Algae keeps coming back after SLAM

[djdonte]

Yes but no way my CYA is 60.. After I got the hang of the test it is around 40. I get 35 indoors and closer to 30 with my back to direct sunlight so I rounding up to 40. I'm keeping it 20-25 but never below 20.

 

[splashpad]

Yes but no way my CYA is 60.. After I got the hang of the test it is around 40. I get 35 indoors and closer to 30 with my back to direct sunlight so I rounding up to 40. I'm keeping it 20-25 but never below 20.

Perfect!
I was trying to skim the thread to see if the CYA was mentioned

 

[djdonte]

Perfect!
I was trying to skim the thread to see if the CYA was mentioned

I think it was earlier but I thought my CYA was 50... not so after some research and learning how to do the thread correctly. After my slam I plan to bump it up a bit to 50 for summer... if the slam ever ends.

 

[splashpad]

I think it was earlier but I thought my CYA was 50... not so after some research and learning how to do the thread correctly. After my slam I plan to bump it up a bit to 50 for summer... if the slam ever ends.

You can't run an accurate PH (it will read higher than actual with FC/20+), but when was the last time you did a full test set?
Just curious for you, why CC/1 hanging on.

Here are some elimination questions:
Do you have a SpeedStir?
If no, Are you swirling between drops?

 

[djdonte]

You can't run an accurate PH (it will read higher than actual with FC/20+), but when was the last time you did a full test set?
Just curious for you, why CC/1 hanging on.

Here are some elimination questions:
Do you have a SpeedStir?
If no, Are you swirling between drops?

No speed stir, but I am contemplating it, as stirring for 40 plus drops is getting old lol. I am swirling as I put the drops in. I have done the test twice in some cases to confirm with the same results. My powder and FC reagent are both new. The CC reagent is a little over a year old but has an exp date of 07/19. I checked all my levels before slamming and had to adjust the pH down to 7.5. TA 90, CH 300. I'm sure the TA has changed now with the returns agitating the water for a week straight.

 

[splashpad]

No speed stir, but I am contemplating it, as stirring for 40 plus drops is getting old lol. I am swirling as I put the drops in. I have done the test twice in some cases to confirm with the same results. My powder and FC reagent are both new. The CC reagent is a little over a year old but has an exp date of 07/19. I checked all my levels before slamming and had to adjust the pH down to 7.5. TA 90, CH 300. I'm sure the TA has changed now with the returns agitating the water for a week straight.

Then I might suggest letting the FC drift down under 10, so you can recheck PH, if it's above 7.4 it will be reducing the chlorine's effectiveness, see if you can beat this thing!

That is assuming your pool is otherwise clear

 

[djdonte]

Hmm I might try that. The pool is sparkling.

 

[djdonte]

On second thought I am really hesitant to stop my SLAM at this point. Can I put some acid in for good measure or will the chlorine neutralize it.

 

[splashpad]

On second thought I am really hesitant to stop my SLAM at this point. Can I put some acid in for good measure or will the chlorine neutralize it.

I wouldn't suggest adding MA with shock level bleach... since we can't test the PH accurately, we don't want to accidentally bottom out the PH

 

[djdonte]

I bought new R-0003 reagent to rule out any other inaccuracies. I got way more consistent results when I replaced my powder that was crystalizing. Should I just keep SLAMing or let the FC drift low enough to read the pH? I am kind of frustrated that after a week of 2+ gallons of bleach a day I am still not where I need to be. I figured 20+ FC would be enough. Was hoping to use the pool this weekend but I guess that's not going to happen. Seems there is no other way to lower CC than shocking.

 

[mknauss]

Have you posted a picture of your water lately?

 

[djdonte]

No I haven't but I can tell you its clear and sparkling.

 

[mknauss]

No I haven't but I can tell you its clear and sparkling.

OK == I quick scanned back. You are passing the OCLT? Only issue is CC of 1?

If so, clean the vial you are using for FC testing with alcohol. A dirty vial can indicate CC.

 

[splashpad]

.... I'm keeping it 20-25 but never below 20.

How often are you testing and having to top up FC?

 

[djdonte]

Testing min of twice a day (morning and evening) and when I can get away at lunch I test then. I have been putting 2 gallons of 10 percent before leaving for work. This gets me to 40FC and it drifts down to 18-22 by the time I get home when I can top it off again with bleach. Last weekend and weds I was home so was testing every few hours. Filters were just cleaned and don't see any pressure increase. I'm brushing 1-2 times a day and vacuuming every day.

Passing OCLT but the only thing not letting me finish my slam CC hovers between 1-1.5. before slam is was 0-0.5. I will clean the vial. It hasn't got cloudy yet but the lines are starting to get eaten away.

 

[mknauss]

CC is the least of the three criteria to be concerned with. Try cleaning the vial and test again.

Regardless - I recommend you let your FC come back to Target level and go on with normal maintenance.

 

[splashpad]

Passing Overnight Chlorine Loss Test

At what FC level?

 

[djdonte]

No I don't get it that high at night. I just add enough chlorine after work to get it to normal shock level. 20-25 has been the norm. Then test at night and again in the am. Last two nights were 23 for the OCLT. I add a ton of chlorine in the morning to load up since I cant guarantee I can come home during lunch to top off, and don't want to get out of SLAM with the sun.

I am going to clean the vial real good with alcohol. I never thought of that. the TFT directions said clean it with bleach if it gets cloudy. I think I will try letting it drift down then keeping it 20 percent of CYA. I was also thinking of throwing 2 pucks in my inline chlorinator to bump up the CYA a tad.

 

[mknauss]

Sounds good. I think that nuclear blast of FC during the day that is way above SLAM level FC is messing with you.

 

[djdonte]

Sounds good. I think that nuclear blast of FC during the day that is way above SLAM level FC is messing with you.

Could be the case. I wish I could test and add more often but unfortunately I must work all day to pay for things like this pool.