Dust or Algae...help needed

[krazykevy]

Hello all,

First and foremost TFP has been a compete godsend to this first time pool owner. Pool Math has also been a great tool to help with with the pool chemistry side. So, here is my issue that I am facing. This past Sunday (7/14) I experienced my first dust storm in Phoenix since moving into our new house in February. The pool is brand new and has been operational since May. I keep up on all the cleaning, scrubbing, and water testing and, up until Sunday, everything has seemingly gone to plan. Ever since after the storm my pool has what seems to be a layer of dust on all of the flat surfaces (baja shelf, steps, table area). I am scrubbing those areas 3 to 4 times a day as the layer continues to come back. I am vacuuming twice a day, and running the pump on high for multiple hours (outside of when it runs at night). It seems like I am still not making progress. Since I am new to AZ, if this is common practice during the summer months then I should be good to go. If it appears this is out of the norm I would love to get some feedback from experienced pool owners as my OCD is driving me crazy thinking I cannot get my pool clean. Here are my most recent test results that I logged into Pool Math this morning:

FC = 5
pH = 7.5
TA = 100
CYA = 50
Calcium = 380
Salt = 3600
CSI = -.06

I currently have a Aiper Scuba S1 Pro that is my current vacuum and I have cleaned everything over the past 3 days (skimmer, pump, and vacuum) with the exception of looking at the cartridge filters since the pool is so new. I have attached a picture of the pool to give everyone an idea of what I am working with. Again, and help is greatly appreciated.

Kevin

 

[PoolStored]

Do an OCLT to rule out algae. Link-->Overnight Chlorine Loss Test

 

[TinFoilHat]

This one moved over the valley and then the wind just stopped so all the dust dropped to the ground which is very rare. To handle the dust storms we get you need to begin with a healthy level of chlorine and a good CYA level. In other words, keep your pool well-balanced in preparation. When there is a dust storm you just need to add up to one gallon of liquid chlorine to fight off the contaminants that end up in the pool including all the Crud from any trees and shrubs around you. You can do this before the storm hits or after but don't wait until the next day. The next morning you will need to skim for what your overflowing skimmer didn't get and then skim the floor for everything still laying down there - leaves, seed pods, flower blooms, plastic bags, pages from newspapers, millions of twigs from the church trees behind your house, etc. Then, if you have main drains as I do, sweep all the remaining dirt down to the mains so it can get to the filter. And all of this must be done before you go to work. Don't forget to clean the pump basket and the leaf basket if you have one. This is how I handle it and we don't, knock on wood, get algae, but you have to stay on top of it.

Also, since your pool is new, keep on top of your PH since new pools generally eat acid for breakfast, lunch and dinner for a year or two.

 

[krazykevy]

Thank you both for the tips. I realized I do NOT have the test kit that has the OCLT in it.....so I just ordered it through TFP. As soon as I get it I will do that test for sure.

As for pH, yes I had NO idea that I would be adding so much acid (16 oz every couple of days) to keep the pH levels in check....here's hoping that gets better after a couple of years of ownership.
Also, from my last readings it appears (to me) and the Taylor cheat sheet that my levels all seem where they need to be. Am I incorrect in that thinking?

 

[TinFoilHat]

IF those numbers are accurate and from a Taylor test kit then those are pretty close to where you want to be - PH in the 7s, FC in the 5-7 range, however that will change depending on your CYA level. Salt is high but you might have a chlorine generator? Are you able to test for salt with your kit? If you have a salt pool then get the salt addendum added to your TF100 or 100Pro (recommended) kit you are buying. You do need to put all of your pool and equipment particulars into your signature.

 

[krazykevy]

Those are pretty close to where you want to be. PH in the 7s, FC in the 5-7 range. Salt is high but you might have a chlorine generator? You do need to put all of your pool and equipment particulars into your signature.

Thank you for confirming. I thought I had updated my signature with all of my equipment (it is showing "Hayward Turbo Cell SWG" on my signature...hopefully everyone else can see that. Thanks!

 

[TinFoilHat]

I see it. Add the model of the turbo cell, such as T-15 so we know how big it is.