First Ever Algae Growth (Brown)- Help needed

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derryank

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Gold Supporter
Apr 4, 2015
107
Boston MA
Well folks, looks like I've been algaed!!

Haven't posted in sometime because my levels and pool have been sparkling. Long story short, I had missed testing or chemistry lessons for 4-7 days, then wack! See pictures below.

I've had the algae about a week now, and have maintained regular testing and chemical levels. However, the algae hasn't died down any, if anything, it's the same.

Here are two sets of results:

8/8/2017

FC - 3.5
CC - 0.5
TC - 4.0
CH - 75
TA - 60
CYA - 75
PH - 7.5
CL/BR - 5
Salt - 3000ppm

8/12/2017

FC - 4.0
CC - 0
TC - 4.0
CH - 50
TA - 80
CYA - 70
PH - 7.2
CL/BR - 5
Salt - 4000ppm

I've been reading other posts similar to my algae concerns, and have come to the conclusion that I have to SLAM. I off to read that section now, though I'd greatly appreciate it if the forum could offer any advice as to the best method to get the pool Crystal Clear! Thanks all for your help.

P.s.....is it currently safe to swim? Kids are curious....[emoji6]

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SLAM - follow the chlorine/CYA chart for shock level. Re check your pH before you add chlorine to be sure it is at 7.2

You can safely swim in the pool if the FC is at or below shock level for your CYA; you can see the bottom of your pool; and your pH was between 7.2 and 7.8 prior to starting your SLAM.

Take care.
 
Terryank:

Please remember to keep the filter on 24/7 until you pass all 3 criteria. Maybe the SWG output/demand slipped for a few days. Did you at all see the water go from crystal clear to cloudy before algae setting in? How about brushing. How often do you brush the pool? Asking these questions as once you complete the SLAM and the pool is back to normal, you kind of want to go back and figure out why this happened in the first place.

Sometimes, circulation and the lack of brushing causes dead spots where algae starts and creates the problem. Allowing your levels to slip for a day usually is not the culprit, and assuming you kept your levels within range for CYA/FC relationship. Thanks!
 
Hi Catanzaro,

I did see the pool go slightly cloudy for 2 days prior to the algae forming...the process had started I'm assuming? I have the robot in twice a week, admittedly, I need to do a better job scrubbing.

I'm about to commence with the SLAM now. Will keep the results updated.

Thanks all for your advice
 
Lastly...I'm assuming that I need to turn off the SWG?
Click to expand...

Yes, please turn off the SWG during the SLAM. It only takes a few days of cloudy before going green. The SLAM process should not take too long (assuming you keep at SLAM). BTW, how many returns, skimmers, and main drains do you have in your pool? Depending on the location, you may want to add rotating return jets (I really believe in them).

My friend who had perfect pool water for 3 years now, allowed algae to form behind pull out steps in an IG pool. He only has 1 return (shallow end) and 1 skimmer and main drain. Limited circulation. Pool went from crystal to cloudy to green almost overnight. All it takes is a missed spot with no circulation in a short period of time during real hot weather.
 

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I did see the pool go slightly cloudy for 2 days prior to the algae forming...the process had started I'm assuming? I have the robot in twice a week, admittedly, I need to do a better job scrubbing.
Click to expand...

If the robot is in the water every other day, or in between your brushing, I can not imagine this was the problem. Unless your pool has limited circulation like mentioned before. Your levels probably dropped for a day or so or just luck is not on your side. The good news is that you know how to SLAM and this will be cleared up pretty quickly. Below is the link to the rotating heads.

ROTATING HEADS FOR A SWIMMING POOL

https://www.amazon.com/Circulator-10022a-Automatic-Rotating-Swimming/dp/B007Z32UOY

The Circulator Rotating Water Jets for Swimming Pools - YouTube

ALSO HAVE 2 OF THESE RETURNS AS WELL

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008DG32FI/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

- - - Updated - - -

Feel the need to emphasize that my pool did not turn green, but brown streaks. See the pictures in my original post. Also, it's a small AG pool. We have one skimmer and one return.
Click to expand...

Your signature shows IG (In Ground Pool). You may want to correct your signature. Definitely not a small pool. Mine is 14,700 gallons and perfectly fine. Not big, not small.

15x30 Oval 13,500 Gal, IG Vinyl built Fall 2015,

Because most AG pools have the return near the skimmer, circulation is not up to par. Please make sure that you brush your walls and floors at least every other day during hot weather 80 degrees, and above. Once you get into the 70's, you can cut back. Also would suggest you keep an eye on presence of chlorine daily with the Taylor K-1000 and perform the drop test at least weekly to determine SWG % need adjustment. You should be bright yellow on the daily test. Given the pool, it may be best to test at least 2X weekly with the drop test.
 
You add the DE to your sand filter at the END of the SLAM to polish your water.

No issues, you will backwash it out very soon as the dead algae plugs the filter.

Take care.
 
Morning folks,

So the water is absolutely sparkling!! I'm going to perform a Backwash as the pump/filter is 'working hard.' Afterwards, I'll give it a good brushing and have the robot do its job.

Would it be a good time to then record CC levels?
 
Do your CC test in the AM test of a OCLT. Once the sun hits the pool, any CC are gone due to the sun burning them off.
 

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