Algae For Days

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W

Wendik

0
Sep 12, 2017
7
Irving, TX
Hello all! I am new here. After spending $200 in the past week and a half and my pool looking greener than ever, I am trying a new avenue. I have really not ever had much problem with my pool, I would get algae- so i would shock it and it would be just fine. Well, the camel's back has broken this week. After multiple failed chemicals "prescribed" by my local pool store, I am looking for help elsewhere. Just this weekend, I dumped 8lbs of green to clean and 12 lbs of shock over a 36 hour period and my pool STILL looks like a swamp. I am still in the process of reading all the info here- and thought as I was doing that I could drop my #'s here and see if anyone has any recommendations.

13,000 gallon above ground non-salt water pool

I only had test strips to test (I am sure there is something better to use)

FCL- 0
TCL- .5
ALK- 120
PH 7.8
TH 250
CYA 40

Any help would be appreciated!
 
Test strips are unreliable and offer merely a range for the most part. The info given on this site is based on testing your own water with a quality test kit. We recommend two kits here. Either the TF-100 or the Taylor K2006C are the only kits that have the oh so important FAS-DPD chlorine test. This is the test that you need to clear a green pool. Other chlorine tests only generally go up to 5 PPM so they are pretty much useless for shocking or SLAMing purposes.

I would get one of those two kits and post your test results. I suspect the CYA test is way higher than 40 because of the 12 pounds of shock that you already threw in. What you need to do is SLAM your pool with liquid chlorine or bleach only. No powdered or granular chlorine because that will add more CYA to your pool which you probably don't need.

You probably want your CYA level no higher than 50. Anything higher will require a lot more chlorine to clear the pool. See the FC/CYA chart to figure out your shock level when you do your SLAM.
 
:wave: Welcome to TFP Wendik

I agree with all the above.
Getting a good testing kit ordered would be right up there for first things to do. I highly recommend the TF100. Link in my signature.
Switching over to liquid chlorine (bleach) will be cheaper and work better in the long run.
Reading up is critical and although it might be confusing at first it does slowly sink in. We use common easily sourced chemicals and stay far away from the pool store "try this".

As you read please post any questions you have. If you're using any algacide that I would quit right away. The bleach will kill and prevent any algae. You just need a good test kit so you can do a SLAM
When you start to buy bleach you need to make sure it's just regular bleach and not scented or splashless. They can foam :(
 
Thanks for the info. Looking online now to purchase a test kit...So do nothing until the kit comes in? Which is looking like Friday (a whole 3 days !!??) :eek: according to Amazon? I just hate for it to continue to get greener and greener!
 
Actually, you should just poor about a gallon of chlorine a day until your test kit arrives to keep things from getting worse. If you do nothing, it will make the SLAM more difficult because algae will continue growing until you begin.
 
Yes a gallon of bleach (chlorine) is a gallon of chlorine is a gallon of swim shock (chlorine). NOW chlorine comes in different sizes and strengths so for now you'll likely just grab anything at the grocery store, walmart, box store, ... and not worry too much. Just don't get scented or splash-less they can foam. Just the standard stuff and coupons are good. You also want to see if you can find a date. The chlorine weakens with age and temp. So the newer the better.
 
I'm not sure what they have in Texas, but I go to my local Home Depot. They have liquid Chlorine for pool use as well as muriatic acid that I need to adjust my pH. The folks on this website are correct, these are the only things you need. Chlorine, the ability to adjust your pH and the ability to accurately measure your chlorine level. Therefore the recommended test kits. It is easy to do. I have let my pool get away from me a few times (now is one! I'm doing the SLAM now) over the past five years. The process works and makes sense. As they say, do not buy any algaecides or other panacea's from the Pool store. Maybe they do something, but they are not needed.

- - - Updated - - -

Knucklehead said:
I'm not sure what they have in Texas, but I go to my local Home Depot. They have liquid Chlorine for pool use as well as muriatic acid that I need to adjust my pH. The folks on this website are correct, these are the only things you need. Chlorine, the ability to adjust your pH and the ability to accurately measure your chlorine level. Therefore the recommended test kits. It is easy to do. I have let my pool get away from me a few times (now is one! I'm doing the SLAM now) over the past five years. The process works and makes sense. As they say, do not buy any algaecides or other panacea's from the Pool store. Maybe they do something, but they are not needed.
Click to expand...

Perhaps I made it too simple, now that I reread. Read the Pool School and SLAM instructions. But it really is pretty simple.
 
Wendi,

While you are waiting for your test equipment you can shop around for a good source of liquid chlorine. Store bleach (no additives of any kind) will work but it's not usually the cheapest. This is one thing pool stores often do have and sometimes at the best price. But don't let them sell you anything else. Many people in your part of Texas indicate Walmart has a good deal on 10%, store brands are usually around 6%, be sure to consider the strength in your shopping. Also search around on here and you'll find out how to read the date codes. You'll need a LOT pretty soon. I'd buy 10 gallons to start.

Read up on Pool School so you're ready to SLAM when you get the kit. When you do it be sure to follow the "letter of the law". Test frequently, run pump 24/7, brush often, never let the FC level get too low. If you do this your pool will be looking great much quicker. Then you'll be able to enjoy super cheap pool maintenance and you'll almost never buy anything other than pool bleach and acid. My costs for a pool just a little smaller than yours are about $10/month. I've been a convert for two years and I hope you're the next. You'll never look back and you're gonna get more real expertise here than you can imagine.

Welcome to tfp and Good Luck!

Chris
 
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Do you have the package the 'Green to Clean' came in? That is typically ammonia based. And will take LOTS of chlorine to clear.

Start to consider how you will exchange a large portion of your pool water. There is a good chance your CYA is very high and if the Green to Clear potion was ammonia based it may be alot cheaper to dump most of your current water and start fresh.

Get the cost of your fill water, how you can dispose of the existing water, etc.

Take care.
 
No I looked for the bottle but must have already put it out on the curb.

My test kit TF-100 will be here Monday. My question is, should I at least take a sample to leslie's just to see where my numbers are (without buying any chemicals of course), so I am not waiting until Monday to start the process?

My water appears to be a lesser shade of green after some bleach (or maybe that is wishful thinking??).

I also feel as if I am back washing a gazzilion times a day (just cleaned my filter on Monday thinking that would help a bit with the greenness and the chemicals Leslie's had me put in) ? I back washed this evening and my pressure gauge is already at 30. I am just so frustrated, I have never had this issue with my pool (except when I first purchased my home 2 years ago because previous owners didn't take care of it and all my filter grids were shattered) .
 
DE filters plug quickly with algae. A downside of a DE filter. They somtimes filter too good!

If it was the Green to Clean marketed by Coral Seas it adds ammonia. And you added alot. I suspect you are going to find it will be more economical to drain the majority of your pool rather than fight the ammonia.

Check your water table height as well as the items I listed before. It will help you decide if your best avenue will be to drain.

Take care.
 
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