Close with algae?

[Laker]

Our bout with Boatman and Backswimmers has taught us we definitely have algae in our pool. Nothing green or visibly attached to the walls or floor, but light colored powdery deposits on the floor that slowly turn brown (dead algae?). We've only had our TF-100 test kit for a few days and have performed 2 Overnight Chlorine Loss Test and have passed both. CC is .5 or less. Regardless, since we know we have some algae, our plan is to start a SLAM at some point this week. We're in the process of raising our CYA level but this seems to be a very slow process and we're not yet comfortable with reading the results. We think we're somewhere around 30ppm but there are still granules dissolving in the pool. This leads to a few questions.

1. How important is it wait until all the stabilizer granules are completely dissolved before testing CYA/SLAMing? Or do we just test CYA daily during the SLAM and adjust chlorine input accordingly?

2. What are the dangers if we decide not to SLAM? We would like to close the pool as soon as we can and we're concerned that if we perform a SLAM at this point, it could take weeks for the chlorine to drift back to normal levels. Yesterday morning our FC was 10.5 and this morning was 9.5. This was with no chlorine added and temp up to high 70s with partly cloudy skies. Temps in our area will be decreasing to highs in the upper 50s by the end of the week. If we close without SLAMing, are we asking for major issues next spring when we open?

Thank you

 

[clduncan]

24-48 hours after adding cya you can test it takes a bit to fully dissolve and circulate. Need to know your CYA before starting the slam. Might not need to slam though, maybe just keep the FC elevated for a couple days and brush the pool. I am sure someone with more knowledge will come along. I might be completely wrong.

 

[mknauss]

If your CYA tests at 30 ppm now, take out the undissolved stabilizer. Assume you have 30 ppm CYA and follow the SLAM Process. Once you pass the three criteria, close the pool. No need to wait for the FC to lower.

 

[Laker]

If your CYA tests at 30 ppm now, take out the undissolved stabilizer. Assume you have 30 ppm CYA and follow the SLAM Process. Once you pass the three criteria, close the pool. No need to wait for the FC to lower.

Unfortunately we broadcast the stabilizer over the water per the package instructions so now its dissolving on the pool floor. We are trying to keep it swept as much as possible. Should we vac up the remaining granules?