Black Algae Invasion

[Katodude]

Full SLAM is not necessary but you do want to keep an elevated chlorine level for a while.

 

[mknauss]

Not necessary. No reason to waste chlorine as at that level you have greater natural loss each day. And this process can take weeks, months.

 

[Bperry]

Sure seems like a week or two on SLAM might be worth a try in this case. And maybe some marriage counseling?

 

[Lbrasci]

The method with the pump sprayer works much better than a chlorine tablet. At least for me. Its quicker and more precise. Its also easier.

Ideally brush, them apply LC, then brush, apply LC, repeat.

A mask and snorkel will be useful for this.

So this is not a recommended approach buy I have used it in the past. You might want to use a weak pressure washer to hit some of the larger patches. You have to be very careful to not damage your plaster. Then use the LC on those spots.

I get my chlorine for either of those sources you mentioned. It is strong and fresh, and cheap.

How many sprays do you recommend on a black algea spot and do I place sprayer on top of black algea or from a short distance say 1” ?

 

[Katodude]

Two or three sprays seem to work for me, but every case is different. Think about it as removing layers. You scrape away a layer then kill it, scrape away some more and kill it. Until you have gotten it all.

1” away is fine.

I would also take on a section, and take before and after pictures. Mainly because we like pictures and to prove to your wife that you can do it.

I can also promise you the pool “professionals” will not do as good of a job as you. There is more experience on this forum, then 1000 of them.

Another trick is pour LC directly from the jug down the wall where you have the black algae. It will be concentrated there for a few seconds before it disperses but it make a difference. You waste more chlorine that way but hit bigger spots. But remember chlorine is cheap, marriage is expensive.

 

[Lbrasci]

Two or three sprays seem to work for me, but every case is different. Think about it as removing layers. You scrape away a layer then kill it, scrape away some more and kill it. Until you have gotten it all.

1” away is fine.

I would also take on a section, and take before and after pictures. Mainly because we like pictures and to prove to your wife that you can do it.

I can also promise you the pool “professionals” will not do as good of a job as you. There is more experience on this forum, then 1000 of them.

Another trick is pour LC directly from the jug down the wall where you have the black algae. It will be concentrated there for a few seconds before it disperses but it make a difference. You waste more chlorine that way but hit bigger spots. But remember chlorine is cheap, marriage is expensive.

Which sprayer do you recommend for underwater bleach application ? I found this sprayer for bleach application on Amazon but does not say anything about underwater use.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00295QD96/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_api_glt_i_ZS5Z0WT8345V0JW57N4V

 

[Katodude]

That one is fine. Or if you want it today, just go to lowes or Home Depot and pick one up. They are all pretty much the same for this application. Starting sooner is better than later.

 

[Lbrasci]

That one is fine. Or if you want it today, just go to lowes or Home Depot and pick one up. They are all pretty much the same for this application. Starting sooner is better than later.

My mask, bbq picks, goggles are coming in today just need sprayer. I’ll get it from HD.

 

[Katodude]

Since you have a wide spread outbreak start with the SS brush. Save the picks for the deep stubborn ones. Picking all those out one by one will make you crazy.

Brush, spray, brush, spray. You should notice a difference very quickly.

 

[Casey]

Since you have a wide spread outbreak start with the SS brush. Save the picks for the deep stubborn ones. Picking all those out one by one will make you crazy.

Brush, spray, brush, spray. You should notice a difference very quickly.

Ain't gonna find a pool guy to do that.

 

[Lbrasci]

Update*

Just finished brushing and spraying with new pump sprayer. I picked 3 spots to track by the entry steps, attached are the before photos. I sprayed close to water level around the remainder of the pool perimeter. Didn’t jump in.

FC was at 6 sprayed 1 gallon to raise fc to 9.

 

[Lbrasci]

Forgot to attach

 

[Katodude]

Sooooooooo?

Any progress?

 

[Lbrasci]

Sooooooooo?

Any progress?

Yes, but BA clinging on to wall for dear life. Thank you for asking here are some pics.

Today’s reading
FC 4- will be adding to raise to 8
CC 0
CYA 20- will be adding to raise to 30

Just lost my magnetic smart stir pill.

Is it safe to jump in the pool say Sunday with my son ? Or should I wait until BA completely gone?

 

[Bperry]

Yes, but BA clinging on to wall for dear life. Thank you for asking here are some pics.

Today’s reading
FC 4- will be adding to raise to 8
CC 0
CYA 20- will be adding to raise to 30

Just lost my magnetic smart stir pill.

Is it safe to jump in the pool say Sunday with my son ? Or should I wait until BA completely gone?

That BA is not very bad. I think your fine. Is it getting any better?

 

[mknauss]

Black algae is cyanobacteria. To my knowledge, there is no effect on humans from exposure in a pool. The chlorinated pool water kills any thing that it contacts. the BA only survives due to a skin it forms to repel the attack.

 

[Lbrasci]

That BA is not very bad. I think your fine. Is it getting any better?

Yes getting better. Slowly but surely. I’ll show the “BA is not very bad. I think you are fine”part of your text to my wife. LoL

 

[Katodude]

Go swim. Enjoy your pool.

Keep picking at it and keep spraying it.

 

[Casey]

I just want to know what the wife thinks and are you officially her new pool boy?!

 

[Lbrasci]

Thanks to everyone I am now the pool boy. LoL. My wife did say something why I spent so much money on pool related items: tf -100 refills, LC, CYA 50 pounds, speed stir, brushes, nets, goggles, sprayer, ear plugs, bamboo picks, pH reader (plan on returning- just going to deal with guessing if the different colors), etc.

BA is still present but it is going to take some time to fully disappear.