Algae problem I do not understand

[joel walsh]

I have had CYA above 100 for a couple
Months. Switched to calcium hypochlorite powder when my CYA went high. I do not think I ever had chlorine lock because my chlorine numbers fluctuated regularly. Kept using the cal hypo. Drained about a foot or so and my CYA is now 87. Alk. is 122, chlorine is 3.69 and Ph is 8. Noticed green algae on the walls today- brushed and double dosed with the calhypo. Added a 4 second long pour of muriatic acid and will check Ph again Tom. No idea if I am doing things right or wrong- pool places here all give different info.

 

[HermanTX]

The TFP methodolgy is battle tested based on the hundred of thousand members. However, you have to choose TFP or follow pool store because they cannot be combined.
The foundation of the TFP method is to do your own testing and follow the FC/CYA Levels to ensure your FC is always sufficient to properly sanitize the pool. Only proper levels of chlorine, based on the CYA level, will kill bacteria and prevent algae.

Please see Test Kits Compared to obtain a proper test kit.
While it is good you switched from trichlor pucks to Cal-Hypo, even Cal-Hypo can add unwanted calcium but with vinyl pool you can handle higher calcium levels. Ideally you should use liquid chlorine (LC)

With visible algae it is recommended to follow the SLAM Process
However you need to do your own testing to follow SLAM properly so first order of business is to obtain a proper test kit.

While that is being ordered, purchase LC and add about 4ppm of FC daily to stop the algae from getting worst.

 

[HermanTX]

One other point
This is the ideal levels recomended for a vinyl pool using TFP. As you will see, these are quite different from any pool store.

What Are My Ideal Pool Levels?

Use our tool to find ideal chemical levels for any swimming pool. Check TFP recommended levels on pH, free chlorine, cyanuric acid, and more.

www.troublefreepool.com

 

[Bperry]

I have had CYA above 100 for a couple
Months. Switched to calcium hypochlorite powder when my CYA went high. I do not think I ever had chlorine lock because my chlorine numbers fluctuated regularly. Kept using the cal hypo. Drained about a foot or so and my CYA is now 87. Alk. is 122, chlorine is 3.69 and Ph is 8. Noticed green algae on the walls today- brushed and double dosed with the calhypo. Added a 4 second long pour of muriatic acid and will check Ph again Tom. No idea if I am doing things right or wrong- pool places here all give different info.

Welcome! If you got green algae, your chlorine is too low.

 

[Mdragger88]

“Chlorine lock” is not really a thing- there is however such a thing as insufficient chlorine for the amount of cya. This is the reason you have algae- see
FC/CYA Levels.

 

[joel walsh]

Do I even bother adding chlorine until I get the CYA down and the ph under control? Or go ahead and up my chlorine each night until I can tackle the other issues? I won’t be able to drain water for CYA until next week.

 

[Mdragger88]

Do I even bother adding chlorine until I get the CYA down and the ph under control? Or go ahead and up my chlorine each night until I can tackle the other issues? I won’t be able to drain water for CYA until next week.

Add 5ppm worth of liquid chlorine daily to keep things from getting worse until your test kit arrives.
Use PoolMath to calculate amounts for all chemical additions.
Once your tf100/pro or k2006c comes you will truly know where you stand with your all your levels, be able to replace the appropriate amount of water, & begin the
SLAM Process.
Tell us more about your pool - inground/above ground/ intex style etc.

Create Your Signature - Further Reading

www.google.com

 

[joel walsh]

I have the K-2005- brand new and orders the proper DPD test kit to make it equivalent to the k-2006c. The pool math app sort of makes sense- I am not 100% sure I am using it right.

 

[Mdragger88]

Use your k2005 to measure cya - if between two values round up.
Post your numbers from your kit.


For ph use the overview page & click on the ph card - you will need to know your measured TA from your kit.
Put in your current ph - Set your target as 7.6 & add what poolmath calls for. Check ph in 30 minutes to see where you are.
If you wait until the next day to check ph will have probably risen again.
Here’s how to log test results & then make adjustments

 

[ajw22]

Do I even bother adding chlorine until I get the CYA down and the ph under control?

Your priority should be keeping your chlorine level UP.

Chlorine is what reduces algae replication until you can hit it hard.

High pH is never a big priority and cannot get out of control.

Don't worry so much about your pH. Worry about your chlorine levels.

Or go ahead and up my chlorine each night until I can tackle the other issues?

Test and increase your chlorine as often as you can. You do not need to wait for the night to do it.

I won’t be able to drain water for CYA until next week.

Whenever you get to it.

In the meantime keeping high levels of chlorine in your pool will keep your algae problem from increasing.