Can't figure this one out=Algae

[dmckeever]

First post, so pls be nice

I have 5-6 spots of algae on both the beach ledge and a separate stair area. My numbers are:
FC=4.5 @ 7pm (usually around 7 in the AM, dose @ night)
CC=0
TA=70
CH=275
CYA=between 30/40. So 40.
Water temp unknow, but likely high 80s (Houston area).

Brush the pool every other day, including the areas where I'm seeing algae break out. I have not tested the water specific to those 2 areas, just the general pool. Cleaned filters last weekend and they were dirty but not horrible.

I think i populated my signature, but if i didn't its 9k pebbletec, variable pump we run @ 1200 rpm for 10 hrs/day. 320 C&C filter. use the TF100 kit religiously. 10% Bleach daily and muriatic ~ 1x/wk are pretty much the only stuff added to the pool. Been fine for since october but something is happening now.

Thoughts?

 

[HermanTX]

Welcome to TFP. There are lots of members from the Houston area so you are not alone. With all of this rain I have been keeping my pool on the upper end of the FC range based on my CYA of 50. I went away for the weekend and took the opportunity to raise it to near SLAM level before I left. Did that to kill anything lurking and second, to ensure there was sufficient FC if it should rain while I was away for couple of day. I use LC all the time as you do.
I run my VSP 24 hours a day - most at slow speed but it does increase for 2 hrs per day for the Polaris cleaner and also in the afternoon for skimming purposes.
From everything you state, you are doing the right things but maybe the FC dropped lower then expected and the algae caught hold. So you may need to seriously consider SLAM Process

 

[PoolStored]

I would SLAM now. SLAM Process

If you mess around hoping, you will likely extend the issues. If you start early when you see it, it will be a short slam.

Putting your FC up to 16 for a few days is a small cost to ELIMINATE the issue!

Definitely worth it.

 

[dmckeever]

started a slam this AM. scrubbed everything but the pool light. will take that out and see if there's an issue there. As for low chlorine, i never saw it with testing. lowest was 3ppm at the end of a busy pool day a week ago. who knows, it might be something else. The weird part is the water is still very clear, its just a couple of black/green spots appearing.

Will update in a couple of days post SLAM

 

[Newdude]

The weird part is the water is still very clear, its just a couple of black/green spots appearing.

It could be a lot of things. Somewhat poor circulation in those areas for example.

But. If you see it, you have two choices. Keep the upper hand and SLAM at your say-so, or risk it being decided for you with an uphill battle the whole way.

You made the best choice, no question. Read the process a few more times. Remember that
It can stretch on for a bit and see it all the way through. Far too many folks stop early once things ‘look’ good.

keep us posted and we can help at any point !!

 

[dmckeever]

started SLAM sun AM. passed the OCLT this AM. Brushed/scrubbed every inch of the pool except behind the light.
Will keep a close eye/test for FC daily. I was in the habit of adding 3 ppm daily, and fully testing weekly. maybe with the higher air temps in past week that was my issue?

 

[mknauss]

Once you really know your pool, how the water should look, what issue is occurring if the water looks a certain way, you can test less often. But a new pool owner, or one just starting the TFPC process, should be testing FC every day. pH every few days. TA every week. CH and CYA every month.