 and 37 pool store results?

I don't know how the CYA dropped so much. Unfortunately I am waiting for more reagent to come to test CYA myself but the pool store has been pretty spot on for CYA when I've compared what I did to theirs and when I got the test from their store I tested everything else myself before I went and the numbers were pretty spot on. I'm guessing because we had the autocover off and it was extremely hot and we had to add some water that the CYA dropped?

The mustard algae page here on TFP brings you to the SLAM levels for mustard algae and it says you need to SLAM to 40ppm (I attached pic of chart)? So should I not be raising the FC that much?

Test results currently without me testing the CYA:
used 10mL sample for Chlorine
FC 7
CC 1
pH 7.8
Alkalinity 80
Calcium 320
Salt 3400
Water temp 89

You need to successfully complete the SLAM Process first before raising FC to mustard algae levels for 24 hours.
Do not start out a SLAM at mustard algae FC levels.

 

[Schaeper]

How did you measure a CYA of 63 and 37?
The K-2006 CYA test can't accurately provide a result between the lines on the vial.
Are the 63 and 37 pool store results?


You need to successfully complete the SLAM Process first before raising FC to mustard algae levels for 24 hours.
Do not start out a SLAM at mustard algae FC levels.

Yes the CYA measurements were from the pool store. I got a CYA of 60 myself before I ran out. Waiting for more reagent but it's not coming until Tuesday. So not sure what to do until then? Understood now about doing regular SLAM first then mustard algae SLAM levels, thanks!

 

[Newdude]

Not sure what to do until then?

Keep it at 16 FC, the lower of the 2 slam values. You may need to slam as high as 28

Would the chemicals I added be messing with that test?

Nope.

Also why did you say "And it's sunny". Does it have to be sunny to test CYA?

CYA does best with overhead sun.

 

[proavia]

Until you can test CYA with your own test kit, add 5ppm of liquid chlorine daily to help keep the algae from getting worse.

Unless asked otherwise, don't bother posting pool store test results. Pool store results have proven to be inaccurate, unreliable and not repeatable. The CYA test is the one they get wrong the most.

Once your new reagent arrives, post a full set of test results.
While waiting for the reagent, review the extended test kit directions.

Extended Test Kit Directions Archives

www.troublefreepool.com

 

[Newdude]

Until you can test CYA with your own test kit, add 5ppm of liquid chlorine daily to help keep the algae from getting worse.

They are able to accurately test FC, say, to hold slam at the lower of the 2 reported cya values. OP somewhat recently tested a 60 with Taylor so we are comfortable it's at least the 37 that the pool store said.

Slamming at 16 may not be as high as they need but it's still forward progress in the interim.

 

[Schaeper]

They are able to accurately test FC, say, to hold slam at the lower of the 2 reported cya values. OP somewhat recently tested a 60 with Taylor so we are comfortable it's at least the 37 that the pool store said.

Slamming at 16 may not be as high as they need but it's still forward progress in the interim.

I tested my CYA at 30 (or maybe even below...I have a really hard time with that test), so it seems on track with the pool store. I am really getting discouraged though... Thought I passed the overnight test twice and we had some personal stuff going on on the 25th so I wasn't able to get it to mustard algae shock levels yet but it was still at SLAM levels so I just left it for the time being, then something happened with our pump and it turned off overnight (???) and even though the FC was at a 13ppm a tiny strip of algae showed up on our tanning ledge after I haven't seen it since Monday and the drop in chlorine overnight last night/today kind of confirms the algae is still there. It has been rainy and cloudy the last couple days and will be raining and storming over the weekend because of hurricane residuals so going to be kind of difficult to do anything with the pool. I put the autocover on so at least it won't be filled with rain water. Not sure what to do from here, I feel like I keep SLAMing, even though the pool looks clear/clean and nothing is working...how long is this going to take? I feel like our algae was so minor I don't understand why this is taking so long. Is there a point of no return where we need a professional to fix this (like potentially drain, scrub the pool, and refill)? I have spent so much time and energy into this, that I really don't have, plus money on all the chlorine, so this is very frustrating! I feel like this is punishment for going on our trip as thats when the algae happened!!

9/22- 4:13pm
FC 5
CC .5
pH 7.6
Alkalinity 70
Calcium 320
Salt 3400
CYA 30
(added some pH down & 1 gallon 10% chlorine)

9/22 - 7:15pm FC 10 (added 1/2 gallon)
9/22 - 8:50pm FC 11 (added 1/2 gallon)
9/23 - 7:25am FC 13
9/23 - 12:30pm FC 8 (added 1 gallon)
9/23 - 4:59pm FC 8 (added 1 gallon)
9/23 - 8:49pm FC 12
9/24 - 7:24am FC 12 - (passed overnight test I think) overcast rainy day
9/24 - 10:30am FC 11 (added 1/2 gallon just because)
9/24 - 5:57pm FC 10 (added 1/2 gallon)
9/24 - 7:43pm FC 15
9/25 - 7:47am FC 14 (looks like I passed overnight test so added 1 gallon to start to get to mustard algae shock)
*** some stuff happened this day and I didn't get to test again until the evening
9/25 - 9:26pm FC 16 (didn’t add anything… will get to mustard algae shock tomorrow…I was seeing if we passed the overnight test again before I brought it to mustard algae shock levels since I didn’t have time to get to it that evening)
9/26 - 7:45am FC 13 (pump turned off overnight at an unknown time…a tiny strip of what I think was algae on tanning ledge so I guess there is still algae…added 1 gallon)
9/26 - 11am FC 21
9/26 - 4:24pm FC 13 (added 1 gallon)
9/26 - 7:45pm FC 23 ( and now the rain/storms have begun.... hopefully I can check it in the morning)

Been brushing at least once a day...sometimes 2-3. Vacuuming when I see debris. Just cleaned the filters again tonight. The water in the filter tank was super murky, cloudy, white so we drained that too. Any advice/words of encouragement?

 

[Schaeper]

Hello, I was wondering if anyone here knows of a good pool company in the Greater Cincinnati (Northern Kentucky specifically) area that can help service my pool and get rid of our mustard algae problem. My husband want to call a company to come help but I'm worried whoever he chooses is just going to dump "bandaids" in our pool like yellow out, etc and call it good. We have already done that (at advice of a pool store) as a last ditch effort because he was fed up with my SLAM method... ANYWAY... Looking for someone who knows what they are doing that can come help before my husband hires someone

 

[TinFoilHat]

The methods taught here are the best proven methods. How did you perform yours, with what test kit, what chlorine, to what levels and speaking of that, what are your current test levels? Did you dedicate yourself to the SLAM with testing and adding FC every 2-4 hours, brushing 3-4 times per day, cleaning your filter, etc? Don't let your short-sighted husband scare you off. Is this something you are capable of doing yourself without depending on him?

 

[Schaeper]

The methods taught here are the best proven methods. How did you perform yours and with what test kit, what chlorine, to what levels and speaking of that, what are your current test levels? Did you dedicate yourself to the SLAM with testing and adding FC every 2-4 hours, brushing 3-4 times per day, cleaning your filter, etc? Don't let your short-sighted husband scare you off. Is this something you are capable of doing yourself without depending on him?

I have been doing it myself except for the cleaning of the filters as I am not strong enough to take it all off (I have tried). He is getting very annoyed having to clean it a million times and just wants to call someone. He just doesn't get it because he hasn't been researching and reading everything that I have so he's getting mad because it's not working instantly and just wants to call someone. I have held him off for a while but he wants to call someone tomorrow... If you go to this thread and scroll to the bottom you'll see everything that I've done thus far. Added products we probably shouldn’t have…now what?

 

[TinFoilHat]

You sound like a retired couple and I can understand the frustration with a significant other and your limitations too. I'm there with the in-laws right now. The problem is that this method takes time and dedication and no one can clean it up instantly regardless of how they do it. You won't find anyone that will clean the filter as often as necessary or even be partial to the TFP way. If someone does come to deal with it you will get plenty of pool store chemicals which will leave copper or other unwanted things in your water. No children to help you folks out? You might just be at a point where it needs to be drained and refilled though the yellow will still need to be dealt with, just as a smaller amount. Do you close your pool for the winter, because that time is coming too.

 

[Schaeper]

You sound like a retired couple and I can understand the frustration with a significant other and your limitations too. I'm there with the in-laws right now. The problem is that this method takes time and dedication and no one can clean it up instantly regardless of how they do it. You won't find anyone that will clean the filter as often as necessary or even be partial to the TFP way. If someone does come to deal with it you will get plenty of pool store chemicals which will leave copper or other unwanted things in your water. No children to help you folks out? You might just be at a point where it needs to be drained and refilled though the yellow will still need to be dealt with, just as a smaller amount. Do you close your pool for the winter, because that time is coming too.

Lol nope... we are just a super busy mid-30s couple with two young kids so it's hard to manage the time it needs to fix this. How often do we need to be cleaning the filter when dealing with this? I think that's part of the issue. We obviously must not be cleaning something properly but I don't know what because I have been reading so much stuff and spending so much time, that I don't have, trying to deal with this and I THOUGHT I was doing everything right. How much time are we talking? Just feels like it never ends. Thought we passed an overnight test twice but then it came back while I was still at SLAM levels. Our pool is scheduled to be closed mid-november. I wanted to make sure this is fixed before we close up. This is the thread on everything we've done thus far if you have anything to add. Added products we probably shouldn’t have…now what?

 

[TinFoilHat]

I understand how busy a family can be. You clean the filter when the pressure rises to 25% higher than the clean pressure. You will need to clean the skimmer and weir door, drain covers, pool returns and light niches. Clean any seams around the stairs too. In the beginning you need to brush 2-3 times per day to break the surface of the algae so the chlorine can act on it. Mustard algae also requires a higher FC level than green algae does. You can find that in Pool School under Algae. Once you get this handled then next season will be a piece of cake as long as you follow the FC/CYA relationship and keep PH in the 7s.

 

[Schaeper]

I understand how busy a family can be. You clean the filter when the pressure rises to 25% higher than the clean pressure. You will need to clean the skimmer and weir door, drain covers, pool returns and light niches. Clean any seams around the stairs too. In the beginning you need to brush 2-3 times per day to break the surface of the algae so the chlorine can act on it. Mustard algae also requires a higher FC level than green algae does. You can find that in Pool School under Algae. Once you get this handled then next season will be a piece of cake as long as you follow the FC/CYA relationship and keep PH in the 7s.

We just cleaned the filter tonight and I looked at the gauge when we tightened everything back up and turned it on and it was reading this (see pic). Do we move the green thing to where that black part is now? Our PB never really told us anything about the gauge...Just told us to clean the filters about once a month.