Algae collection worse after algaecide

[pjt]

It's recommended to use MA for pH control. Dry acid adds sulfates, which is bad for your SWG. MA is nothing to be afraid of, it just requires common sense caution and proper technique: Muriatic Acid scares the bejeezes out of me.

 

[C&HSewell]

Thanks guys! I think I can do this

Thanks guys! I think I can do this!

There is NO THINK. You can and will. Listen to these jokers, they know what they are talking about. Be diligent with the brushing!! I even got in my pool and BRUSHED every nook and cranny, scrubbed the skimmer plate and entire skimmer, removed the Weir Flaps, and foam and scrubbed behing them.

 

[Mdragger88]

As stated above- lower ph to 7.2 (30 minutes or so of mixing is enough to retest ph)
Then after ph is confirmed,
raise fc to SLAM Process level (20ppm)
FC/CYA Levels
Continue testing fc & cc & replenishing fc to slam level as often as u can just not more than once per hour. The more often u test fc & replenish it to slam level the faster things will go.
For a successful SLAM Process
you need to continue to MAINTAIN Slam level fc for your cya until you meet ALL 3 end of slam criteria-

You are done when:

CC is 0.5 or lower;
You pass an Overnight Chlorine Loss Test
AND
the water is clear.
(Crystal Clear w/no algae dead or alive)

*Check & scrub every nook & cranny where algae may hide (light niches, steps, drain covers, ladder handrails, skimmer throats/weirs, etc.)
*Run slam level water through all water features & lines for at least a couple hours a day during the SLAM Process.
*Brush & or vac daily (this breaks up biofilms that algae uses to protect itself from chlorine)
*Backwash/clean filter when pressure rises 25%over clean pressure.

 

[mgtfp]

It might also be worth to take some time to read through the Pool Care Basics to make sure that this remains your only SLAM ever.

And make sure to follow the SLAM Process to a T. Don't forget to lower pH to 7.2 before you get started as mentioned already, and turn your SWG off until you're done with the SLAM, only source of chlorine during the SLAM should be liquid chlorine.

 

[Bethany1983]

You guys yesterday I thought I put in all 4 bottles of bleach (128 oz each of 10%) but I only put 3. Ugh. The FC was at 16 last night at 8pm. When I tested this morning and noticed the 4th bottle unopened and the FC at 13.5, I went ahead and put half of the 4th bottle in, waited 2 hours and put the other half of the bottle in and the FC went to 16. So, that’s 4 bottles total of the bleach.
At 2pm today after those 4 bottles have been in the pool the FC was 14 and CYA at 50. I’ve added 2 more bottles of bleach and just tested it 2 hours later and it’s at 15FC. That makes 6 bottles of 128 oz I’ve put in the pool since yesterday and the pump has been running nonstop since 8am yesterday morning. Did I mess it up because I didn’t get the FC to 20 at the very beginning???

 

[Mdragger88]

It’s fine. Just maintain slam level as often as possible from here on out. It will take alot of liquid chlorine. Don’t expect the fc level to hold. Especially at the beginning. Algae is rapidly consuming it. This is why we recommend to check & replenish fc multiple times per day. The drops in fc will get less & less as you overcome algae & slam progresses.

 

[Bethany1983]

It’s fine. Just maintain slam level as often as possible from here on out. It will take alot of liquid chlorine. Don’t expect the fc level to hold. Especially at the beginning. Algae is rapidly consuming it. This is why we recommend to check & replenish fc multiple times per day. The drops in fc will get less & less as you overcome algae & slam progresses.

Ok. Do I need to bring it up until I know for sure it’s at 20 FC? I never got to that number. Highest was 16

 

[C&HSewell]

Ok. Do I need to bring it up until I know for sure it’s at 20 FC? I never got to that number. Highest was 16

Yes, you need to add as much as required to get it to the SLAM level based on your CYA of 50, which is 20PPM. The goal is to get it to the 20PPM and keep it there as best as you can through out the process, meaning there is mulitple testing and additions throughout the day. The TFP App will tell you exactly how much to add each time based on the current FC level, at that time, to get it back up to 20PPM. It will show you "add 407 oz, or 3 gallons 1 quart, or 3.2 jugs" as an example. Just as reference, it took me over 15 bottles of LC/Bleach. The best deal I found was at Home Depot. They sell 4pks of LC in their pool section for like $18. I want to say is 10% and 128oz.

 

[Mdragger88]

Ok. Do I need to bring it up until I know for sure it’s at 20 FC? I never got to that number. Highest was 16

Yes

 

[Bethany1983]

You guys I’m done with slamming..as in I’m going to just give it up at this point. I’ve been working at this diligently this will be the 6th day. 2 days ago I still had algae collecting on the steps. I went a little overboard and had gotten the FC to 30 which I figured was fine. I’m not sure if algae was better yesterday. I mean I can’t see it collected like before but when I brush the steps off, green goes whooshing thru the water, so I know it’s there. I’ve brushed everyday. My CYA is still at 50, and my PH is fine for the SLAM. Yesterday FC was 17, put some more bottles in and brought FC to 21.5 Last night. This morning FC is at 17.5. I’ve had the pump running most the time except for 1 day because I’m afraid I’m going to burn it up. It’s just a single speed pump. THE WATER IS PRETTY CLOUDY NOW(?) but that started the first day I put bleach in. I can’t see the bottom of deep end that well. Whats killing me is that it rains here non stop and I can’t do anything about that. The only it won’t be raining is never. LOL. Today I’m going to just turn the salt cell back on, put it on super chlorinate, turn it up to 100, and probably put this Pool Rx in it that I got off Amazon for $90 until things clear up then I can be more aware of my chlorine levels from now on.

 

[Griswald]

You guys I’m done with slamming..as in I’m going to just give it up at this point. I’ve been working at this diligently this will be the 6th day. 2 days ago I still had algae collecting on the steps. I went a little overboard and had gotten the FC to 30 which I figured was fine. I’m not sure if algae was better yesterday. I mean I can’t see it collected like before but when I brush the steps off, green goes whooshing thru the water, so I know it’s there. I’ve brushed everyday. My CYA is still at 50, and my PH is fine for the SLAM. Yesterday FC was 17, put some more bottles in and brought FC to 21.5 Last night. This morning FC is at 17.5. I’ve had the pump running most the time except for 1 day because I’m afraid I’m going to burn it up. It’s just a single speed pump. THE WATER IS PRETTY CLOUDY NOW(?) but that started the first day I put bleach in. I can’t see the bottom of deep end that well. Whats killing me is that it rains here non stop and I can’t do anything about that. The only it won’t be raining is never. LOL. Today I’m going to just turn the salt cell back on, put it on super chlorinate, turn it up to 100, and probably put this Pool Rx in it that I got off Amazon for $90 until things clear up then I can be more aware of my chlorine levels from now on.

None of what you want to do will work. Getting algae didn't happen in a few days and it won't go away in a few days either. It's just like having weeds in a garden, they grow very slowly, overtake your garden and then you spend several days to weeks pulling and clearing those weeds. Your pool is your garden.

 

[duraleigh]

Best of luck!

 

[Mdragger88]

You guys I’m done with slamming..as in I’m going to just give it up at this point. I’ve been working at this diligently this will be the 6th day. 2 days ago I still had algae collecting on the steps. I went a little overboard and had gotten the FC to 30 which I figured was fine. I’m not sure if algae was better yesterday. I mean I can’t see it collected like before but when I brush the steps off, green goes whooshing thru the water, so I know it’s there. I’ve brushed everyday. My CYA is still at 50, and my PH is fine for the SLAM. Yesterday FC was 17, put some more bottles in and brought FC to 21.5 Last night. This morning FC is at 17.5. I’ve had the pump running most the time except for 1 day because I’m afraid I’m going to burn it up. It’s just a single speed pump. THE WATER IS PRETTY CLOUDY NOW(?) but that started the first day I put bleach in. I can’t see the bottom of deep end that well. Whats killing me is that it rains here non stop and I can’t do anything about that. The only it won’t be raining is never. LOL. Today I’m going to just turn the salt cell back on, put it on super chlorinate, turn it up to 100, and probably put this Pool Rx in it that I got off Amazon for $90 until things clear up then I can be more aware of my chlorine levels from now on.

The pool rx adds copper to the water- You don’t want copper in your water.
too much copper can stain surfaces, turn the water & blonde hair green. You’re better off returning that & buying $90 worth of liquid chlorine & continuing slam. Have u scrubbed every nook & cranny (light niches, drain covers, ladders etc)? The algae is hiding somewhere based on your overnight loss.
Rain should have no major effect on the SLAM Process except for severe weather impacting your ability to run out there, grab a sample & dose w/ liquid chlorine. Most slams that start out with visible algae last a week at least so you are right on schedule in your trajectory. If u are certain of your cya (it’s not anywhere above 50) then do your best to maintain 20ppm fc)
If u think its a little above count it as 60 & increase slam level FC/CYA Levels

 

[Mdragger88]

You guys I’m done with slamming..as in I’m going to just give it up at this point. I’ve been working at this diligently this will be the 6th day. 2 days ago I still had algae collecting on the steps. I went a little overboard and had gotten the FC to 30 which I figured was fine. I’m not sure if algae was better yesterday. I mean I can’t see it collected like before but when I brush the steps off, green goes whooshing thru the water, so I know it’s there. I’ve brushed everyday. My CYA is still at 50, and my PH is fine for the SLAM. Yesterday FC was 17, put some more bottles in and brought FC to 21.5 Last night. This morning FC is at 17.5. I’ve had the pump running most the time except for 1 day because I’m afraid I’m going to burn it up. It’s just a single speed pump. THE WATER IS PRETTY CLOUDY NOW(?) but that started the first day I put bleach in. I can’t see the bottom of deep end that well. Whats killing me is that it rains here non stop and I can’t do anything about that. The only it won’t be raining is never. LOL. Today I’m going to just turn the salt cell back on, put it on super chlorinate, turn it up to 100, and probably put this Pool Rx in it that I got off Amazon for $90 until things clear up then I can be more aware of my chlorine levels from now on.

The pool rx adds copper to the water- You don’t want copper in your water.
too much copper can stain surfaces, turn the water & blonde hair green. You’re better off returning that & buying $90 worth of liquid chlorine & continuing slam. Have u scrubbed every nook & cranny (light niches, drain covers, ladders etc)? The algae is hiding somewhere based on your overnight loss.
Rain should have no major effect on the SLAM Process except for severe weather impacting your ability to run out there, grab a sample & dose w/ liquid chlorine. Most slams that start out with visible algae last a week at least so you are right on schedule in your trajectory. If u are certain of your cya (it’s not anywhere above 50) then do your best to maintain 20ppm fc)
If u think its a little above count it as 60 & increase slam level
The max fc your swg will produce in 24 hrs is 5ppm-
That will not likely overcome your algae problem

 

[gingrbredman]

Best of luck!

Yes, best of luck!

It is frustrating, but if you have made the decision to move on and live with it, the best of luck is all we can give. We know how to help you fix it, and you have to make a decision on what you do next, we can't make that for you. A lot of new members come here frustrated, looking for a solution to their issues, and as you can see, a lot of people are willing to help and give the advice they know will work. Many have chosen a different path, either live with the cloudy pool, or try some other miracle potion, that may give a fleeting moment of calm because it did something. The real problem is, none of that will fix the underlying issues, which caused the problem in the first place. Best of luck indeed!

 

[Bethany1983]

You’re all right. Sigh. I’m headed to store for more bleach

 

[Bethany1983]

What about clarifier? Can I add that?

 

[Bethany1983]

I got 2 bags of HTH Pool shock advanced, calcium hypochlorite 56.44%. And I got 4 more jugs of 128 oz each 10% chlorine. Suggestions?

 

[gingrbredman]

You’re all right. Sigh. I’m headed to store for more bleach

That really is the best choice for the clear pool you seek. Stick with the SLAM, it WILL recover, and you will be so happy you did.

What about clarifier? Can I add that?

Clarifier is not a solution and is a bad thing to add for your filter. Clarifier will not, um, clarify anything except your wallet.

got 2 bags of HTH Pool shock advanced, calcium hypochlorite 56.44%. And I got 4 more jugs of 128 oz each 10% chlorine. Suggestions?

Sorry, not the right product either. Your SLAM needs good old fashioned liquid chlorine, or plain bleach. I would put that on the shelf for now and maybe, maybe later down the line you could benefit from the by-products in that pack, you could use them, but not now.

Like I said, you are gonna get the help and knowledge you need to get this right, and it is frustrating, and sucks at times, but you know if you stop and try and find a different "miracle cure", you will be right back where you started, and it will feel worse.

 

[Bethany1983]

That really is the best choice for the clear pool you seek. Stick with the SLAM, it WILL recover, and you will be so happy you did.


Clarifier is not a solution and is a bad thing to add for your filter. Clarifier will not, um, clarify anything except your wallet.


Sorry, not the right product either. Your SLAM needs good old fashioned liquid chlorine, or plain bleach. I would put that on the shelf for now and maybe, maybe later down the line you could benefit from the by-products in that pack, you could use them, but not now.

Like I said, you are gonna get the help and knowledge you need to get this right, and it is frustrating, and sucks at times, but you know if you stop and try and find a different "miracle cure", you will be right back where you started, and it will feel worse.

Ok I am a little more hopeful now. I am continuing to add bottles, and brushing, I didn’t see any green swooshing off the steps this time! Also I think it looks a little clearer than it did last night? So if this fixes my problem, what is the recommended FC to keep my pool at so that I never have to do this again? I know it depends on the CYA but the toggle on pool math says between 2 & 8. That’s a pretty big difference. Also keeping in mind that my salt cell apparently is too small for my pool so I guess I need to do stuff to compensate?