Constant algae in smaller pools?

[foxbody]

Hey all

In my 2nd year with this Coleman 5,500 gallon pool and I'm finding it's a real challenge to keep the algae away. I test with a good Taylor test kit, results below, although I don't always input results into the pool math app. I've performed multiple SLAMs. I use a broom to brush the bottom, vacuum frequently, run the pump 24/7 during SLAMs, 12 hours during normal days, and I find the algae comes back within days. I'm avoiding doing anything outside TFP recommendations so I'm just looking for input. Does anyone else with small pools have this problem? Is this just a byproduct of owning a smaller pool? What else should I be doing?

Other quick details. I upgraded the skimmer, pump to an intex sand filter, and vacuum. There are some leaks popping up so as I find and seal / tape them, I'm adding water more frequently now (2-3x per week), but this could also be due to the heat / evaporation.

My only flaw I would say is that as I'm busier with life and more experienced with testing, etc I'm not as diligent as I was last year. So I test and raise chlorine up but I haven't officially done an overnight chlorine loss test because I'm never home during the hours this needs to be done. So I may have just answered my own question, lol.

ph 7.3
FC 4.0 (Raised to 10-15 during SLAMs)
TA 70
CYA 45
CH 100


Any similar experiences? Thanks!

 

[Mdragger88]

Fox,
Your cya counts as 50ppm (always round up if inbetween) so bare minimum fc is 4ppm
target fc is 6-8.
Slam level is 20ppm
FC/CYA Levels
You must pass ALL 3 end of slam criteria to ensure algae is eradicated
You are done when:

CC is 0.5 or lower;
You pass an Overnight Chlorine Loss Test
AND
the water is clear.
(Crystal Clear w/no algae dead or alive)
I suspect you never really finished the SLAM Process

 

[Newdude]

+1. If algae returns without a new low FC event, you either ended the SLAM too early, or weren't thorough enough and something like your ladder is harboring nasties and starts reintroducing them as soon as you end SLAM.

Once done, dose over target to fall back into target. It is the secret of being lazy/busy. When you dance the line of minimum, you need frequent attention or you get burned.

It's also simple maths that unfortunately gets lost on too many folks. Minimum is 2 for 30 CYA and target is 4-6. If you're losing 3.5 ppm a day, and dosed to 5, you'll be under min. If you dosed to 6 you're OK, so long as you're not too tired from working the night shift, or have a T-ball game to coach.

You have a short season and with 5k gallons, a quart of 10% is 5ppm. Your frustration alone is worth it to run hot. (Totally safe up to and including SLAM / 40% of CYA)

 

[foxbody]

Thank you both. I have a few days off coming up so a proper SLAM will be performed.

 

[Newdude]

Plan on hitting it hard and often the first day. FC holding for 2 hours turns into 4 hours pretty quick and by day 2 you can pretty much get away with breakfast lunch and dinner and still be on track. At any time you can test/dose out of turn to buy yourself the next block of time for errands or Soccer games.