Algae keeps coming back after SLAM

[setsailsoon]

dj,

Based on everything I see in your reports I would expect your -4 FC is unlikely to be correct. That said it's also concerning since you've tested a LOT and it would be hard to make an error that large even though you are counting a LOT of drops. You've worked so hard to get where you are I'd perform an OCLT test tonight. If it passes I'd let the FC drift down and do another OCLT test in a couple of days. OCLT test just does not ever fail when performed meticulously.

I hope this confirms you've transitioned to TFP pool bliss and permanent sparkling pool!

Good luck!

Chris

 

[djdonte]

Thanks for the encouragement... I am lost by the 4 FC drop too. I test first thing in the morning so maybe I was half asleep but I don’t think I miscounted. I am going to do another OCLT tonight and most likely leave the slam going one more day since I am staying home with my baby tomorrow. Should I turn my waterfall on while slamming? It’s a little noisy and the pump hogs energy.

 

[splashpad]

Thanks for the encouragement... I am lost by the 4 FC drop too. I test first thing in the morning so maybe I was half asleep but I don’t think I miscounted. I am going to do another OCLT tonight and most likely leave the slam going one more day since I am staying home with my baby tomorrow. Should I turn my waterfall on while slamming? It’s a little noisy and the pump hogs energy.

+1 for keeping up SLAM another day and another OCLT
Has the waterfall had water going through it? It could be your culprit if you don’t run it a bit after raising FC (to clear it's "innards"). Not too much, you don't want to mess with PH too much either.

 

[djdonte]

Haven’t used the waterfall in months. I suppose I should run it for a bit?

 

[djdonte]

Sitting right at SLAM FC so I turned on the waterfall.. bunch of leaves and bits came out. Netted and vacuumed up what I could and added some bleach to add a 5FC buffer for whatever is in there. I’m going to let the waterfall run for a few hours.

 

[splashpad]

Sitting right at SLAM FC so I turned on the waterfall.. bunch of leaves and bits came out. Netted and vacuumed up what I could and added some bleach to add a 5FC buffer for whatever is in there. I’m going to let the waterfall run for a few hours.

Ah ha! Sneaky water feature! Glad you thought to mention it!

 

[djdonte]

Did my night FC test and came up with 1.5 CC.. never seen it that high. Must have found something to kill from whatever came out of the waterfall.

 

[splashpad]

Did my night FC test and came up with 1.5 CC.. never seen it that high. Must have found something to kill from whatever came out of the waterfall.

2-3 days will hopefully see you with good looking results! And hopefully no more "green" encore!

 

[djdonte]

Lost another 4 last night

 

[splashpad]

Lost another 4 last night

Definitely a little more time in SLAM Process! Hopefully you've gotten your hidden culprit now!

 

[setsailsoon]

Lost another 4 last night

DJ,

Hang in there! Looks like you and Splash may have found the algae source that was plaguing you before. Now that your circulating through that system you will undoubtedly have a more well-behaved pool! I had a similar problem with my spa bubbler plumbing. Hadn't run it in a few weeks but when I turned it on got that strong chlorine smell which is really chloramines the product of FC doing it's job. So now I make sure we run the bubbler every week even if we don't need it for the bubbles.

Chris

 

[djdonte]

Passing the drop test but I still can’t get the CC down below 1.

 

[RoyR]

All the features / functions that contain water in the pipes needs to be run regularly...in my case, the vacuum line, spa jets and deep heat.

 

[Texas Splash]

Passing the drop test but I still can’t get the CC down below 1.

Rats! That's close, but it means the chlorine is still working on something. You seem to be in the fine-tuning stage of things and this can be the most difficult - getting over that final hump. But it's important to continue. There';s organic matter somewhere/somehow being consumed for the CC to be elevated. Inspect everywhere again if needed - that waterfall, steps, drain, behind light, anything like that if it applies to your pool. Even check the filter carts and inside the body of the filter itself. Hang in there.

 

[splashpad]

Passing the drop test but I still can’t get the CC down below 1.

I would SLAM Process FC/CYA Levels until it breaks The more frequently you raise the FC up as soon as it lowers, the quicker it will go

 

[setsailsoon]

Passing the drop test but I still can’t get the CC down below 1.

Hang in there DJ! Keep the FC above SLAM level. You're getting close. Organics that react with chlorine come in many different forms. Some oxidize completely very quickly. Others more complex organic compounds take a little longer. Most likely the stuff in your dried up, not recently used waterfall is taking a little longer. But at SLAM levels they will all oxidize.

Chris

 

[gonfishin]

Do you have return eyeball covers that are removable? I just found algae lurking on the part of the eyeball behind the cover and the pool wall side of the cover. It makes me wonder if there might be something lurking in the weir door for the skimmer in my pool too.

 

[splashpad]

Do you have return eyeball covers that are removable? I just found algae lurking on the part of the eyeball behind the cover and the pool wall side of the cover. It makes me wonder if there might be something lurking in the weir door for the skimmer in my pool too.

Yes those are great little places to check!

 

[djdonte]

If the return covers are removable I'm not sure if I can loosen them without breaking then, being 20 years old. I have the light removed and no algae, and I've been keeping an eye on the skimmers, as that is where I found hidden algae last time, but this time nothing.

I have been slamming for a little over a week now and lost count of the bottles of bleach I used, its a lot. Soon it will be too warm to trust HDs outdoor storage and I'll have to go with Walmart or pinch a penny. Passed OCLT this morning again, but still cant get the CC below 1.

 

[splashpad]

I have been slamming for a little over a week now and lost count of the bottles of bleach I used, its a lot. Soon it will be too warm to trust HDs outdoor storage and I'll have to go with Walmart or pinch a penny. Passed OCLT this morning again, but still cant get the CC below 1.

Are you keeping the FC raised to shock level for your CYA?

CYA (Stabilizer)	Minimum FC	Target FC	Shock FC
60	5	7-9	24