I've been in a constant struggle since my first algae bloom. Our numbers are great, but if I brush the pool regularly it's cloudy and if I don't the bottom starts to look like this in a few days.
Constant battle - is this mustard algae?
- Thread starter jonnio
- Start date
- Jun 22, 2014
- 47,861
- Pool Size
- 17888
- Surface
- Fiberglass
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- CircuPool RJ-45 Plus
Mustard algae? .... perhaps. But first & foremost it does appear to be some form of algae in which case you need to begin the SLAM Process. Follow that page carefully until you pass all 3 SLAM criteria and you should do fine. If you wish to treat for Mustard Algae, do the regular SLAM Process in its entirety first, then once you pass those criteria, increase the FC to Mustard Algae level but only for 24 hrs. Good luck!
ok thanks, I will give that a shot. We've already SLAMd 2-3 times, but didn't go to the super high chlorine level after passing the overnight test. Will try that this time.
Last time we checked here's where we were
FC - 9.5 (Still coming down from SLAM)
CC - .5
pH - 7.3 (Pre-SLAM value)
TA - 60
CH - 325
CYA - 50
I am going to test again tonight before re-SLAMMING
FC - 9.5 (Still coming down from SLAM)
CC - .5
pH - 7.3 (Pre-SLAM value)
TA - 60
CH - 325
CYA - 50
I am going to test again tonight before re-SLAMMING
So we SLAMMed, brought it up to 35 for 24 hours for a mustard shock, and now that the chlorine is back down to 32 the algae (or whatever this garbage is) is starting to grow along the bottom again.
- Jun 22, 2014
- 47,861
- Pool Size
- 17888
- Surface
- Fiberglass
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- CircuPool RJ-45 Plus
To confirm, you say you SLAM'd, but did you actually follow the SLAM Process through its entirety passing all 3 criteria BEFORE moving on to the Mustard elevation?
Yes, water was clear, zero CC and no chlorine drop overnight....and, my current chlorine levels are WAY above even SLAM. I am sitting at 55 CYA and 31 FC (down from 35 yesterday).
- Jun 22, 2014
- 47,861
- Pool Size
- 17888
- Surface
- Fiberglass
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- CircuPool RJ-45 Plus
Then going back to your original post, perhaps what you are seeing accumulate at the bottom after brushing isn't algae at all. Your numbers seem to be quite good. If you had algae hiding somewhere, some of the SLAM criteria wouldn't pass.
ferretbone
In The Industry
I agree with Tx,
A. That's not yellow algae, B. Vacuum whatever it is off the floor.
I couldn't tell you what that is down there other than maybe carbon, mixed with dirt is my best guess with those chlorine levels. It Dang sure can't be algae though.
A. That's not yellow algae, B. Vacuum whatever it is off the floor.
I couldn't tell you what that is down there other than maybe carbon, mixed with dirt is my best guess with those chlorine levels. It Dang sure can't be algae though.
Thanks, I have vacuumed it to waste a couple times and it keeps coming back...I'll keep it up and see if It eventually stops
red-beard
Gold Supporter
- May 27, 2019
- 1,621
- Pool Size
- 25000
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Hayward Aqua Rite Pro (T-15)
Mustard algae is a light yellow/brown and is a thin layer spreading in the shadow areas of the pool. I fought it for years, not understanding the FC/CYA relationship.
Could it simply be dust that collects in particular areas because circulation leaves it there?
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