Algae starting to form on walls and floor

[HKGilbert]

Hi all. I’m using the HTH 6 way liquid testing kit. I recently drained and refilled pool. Our source water has very high TA (500 ppm) and PH (8.2). I’ve been using muriatic acid to bring down PH/TA, before adding chlorine, and finally started making progress today, then noticed green algae forming on walls and floor. CYA is 0. Current PH is between 7.2 and 7.5, TA is 310. What is my next step? Do I need to SLAM? Raise CYA first? Just add liquid chlorine?

 

[mknauss]

Welcome to the forum!
Add chlorine! Do not worry about the TA until you have 5 ppm FC and 30 ppm CYA.
You will need a better test kit. I suggest the TF-100 or Taylor K2006C. A proper test kit is needed to get the accurate water chemistry results needed to follow the TFP protocols. Or, you can manage the pool as a Seasonal Pool, read Guide for Seasonal/Temporary Pools
I suggest you read through Pool School - Trouble Free Pool and even look at a few of our videos TFP-TV - Trouble Free Pool

 

[duraleigh]

Like Marty said, ignore your TA for the time being. Start the SLAM process by adding CYA to about 30 ppm and then add liquid chlorine to about 12 ppm. You will need a better kit to follow the SLAM protocols we use.

 

[HKGilbert]

Thank you both! I read the articles and watched a couple videos before posting. I can’t afford an $85 test kit currently, but will invest in one as soon as I can. Will start the SLAM process asap!

 

[Rancho Cost-a-Lotta]

You won't be able to complete the SLAM and Overnight Chlorine Loss Test without the drop-based FC/CC test. Your 6-way kit does not have this test. If you can afford $30, you should be able to get by with the Taylor 1515a FAS/DPD test kit in conjunction the your current kit.

 

[HKGilbert]

You won't be able to complete the SLAM and Overnight Chlorine Loss Test without the drop-based FC/CC test. Your 6-way kit does not have this test. If you can afford $30, you should be able to get by with the Taylor 1515a FAS/DPD test kit in conjunction the your current kit.

Thank you!! I was just trying to research if I could add something to my current test. I'll have to order online which will obviously take some time. What should I do in the meantime to keep my situation from getting worse?

Edit: I just ordered the test you suggested and chlorine stabilizer on amazon. Should be here on Wednesday. Meanwhile, should I start by adding liquid chlorine at higher doses?

 

[Bperry]

Thank you!! I was just trying to research if I could add something to my current test. I'll have to order online which will obviously take some time. What should I do in the meantime to keep my situation from getting worse?

Add liquid chlorine! Called chlorinating liquid at Home Depot.

 

[Rancho Cost-a-Lotta]

Don't start the SLAM until you get your test kit. Just add 5 ppm of liquid chlorine daily while waiting for your test kit. Keep pH in range using muriatic acid. Please complete your signature. It will help us help you.

I just looked at your introduction thread. I see your pool is around 4,000 gallons (maybe)? You could treat this as a seasonal/temp pool and just dump the water and start over, then manage with your HTH kit. Guide for Seasonal/Temporary Pools

Guide for Seasonal/Temporary Pools

Smaller seasonal pools can see just as much enjoyment as their larger counterparts. In this guide we'll show you how to maintain your temporary pool.

www.troublefreepool.com

 

[HKGilbert]

I thought I did complete my signature? I filled out the pool info in my profile...is there more I need to do? Usually every summer I have to dump and refill 2-3 times. I'm really trying to avoid that. It takes about 2 days to refill (crappy water pressure) and last summer strong winds blew my pool over before it had enough water in it. Also, we'd eventually like to go up in size so I really want to learn! Thanks for the advice! Adding chlorine pronto!

 

[Rancho Cost-a-Lotta]

The signature appears under each of your posts. If you're on a smart phone, turn it sideways and signatures will appear. We just need a few details about your pool so we can give you advice based on pool size, surface type and method of chlorination. This should work...click the link to get to the settings page to complete your sig https://www.troublefreepool.com/account/signature

 

[HKGilbert]

The signature appears under each of your posts. If you're on a smart phone, turn it sideways and signatures will appear. We just need a few details about your pool so we can give you advice based on pool size, surface type and method of chlorination. This should work...click the link to get to the settings page to complete your sig https://www.troublefreepool.com/account/signature

Thanks! Done!

 

[Rancho Cost-a-Lotta]

While you wait, brush down the pool daily or more. Read SLAM Process, Overnight Chlorine Loss Test, and the FC/CC Extended Test Kit Directions. Use the 10 mL sample size for chlorine testing to conserve reagents. Familiarize yourself with PoolMath. First step will be to add 30 ppm of CYA (chlorine stabilizer) using the sock method (knee-high stockings work real well).

Good luck!

 

[HKGilbert]

Thank you so much! I'm feeling much less overwhelmed after finding this forum!!

 

[Rancho Cost-a-Lotta]

Thank you so much! I'm feeling much less overwhelmed after finding this forum!!

Everyone does at first. You have over 300,000 friends to help you out.

 

[Momma4]

Just to give you some encouragement— after fully adopting the TFP methods, my pool is so clear that I’ve been asked if there’s even water in the pool!

You’re in the right place!

I know the test kit seems expensive, but it more than pays for itself by saving you from buying unnecessary stuff.

 

[markayash]

While you wait, brush down the pool daily or more. Read SLAM Process, Overnight Chlorine Loss Test, and the FC/CC Extended Test Kit Directions. Use the 10 mL sample size for chlorine testing to conserve reagents. Familiarize yourself with PoolMath. First step will be to add 30 ppm of CYA (chlorine stabilizer) using the sock method (knee-high stockings work real well).

Good luck!

I had a little green in one corner, bumped my FC up and brushed it off and it didn’t come back so brush it off if possible.
Your in the right place, once you get it set life if a lot easier. Just avoid adding junk like algaecide

 

[HKGilbert]

I'm starting the SLAM process today. Currently working on bringing PH back down with Muriatic Acid. My CYA is 0. Do I wait for PH to go down before adding stabilizer with the sock method?

 

[Rancho Cost-a-Lotta]

Start now with the CYA. After it's been soaking for about 20 minutes, start massaging the sock/nylon. One pound should go quick.

 

[Rancho Cost-a-Lotta]

For FC tests, use the 10 mL water sample option as opposed to the 25 mL. Here are some testing tips that may help...

Extended Test Kit Directions Archives

www.troublefreepool.com

EDIT: I see I already posted those for you...

 

[HKGilbert]

Start now with the CYA. After it's been soaking for about 20 minutes, start massaging the sock/nylon. One pound should go quick.

Ok! Thanks so much!