Filter spitting algae

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Hockeykid

Member
May 28, 2020
20
CT
Hi
I have an above ground pool with Sand filter. I changed the sand this year for the first time in 8 years. My water is crystal clear but once I run the pump it spits out what I think is algae that settles to the floor but doesn’t discolor the water, just looks like I have dirt on the floor. I made sure it wasn’t spitting sand and also replaced the MTP Spring and spider gasket while at it. Checked the laterals too. I cannot pickup the dirt with my fingers as it poofs away. I’m told it’s algae.

If I vacuum with my robot and don’t run the pump then the water stays clean. If I run the pump then I will get a dirty the floor.

I attempted to shock the pool for several days. Attempted algacide. Attempted floc and vacuum to waste (which dumps a ton of water from the pool…a real PIA). I do admit that I did buy the floc from a non pool store that’s products might be a little lower grad then a pool store (not sure if that truly a concern).

Thanks
Matt
 
Hockeykid said:
I attempted to shock the pool for several days. Attempted algacide. Attempted floc and vacuum to waste (which dumps a ton of water from the pool…a real PIA). I do admit that I did buy the floc from a non pool store that’s products might be a little lower grad then a pool store (not sure if that truly a concern).
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That sounds like part of the problem right there. You need to follow the SLAM Process to kill & remove algae. Mechanical filtering alone will not do it. Be sure you have your TF-100 or Taylor K-2006C test kit ready for the SLAM Process.
 
I finally bought a TF-100 kit. These were my results. Do you have any recommendations? What FC level do I need and how much chlorine is that?

PH 6.4
.5 FC, .5 CC, 1 TC
TA 30
CYA 60
CH 150


Pool: Sand filter, 18,000 gallons above ground
 
Double check that pH test.......that's not a possible result with the TF-100

I would suggest to start your SLAM immediately, Use nothing in your pool but liquid chlorine.

With a CYA of 60, you'll need about 24 ppm of chlorine, I think.

SLAM is a process.......not a one time application. Follow the SLAM process to a T.

That's dead algae appearing on your pool floor.
 

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Surprising to me that your CYA is just fine. Pucks drive down the pH and TA but they also drive the CYA w-a-a-a-y up

Regardless, bring your pH up to 7.2 if you trust that meter. Use washing soda so your TA comes up as well. PoolMath will calculate the dosage for you
 
I slowly I brought my PH up to 7.2 using both TF-100 and the PH meter just to be safe. I and started the SLAM this weekend. I think I am seeing good progress with the amount of dead algae I’m vacuuming up. It’s been fun playing scientist even though my family is beginning to think I am nutz. Couple questions:

Is it normal to see the test results show bigger dips in FC as the week goes on? i was loosing about 3ppm during the day and 3ppm overnight in the beginning. Now today I lost 3.5 overnight and 6 ppm throughout the day. (With work I cannot test throughout the day).

Secondly, I am churning through the R-0871 solution. With a higher FC requirement of 24 I am using a lot of drops. I reordered 2 bottles but not due until Saturday. If I run out of chemicals is it ok to keep putting in the same amount of chlorine each day as I have been to keep the FC up until I can test again. (Same situation will be when I am traveling for work for a couple days next week. I’ll just tell someone to add x amount each day)? Hopefully this lack of testing doesn’t set me back.

CC has been going back and forth between .5 and 1

Full disclosure, I couldn’t get to the pool store this week (open only during work hours), so I had to go to a Job Lot to buy pool supplies, not ideal. I could only find Cal Hypo granular shock so if m stuck with that rather than liquid chlorine. Doing the best I can with a crazy work schedule.
 
Hockeykid said:
Is it normal to see the test results show bigger dips in FC as the week goes on?
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It can fluctuate. Just do your best to maintain the proper level.

Hockeykid said:
If I run out of chemicals is it ok to keep putting in the same amount of chlorine each day as I have been to keep the FC up until I can test again.
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It should be fine for a short period of 2-3 days. If it goes longer let us know.

Be sure to inspect all potential hiding areas of the pool. If you have a ladder it should be out. Good luck!
 
My pool seems to be back in proper order after passing the overnight test a week or two ago. Now time for closing it and looking forward to the spring. Just wanted to say Thank You for the expertise and help. This site is truly a blessing. The pool store was of no help fixing my issue. With your help I feel back in control again.
 
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