Dead Algae?
- Thread starter Mattou01
- Start date
- May 3, 2014
- 62,717
- Pool Size
- 6000
- Surface
- Fiberglass
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Pentair Intellichlor IC-40
Welcome to the forum!
Appears to be. Can you post a full set of test results? What test kit are you using?
I suggest you read through Pool Care Basics - Trouble Free Pool and even look at a few of our videos TFP-TV - Trouble Free Pool
Appears to be. Can you post a full set of test results? What test kit are you using?
I suggest you read through Pool Care Basics - Trouble Free Pool and even look at a few of our videos TFP-TV - Trouble Free Pool
Thanks! I don’t have my all results but going off memory:
PH 7.2
CYA was 39.
Are you wanting more numbers?
- May 3, 2014
- 62,717
- Pool Size
- 6000
- Surface
- Fiberglass
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Pentair Intellichlor IC-40
Yes, appears to be. Judging by the haziness, it may not be all dead yet. Report it all, so we have a good idea about what's going on.
Free chlorine
Combined chlorine
pH
Total Alkalinity
CYA
Calcium Hardness
Types of chorine you use - tablets, powders, liquids, etc.
Any other sanitizers/"shocks" besides chlorine?
Confirm it is a vinyl liner. Total gallons in the pool.
Type of filtration
What you have done most recently to combat it? Any other recent chemical additions (algaecide, floc, clarifier, etc.)
What test items do you have? Are you depending on pool store analysis?
Read up on CYA/CL relationship on this site, and the "SLAM" process, as mknauss linked to.
Free chlorine
Combined chlorine
pH
Total Alkalinity
CYA
Calcium Hardness
Types of chorine you use - tablets, powders, liquids, etc.
Any other sanitizers/"shocks" besides chlorine?
Confirm it is a vinyl liner. Total gallons in the pool.
Type of filtration
What you have done most recently to combat it? Any other recent chemical additions (algaecide, floc, clarifier, etc.)
What test items do you have? Are you depending on pool store analysis?
Read up on CYA/CL relationship on this site, and the "SLAM" process, as mknauss linked to.
I will post my results on here but first to give you an idea of my problem. I had cloudy water and was not showing any FC. I superchlorinated for 3 days and nothing. I was told by my local Bioguard store (Pools of Fun) that I had "chlorine Demand" and I needed to add 23 gallons of liquid chlorine. I ended up treating for phosphates (they are now at zero) and adding 8 gallons of 12.5% liquid chlorine. I did this on Sat night and had my FC readings over 25 on Sunday morning. By Sunday night FC was down to 12 and on Monday am it was down to 6 and now (Monday night) its at 1.5.
Ok here is the results I have using the Taylor drops kit.
CYA 39
FC 1.2
TC 1.4
PH 7.2
TA 137
Cal HArdness 250
I fill with well water and a Hayward Bobby Filter. I have a SWC. Vinyl liner and about 25K Gallons.Glass media Filter.
I am amazed that my FC went from over 20 to 1 in 48 hours. I have had a similar issue with the cloudiness before and shocked my pool with 4 gallons of liquid chlorine then. I had the same brown "sludge" that turns into brown dust when brushed AFTER the shock. I always get that AFTER the shock and never before. I also used a yellow algae algaecide last time too.
Ok here is the results I have using the Taylor drops kit.
CYA 39
FC 1.2
TC 1.4
PH 7.2
TA 137
Cal HArdness 250
I fill with well water and a Hayward Bobby Filter. I have a SWC. Vinyl liner and about 25K Gallons.Glass media Filter.
I am amazed that my FC went from over 20 to 1 in 48 hours. I have had a similar issue with the cloudiness before and shocked my pool with 4 gallons of liquid chlorine then. I had the same brown "sludge" that turns into brown dust when brushed AFTER the shock. I always get that AFTER the shock and never before. I also used a yellow algae algaecide last time too.
- Jun 24, 2021
- 16,235
- Pool Size
- 29000
- Surface
- Vinyl
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- CircuPool RJ-60 Plus
Follow the SLAM process...Link-->SLAM Process
Print it out, read it three times, keep it with you. This will clear your pool.
Proof-->How Clear is TFP Clear?
Print it out, read it three times, keep it with you. This will clear your pool.
Proof-->How Clear is TFP Clear?
I am using the Taylor kit to test. IS that what you mean? How am I testing? I am following the instructions with the Kit....that is the how.
Just so I am clear. With CYA at 39, my SLAM level of FC is 15? I just need enough Liquid Chlorine to keep it there until I pass the other 2 criterias?
- Jun 24, 2021
- 16,235
- Pool Size
- 29000
- Surface
- Vinyl
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- CircuPool RJ-60 Plus
round up, use 40 for CYA...target is 16. Yes, pass all three. OCLT <=1, CC<=.5, clear pool, no dead algae, no live algae, no debris, clear
Thanks so the pool math says I will need 3 gallons of LC to get to that level. Since I have never done this before, whats a good rule of thumb? Have 6 gallons on hand? 9 gallons on hand?
You need to add what PM says for the 16 target you're trying to achieve. Wait 15 minutes and make sure you have the 16. If not add to it as per PM and then check again until it holds the 16 for more the the 15 minutes.......Rinse and repeat.
- Jun 24, 2021
- 16,235
- Pool Size
- 29000
- Surface
- Vinyl
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- CircuPool RJ-60 Plus
Ok thanks! I saw it says test it no more than once per hour. I am surprised that the SLAM FC is 16 and I had it up to 25+ and now its back down to 1 so fast.
- Jun 24, 2021
- 16,235
- Pool Size
- 29000
- Surface
- Vinyl
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- CircuPool RJ-60 Plus
1-2 hours in the beginning is fine and will accelerate slam. When your loss slows, every 2-3 hours is great.
When you start the slam you need to keep adding till you get to the 16 one time then as per @PoolStored
As far as the sludge - yes, dead algae. "Glass Media Filter" seems to indicate you have a sand filter, loaded with an alternative to sand. If you get large amounts of "sludge", might be better to vac to waste. As you have seen, brushing can stir it up, making the water cloudy again. Sand filters can do a very good job, but they can't quite get as small a particle as other kinds do (but have other advantages). So it depends a lot on your particular one as to how well it can handle a lot of dirt load, and how fast it can clear a cloudy pool. Partially dirty sand filters filter better. You can also add a small amount of DE to assist it (do a search here for more info - but you likely will end with a multi-year supply of DE if you go that route).
If you have a heavy load of live algae, it is not uncommon for large amounts of Cl to be used up very quickly in the killing process. Hence the rapid drop. And why you need to test frequently when doing a SLAM, and do an overnight test to find out when it is no longer being consumed in the killing.
How much to have on hand? That is completely situational. Me? I keep about 8 gallons in stock. Sometimes it gets very dusty and in the way for long periods. Sometimes I have to make another store run after only a couple of days. Check out Wal-Mart, Home Depot, Menards, or other big box store. They frequently have gallons for far less than pool stores. Just make sure it is for pools, and not weaker for laundry (which probably has lots of bad-for-pools additives also).
Here's a link to a thread about adding DE to a sand filter: Added DE to Sand filter for the first time...
If you have a heavy load of live algae, it is not uncommon for large amounts of Cl to be used up very quickly in the killing process. Hence the rapid drop. And why you need to test frequently when doing a SLAM, and do an overnight test to find out when it is no longer being consumed in the killing.
How much to have on hand? That is completely situational. Me? I keep about 8 gallons in stock. Sometimes it gets very dusty and in the way for long periods. Sometimes I have to make another store run after only a couple of days. Check out Wal-Mart, Home Depot, Menards, or other big box store. They frequently have gallons for far less than pool stores. Just make sure it is for pools, and not weaker for laundry (which probably has lots of bad-for-pools additives also).
Here's a link to a thread about adding DE to a sand filter: Added DE to Sand filter for the first time...
Last edited:
- May 3, 2014
- 62,717
- Pool Size
- 6000
- Surface
- Fiberglass
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Pentair Intellichlor IC-40
What was this product? Name or better yet ingredients. How much was added?
I don’t recall either. I’m thinking maybe there was some discussion around copper with it…I just don’t remember if it was with copper or without, but a comment was made about copper. I can tell you it was like a 32 Oz bottle and I have had water tested at pool store for copper and metals. I’m good. I think I’ve also used a GLB Algecide in past.
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