An unexplainable algae problem.
On Sunday 11 I1 tested my FC and it was 4.5. I didn’t test it again on Monday morning because it had not been dropping because my water temperature was 57.5 degrees, it was raining , I had no chlorine on hand and was getting some on Monday. However, I did walk by the pool later in the day and it was clear. Anyway it rained most of the day Monday and part of the night, a total of almost 5 inches. Tuesday morning I looked out and saw the green water. I tested the water (I use the TFT-100 test kit) and the pool calculator to maintain my pool). Okay, my bad. In retrospect I should have gone to the store Monday and got chlorine but was too busy with other things. and it was raining. That is not what this is about
My CYA is in the 35-40 range and at 40 the recommended range is 3-7 depending on CYA. Tuesday morning I tested the chlorine and it was 4. PH about 7.4. I found that strange because the algae had eaten little or no chlorine. Because of prior commitments and no chlorine on hand I didn’t begin treatment until 4 pm. FC was still 4 and suggested shock is 14-15 depending on CYA. Suggested chlorine was 3 + gallons and I added 4 bottles. I tested at 6 and FC was 15. Since it was dark and raining a bit I added another 121 OZ bottle. Wednesday morning it was 19, i.e. no overnight drop. I use HDX Germacidle Chlorine 121 oz. 7.9% available chlorine.
Since that initial 3+ gallons I have only added 3 gallons. On 1/18 8 at 8:30 a.m. it was 17 but
since it had been sunny and warmer the day before and the same predicted I added another gallon which normally raises FC by 3 ppm. I tested it at 4:50 pm and it was 17. On 11/19 a.m. it was still 17, no overnight drop which should mean the algae is gone. However the water still didn’t look quite as clear as normal, slightly milky looking. I checked it again in the a.m. on 11/20 FC was 14. Still looks a bit hazy. This a.m. 11/21 it almost looks like it has a very slight green tint. FC is 12.5.
A few strange things about this bout of algae besides the cold temperature. I have kept my pool in the 3-7 range for many years. At onset it wasn’t very green, I could still see the white main drain cover. FC dropped only .5 From Sunday's 4.5 to Tuesday a.m. 4.0 After shocking for 2 days I could still not see any dead algae when I brushed the pool 2 days later or now. I could also see no change when vacuuming. I just had the filter sand a few weeks ago and I can see no increase in pressure. I’ve been running the pump 24/7 since onset.
In the meantime I guess I’ll go to HD, get some chlorine and hit it at a higher level longer until clear?. Any other ideas?
Thanks and happy TDay.
On Sunday 11 I1 tested my FC and it was 4.5. I didn’t test it again on Monday morning because it had not been dropping because my water temperature was 57.5 degrees, it was raining , I had no chlorine on hand and was getting some on Monday. However, I did walk by the pool later in the day and it was clear. Anyway it rained most of the day Monday and part of the night, a total of almost 5 inches. Tuesday morning I looked out and saw the green water. I tested the water (I use the TFT-100 test kit) and the pool calculator to maintain my pool). Okay, my bad. In retrospect I should have gone to the store Monday and got chlorine but was too busy with other things. and it was raining. That is not what this is about
My CYA is in the 35-40 range and at 40 the recommended range is 3-7 depending on CYA. Tuesday morning I tested the chlorine and it was 4. PH about 7.4. I found that strange because the algae had eaten little or no chlorine. Because of prior commitments and no chlorine on hand I didn’t begin treatment until 4 pm. FC was still 4 and suggested shock is 14-15 depending on CYA. Suggested chlorine was 3 + gallons and I added 4 bottles. I tested at 6 and FC was 15. Since it was dark and raining a bit I added another 121 OZ bottle. Wednesday morning it was 19, i.e. no overnight drop. I use HDX Germacidle Chlorine 121 oz. 7.9% available chlorine.
Since that initial 3+ gallons I have only added 3 gallons. On 1/18 8 at 8:30 a.m. it was 17 but
since it had been sunny and warmer the day before and the same predicted I added another gallon which normally raises FC by 3 ppm. I tested it at 4:50 pm and it was 17. On 11/19 a.m. it was still 17, no overnight drop which should mean the algae is gone. However the water still didn’t look quite as clear as normal, slightly milky looking. I checked it again in the a.m. on 11/20 FC was 14. Still looks a bit hazy. This a.m. 11/21 it almost looks like it has a very slight green tint. FC is 12.5.
A few strange things about this bout of algae besides the cold temperature. I have kept my pool in the 3-7 range for many years. At onset it wasn’t very green, I could still see the white main drain cover. FC dropped only .5 From Sunday's 4.5 to Tuesday a.m. 4.0 After shocking for 2 days I could still not see any dead algae when I brushed the pool 2 days later or now. I could also see no change when vacuuming. I just had the filter sand a few weeks ago and I can see no increase in pressure. I’ve been running the pump 24/7 since onset.
In the meantime I guess I’ll go to HD, get some chlorine and hit it at a higher level longer until clear?. Any other ideas?
Thanks and happy TDay.