Black Algae

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suttonjacob

suttonjacob

0
May 11, 2017
18
Arkansas
Recently bought a house with a pool. Never dealt with a pool before. It is a 38' x 18' vinyl lined above ground pool. I was having some small dark spots show up on the floor of the shallow end so I sent them to our local pool store guy. He said it was black algae. I also gave them a water sample to test with their system. Here were the results:

FC 0.05ppm
TC 0.1ppm
CC 0.05ppm
pH 7.7
Hardness 283ppm
Alkalinity 128ppm
CYA 41ppm
Copper 0.1ppm
Iron 0.1ppm
Phosphate 1297ppm

The recommended adding PhosAway to lower phosphate, then blacktreat for the black algae. Then lots of chlorine and brushing.

Is it possible that these spots are just metal staining? I will try vitamin C tablet tonight.
Pool spots 1.jpg Pool spots 2.jpg

Thanks for your help.
 
I just ordered the TF-100 kit to do my own testing when it comes in. I tried rubbing the spots with vitamin c and trichlor tabs. Neither seemed to affect the spots. As I said, I cannot even scrape anything off with my fingernail as it just feels smooth like the rest of the liner.

Any ideas?
 
Sorry to bump my own post again, but I really don't believe this is black algae and need some more confirmation from those that know more than me.

The spots are similar to the color of the pool deck. There is deck stain on the rim around the pool and even off over by the filter under the side of the deck. Is there any way possible that some of the stain from the pool deck settled to the bottom of the pool causing these spots? Is the chemistry with stain/water even possible for it to cause stains 3 feet deep under water?

Thanks for your help with a probably stupid question!
 
I don't think it's black algae, either. If it won't scrape off with your fingernail.....it's not.

So, anyway, the biggest money saving step you can do is what you just did.....get your own test kit.

Now, you DESPERATELY need to get some chlorine in your pool.....either right now or a little sooner, if you can.

Put in enough Clorox to get your FC up to about 7-10 ppm and then keep it above 3-4 ppm always and forever. Do not let you chlorine dip as it has.

Have you found PoolMath? Use it to calculate your dosage. Then put in one jug of Clorox each evening until your testkit arrives.

Test and post the results. We'll help you with everything and you will soon have opened eyes as to pool water management.

We'll work on those spots once your kit gets in and we have you up to speed.......the chlorine may even reduce them.
 
Thanks,

Yes I have been dumping bleach in it, and checking levels with some strips because thats all I have until tomorrow. The strips were showing FC at 1-3, I dumped 2 jugs of 8.25% generic liquid bleach in and the next morning it was at 10 (maxed out) on the strip. It was still pretty high that evening, but I went ahead and dumped 2 more jugs in. It stayed high until the next morning. I have added 1 jug per evening since then, so going on 5 days now. I'm not going to add any tonight and I will see what my levels are tomorrow afternoon and go from there, but just from looking at the pool I think the FC level is in a good range now.
 
Just finished my first test with the TF100 kit.

FC 5.5ppm
CC <0.5ppm (turned a very very faint pink tint, but cleared up immediately with 1 drop of R-0871)
pH 7.6
TA 220-230 (not sure what qualifies as "red", but it is way high regardless)
CH 225
CYA 30
Temp 74° F

Nothing has been added to the pool in over 36hrs.
 
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