diamond brite with black algea

[LostPoolMom]

High brand new to tfp. So far your site has been very very helpful. We are in Buffalo New York in our 2nd year of pool ownership. We were 100% problem free in a first year, SWG auto pilot total control system, but this 2nd year we opened the pool ourself and I realize our biggest mistake was not getting our chlorine high enough. We couldn't understand why are chlorine couldn't get high enough or pH low enough. Our equipment can't keep up. But now I know we have algae problem. BLACK ALGEA i can see just beginning . Leslies sold me a copper product which I put in

After reading your site
I've ordered my Taylor 2006. Hubby is buying liquid chlorine now. I know I'm supposed to slam, but I'm affraid!!!!

For a diamond brite SGM finish what is safe? I read 16 ppm max but the SLAM chart tells me to get it up to 24!!!! I'm afraid to ruin anything.
Please help

Ty

 

[mknauss]

Welcome to the forum!

Black Algae

This guide provides a step by step procedure for eliminating black algae in your concrete or gunite pool. Read full post here.

www.troublefreepool.com

You may have other issues where a SLAM Process is necessary but if you truly have Black Algae, you do not SLAM for that. Read the article above about dealing with Black Algae.

SLAM level FC based your CYA is safe for all finishes. Even to swim in!

I suggest you read ABC's of Pool Water Chemistry.

 

[LostPoolMom]

Here are some pictures. Can those spots be anything beside algea? The spot are only around the tile. At first I thought it was grout/mortar but than it spread a bit. There's not a lot and cant see any true polka dots. I can't get any bits off to smear it on paper to see if its green.

Here are my figures
Pool is 26000 gallon, 10 months old.
FC 4 ( previously < 2 w SWG running 24/7 and several boosts)
TC looks to be 4
CC unknown. Pool stors said <0.2 FAC
Ph 7.5 (previously 7.65)
ORP 690-720
CYA 42
Hardness 275
Phosphate 0 (150 prior adding phosfree )

Pool store recommended an algaecide and then again another one for black algea w/ copper. And I put it in, I understand its not recommended here but its too late.. Will copper help? ...I should probably get a copper tested eh? And then dump more $ a sequesterant. Great

Its been 2 days brushed whole pool daily w nylon brush. Scrubed all spots with SS brush 3x/day. Rubbed some old chlorine tabs on em 2×/ day. And the hubby ain't very gentle. He Cleaned baskets, skimmer, filter (stabrite). Pool has been on 24/7 because chloring was low,, ph high 7.7 (even though it is set to 7.4) I'm not sure why equipment CANNOT get the levels to where they need to be. So we've been manually dumping liquid chlorine and MA to get our numbers better. In 2 days a couples spots look better. 1 looks worse, but no other new can be seen. Lots of work for poor hubby and his patience for this is used up.

I called SGM regarding our finish and they said 10 max chlorine level OR to try a non chlorine shock...? Furthermore my hubby is concerned about high chlorine levels with our young children and my asthma.

Should I raise CYA? We are off the SLAM chart.

Please share any other suggestions. (I will absolutely do an overnight chlorine test and check CC asap.)

Could it be something else?

Ok sorry keep going... on and on....
Thank you

 

[mknauss]

Scrape some of it off and smear on a paper towel. If a green tinge, it is black algae. Which is not algae, it is a bacteria.

The algaecides are not recommended. Might help, but doubtful. Read the article I posted above.

 

[RMcGirr83]

Please update your signature to include your pool information and what you are using to test the water with.

 

[LostPoolMom]

I can't scrap any off. Its Hard, even with a SS brush it doesn't budge.

FC 10.8
CC 0.6
Ph 7.35 (set to 7.3)
ORP 710 (set to 750)
CYA 40
SWG on boost.
Tested on my new taylor k2006

I regret adding Leslie black algea copper. I will get copper test. Can you recommend something to prevent staining or other issue?