Algae keeps coming back

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drwhitaker

drwhitaker

New member
Jul 4, 2024
4
North Carolina
Pool Size
22000
Surface
Vinyl
Chlorine
Liquid Chlorine
IMG_4939.jpegI have shocked and triple shocked and quadruple shocked and the pool will look blue but cloudy for about a day and then turns right back to green. Pool was perfect all last season but haven’t been able to use it once this year and I feel like I could cry. IMG_4745.jpegIMG_4761.jpegimage000000.jpegIMG_4918.jpegIMG_4937.jpeg
 
Welcome to TFP.
It appears the issue is that the algae were never killed completely and when the FC level dropped after the initial shock you added, then the algae grew again.
We have a process called SLAM Process. Given the color of your pool it may take a week or more to clear it all.
One of the first things required is a proper test kit so you can monitor the FC levels. See
Test Kits Compared
It is also recommended that only Liquid Chlorine should be used to increase and MAINTAIN the FC level.
We have worked with members to clear pools worst looking then yours but it does take time and patience.
Let us know if you wish to proceed. You must have a test kit because you will need to test 3-4 times per day for the FC level.
 
I currently have a 6 way test kit. If I wanted to start the SLAM process before one of the suggested ones arrives would it be possible to use that in the meantime? Also is a good liquid chlorine something I should be able to find locally or something I’ll need to order? Thank you!
 
Liquid chlorine (sometimes called liquid shock) is sold at Wal-mart, Home Depot, pool stores, etc.

You must have a proper test kit to succeed at SLAM Process. For now, just use PoolMath "Effects of Adding" to add 5ppm of liquid chlorine daily until you can test and provide results. We can easily help you from there as the SLAM process is easy when you can self-test.

What might be the case is that you have sky-high CYA levels which might require draining and refilling with fresh water. But without good self-test results, we can't guess.

Test Kits Compared
 
drwhitaker said:
I currently have a 6 way test kit. If I wanted to start the SLAM process before one of the suggested ones arrives would it be possible to use that in the meantime? Also is a good liquid chlorine something I should be able to find locally or something I’ll need to order? Thank you!
Click to expand...
Liquid Chlorine is purchased at Walmart or Home Depot. it is called Pool Esstentials.
We need to know your CYA before you can start a SLAM. Also need to test pH.
Show all test results with the kit you have.
 
I believe my CYA is currently around 30, maybe lower. I’ve been having it tested at Leslie’s (which I know isn’t recommended) and it’s been between 30-38 over the past two weeks. I’ve been vacuuming to waste and retopping trying to get rid of dead algae, so if anything I think it would be low.
 

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drwhitaker said:
I believe my CYA is currently around 30, maybe lower. I’ve been having it tested at Leslie’s (which I know isn’t recommended) and it’s been between 30-38 over the past two weeks. I’ve been vacuuming to waste and retopping trying to get rid of dead algae, so if anything I think it would be low.
Click to expand...
You want the CYA to be 30 for a SLAM but no higher than 50.
The SLAM level FC is 40% of the CYA so if it 30 then FC needs to be held at 12ppm. If CYA is 40 then the FC level for SLAM is 16ppm.
Also ensure your pH is around 7.2 because once FC is raised above 10ppm the pH test washes out and gives incorrect results.

If you know your pH is low and the CYA is 30 then you can start to raise FC to SLAM level. The issue is that you need to test every 3-4 hours as the algae will be consuming the FC so it needs to be topped up every 3-4 hours. The more diligent you are about topping up the FC the better (an quicker) will be the results.

If your CYA is below 30, the sun will be consuming FC in addition to algae so it will go fast, thus the need to ensure your CYA is at least 30 to start a SLAM.
 
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Muriatic Acid is used to lower pH. On the top left is a link to POOL MATH. Use that to determine how much acid to use for 22,000 gal pool. If you wish to have a phone app of same then use this link PoolMath. Both have same features. The app is free but only maintains the last test result. For $8 for a full year the app will save all test results and chemical additions for tracking purposes.

Home Depot sells stabilizer if you ever need to increase the CYA level.
 
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Please carefully read the Pool School article: SLAM - Shock Level and Maintain. DO NOT worry about your current pH, it is fine. That is NOT your issue. Killing algae is your only task. If you follow our advice, you'll have a clear, sparkling pool in about a week. Please remember, the TFP method is tried and true, but you must follow the SLAM process as close as possible. ALWAYS begin by reading and understanding the TFP method and ask questions before doing anything. We want you to enjoy your pool as much as we do!
 
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