Do I still need to shock if I am able to vacuum the start of algae?

[Rockstead]

So my chlorine is well maintained at about 3.5 for TC, yet I’m still experiencing the build up of algae in my Salt water pool.

Unlike other occasions where algae built up, I’m able to vacuum or brush it off, in that case am I still required to shock and at what concentration if it can be removed from vacuum or brush?

Should I be maintaining a higher TC? I’ve been a little lazy this season and I have only been brushing / vacuuming once every two weeks.

 

[Griswald]

Depends on your CYA number. What is it?

 

[Texas Splash]

If you have algae, there's no doubt you'll want to SLAM Process. Maintaining the correct level of FC based on your current CYA until you pass all 3 SLAM criteria is critical. Don't forget to lower the pH first as noted on that SLAM page. Once you have passed those criteria, we can discuss anything pitfalls that may have led to the algae in the first place. Good luck!

 

[Derb22]

Everyone here will want You to post your own drop test numbers. Without those it is almost impossible to give good advice. Once you have those the advice here is amazing.

 

[HiddenRiver]

Be careful. If growing algae something is out of whack with the pool chemistry. What you vacuum up is only what you can see and it might be a bigger problem waiting to happen—-posting all the chemistry parameters will help a lot with identifying what needs fixing.

 

[mknauss]

Time to review Pool School - Trouble Free Pool School

Algae is not a filtering problem, it is a chemistry problem.

You need to SLAM Process. You have the proper test kit. Are your reagents fresh? If you need a refill order them now from TFTestkits.net.

Take care.

 

[Rockstead]

My readings are as follows, the only thing I see out of whack is the Alkalinity which is usually 70-80 in previous seasons:

FC=3
CC=.5
TA=110
CYA=70

 

[AimeeH]

My readings are as follows, the only thing I see out of whack is the Alkalinity which is usually 70-80 in previous seasons:

FC=3
CC=.5
TA=110
CYA=70

Your chlorine is too low for your CYA. To rid yourself of algae you should follow the SLAM process Pool School - SLAM - Shock Level And Maintain

And the you'll need to be maintaining higher FC level for 70 CYA Pool School - Chlorine / CYA Chart

 

[Rockstead]

Your chlorine is too low for your CYA. To rid yourself of algae you should follow the SLAM process Pool School - SLAM - Shock Level And Maintain

And the you'll need to be maintaining higher FC level for 70 CYA Pool School - Chlorine / CYA Chart

Amateur mistake on my part, thank you!

 

[Agent99]

*ANY* sign of algae means your chemistry is non-ideal.
*ANY* sign of algae means you should perform the SLAM procedure.