Algae. How to attack?

[Comeby]

Having the same issue now for nearly 2 months. FC doesn’t stay above 3 unless I shock it. CYA is nearly 0. I don’t know how it dropped, I didn’t swap out the water. I even changed out the CYA chems. I hear that some algae eats it. I need to shock it likely to try to get CYA up. Here’s a video of my ‘algae powder’.

Pardon the pic, I haven’t linked my TFP data.

 

[mknauss]

You need to follow the SLAM Process

What test kit are you using?

 

[Comeby]

You need to follow the SLAM Process

What test kit are you using?

Taylor K-2005 Complete (high)

 

[mknauss]

Add the FAS-DPD test and follow the SLAM Process

 

[Comeby]

So this is algae and not some sort of DE leak? I expected algae to be harder to scrape off, it just brushes off. Also how do you explain the CYA?

 

[mknauss]

We have no history of your CYA testing. CYA does degrade and get diluted by rain overflow. It should be testing monthly and maintained at that the Recommended Levels. So a test of 0 now may be quite possible. I suspect it is not 0, but you should add 10 ppm worth at a time and test 24 hours after fully dissolved from the sock until you read at least 30 ppm.

The poof of material you showed appears to be dead algae to me. If you think it is DE, then inspect and repair your filter and then do an OCLT to confirm.

 

[Newdude]

+1. For future knowledge, *anytime* you suspect *anything* chemistry wise, Overnight Chlorine Loss Test to rule out an algae bloom. This time you suspect you see it. Next time it might not be visible yet and your regular testing is giving you advanced warning.

If you pass the Overnight Chlorine Loss Test it gives you peace of mind that the matter isn’t as urgent as we look into whatever else it may be and try to fix the filter (etc).

 

[thetinkerer]

When I have this issue I use the SLAM process and it works fantastic. You need to determine how much (I use bleach) to add depending on gallons and water chemistry (should be balanced properly before SLAMMING).

 

[Comeby]

Do I just set this in my sig?

PoolMath Logs

 

[Comeby]

Also I’ve hit it with the recommended bleach and last week and today hit it with a pound of shock in hopes of seeing CYA come up. Will brush the entire pool and add the recommended bleach as soon as this football game finishes.

 

[ccbill]

Do I just set this in my sig?

PoolMath Logs

In the PoolMath app, Settings, Share your logs.