First summer with a pool - think I have algae...

[Rancho Cost-a-Lotta]

Are you seeing any CCs in test results?

Here's a recent SLAM thread...Having just gone through the process, @Jon_P, may be able to provide some tips.

To drain or not to drain

So I’m being told by the pool store that I need to drain 1/2 because of high cya. Pool is clear but had a smalll algae buildup up on one wall that alerted me. It brushed right off, but will come back I’m sure if levels aren’t corrected. In store test readings show things are off. We have...

www.troublefreepool.com

 

[ddurrett896]

Are you seeing any CCs in test results?

8:15am: at target FC 16.0
11:30am: at FC 14.0, CC .1, CYA 40

Added required LC to bring 14.0 back to 16.0

Chlorine/CYA Chart shows a CYA of 40 shows...MIN FC 3, target 4-6, SLAM 16. And 40% of 40 is 16. Since I'm at 16, my kids should be good. They've been in for an hour now and nobody is complaining about eyes or skin hurting!

 

[Rancho Cost-a-Lotta]

my kids should be good. They've been in for an hour now and nobody is complaining about eyes or skin hurting!

Give them some brushes and have them work on the drains, return fittings, around the lights, steps etc.

 

[ddurrett896]

Give them some brushes and have them work on the drains, return fittings, around the lights, steps etc.

Appreciate your help! OCLT dropped from 16.0 to 15.0, TC .05 and pool looks clear as ever. Algae should be gone!

Question: referencing the link provided below, with a SWG pool the CYA starts at 60 and mine is at 40. My plan was to wean the pool off LC today, testing hourly, then once I hit my target TC, turn back on my SWG.

DoI need to increase my CYA since it's not on that chart?

The Free Chlorine and Cyanuric Acid Relationship

Managing your cyanuric acid and Free Chlorine levels is key to stabilizing your pool. Learn how these two items affect each other.

www.troublefreepool.com

 

[Rancho Cost-a-Lotta]

Appreciate your help! OCLT dropped from 16.0 to 15.0, TC .05 and pool looks clear as ever. Algae should be gone!

Consider continuing SLAM for one more day for some added insurance and to account for testing errors/variances.

Question: referencing the link provided below, with a SWG pool the CYA starts at 60 and mine is at 40. My plan was to wean the pool off LC today, testing hourly, then once I hit my target TC, turn back on my SWG.

Great plan. Hourly testing is probably overkill since the rate of FC loss will decrease as FC drops towards target level.

You can start adding CYA as soon as you complete the SLAM. You can also work on adjusting salt level. We recommend the Taylor K-1766 Salt Test Kit.

When FC drops to target level, set the SWG to produce ~3 ppm of FC daily. Follow up with daily tests and adjustments until you're sure your SWG is keeping daily loss.

Congrats!

 

[ddurrett896]

Consider continuing SLAM for one more day for some added insurance and to account for testing errors/variances.

Great plan. Hourly testing is probably overkill since the rate of FC loss will decrease as FC drops towards target level.

You can start adding CYA as soon as you complete the SLAM. You can also work on adjusting salt level. We recommend the Taylor K-1766 Salt Test Kit.

When FC drops to target level, set the SWG to produce ~3 ppm of FC daily. Follow up with daily tests and adjustments until you're sure your SWG is keeping daily loss.

Congrats!

That works - I'll go SLAM now and get back to 16.0ppm for the day.

Do I definitely need my CYA at 60 min? The PoolMath app shows recommended 30-60 and ideal 40-50...I'm at 40. Thanks!

 

[Rancho Cost-a-Lotta]

Do I definitely need my CYA at 60 min? The PoolMath app shows recommended 30-60 and ideal 40-50...I'm at 40. Thanks!

Check the app and make sure it's set up for a SWG pool. Here's the chart for SWG pools:


You don't have to increase your CYA level. Higher levels work well in the southwest, but may not be as beneficial in the northeast. You can try out 40 ppm and monitor daily FC losses. You can always bump up to 60 in the future.

 

[Rancho Cost-a-Lotta]

Just checked the app. Click the settings icon and set up this screen for SWG. Make sure you close with the check icon:

 

[SecoSteve]

Hope your SLAM is going well and almost done. I'm in Pa and last week my CYA was down to 50. I noticed my Chlorine levels were not holding so well. I increased my CYA to 70 and have seen the Chlorine holding better. Now that we are in the summer, the sun seems to really eat up the Chlorine. I would raise your CYA level when you are sure your SLAM is done.

 

[Rancho Cost-a-Lotta]

Hope your SLAM is going well and almost done. I'm in Pa and last week my CYA was down to 50. I noticed my Chlorine levels were not holding so well. I increased my CYA to 70 and have seen the Chlorine holding better. Now that we are in the summer, the sun seems to really eat up the Chlorine. I would raise your CYA level when you are sure your SLAM is done.

Thank you for the input. I was hoping someone from the region would chime in.

 

[ddurrett896]

Hope your SLAM is going well and almost done. I'm in Pa and last week my CYA was down to 50. I noticed my Chlorine levels were not holding so well. I increased my CYA to 70 and have seen the Chlorine holding better. Now that we are in the summer, the sun seems to really eat up the Chlorine. I would raise your CYA level when you are sure your SLAM is done.

Thanks for the info. I’m in VA and my pool gets full sun all day - 0 trees or obstructions.

I’ve read that raising your CYA too much, you need to replace water so I want to be careful.

My app says add 5Lbs of stabilizer. Is this a trip to the pool store or is there a grocery store or Home Depot option? Thanks!

 

[Rancho Cost-a-Lotta]

I’ve read that raising your CYA too much, you need to replace water so I want to be careful.

True. Sneak up on your target. Add 2/3rds, test, add the rest, and test again.

For small quantities, this is a good bargain for 4-pounds.



Or 5 lbs. at HD:

Pool Time Chlorine Stabilizer 5 lbs. Balancer 23505PTM

Pool Time Chlorine Stabilizer helps to maximize chlorine performance by protecting the chlorine from sunlight burn-off so it lasts longer. Chlorine Stabilizer is ideal for new pools, saltwater pools and

www.homedepot.com

Search for "chlorine stabilizer." The contents should read 100% cyanuric acid.

 

[ddurrett896]

You can also work on adjusting salt level. We recommend the Taylor K-1766 Salt Test Kit.

Hey on the salt kit, my OminLogic read the average salt, showing 3200ppm right now. Are they typically accurate? Thanks!

 

[Rancho Cost-a-Lotta]

The reading may or may not be accurate. When salt cells start to fail, they provide erroneous salt level readings. Without a reliable kit to test against, you won't know for sure. When problems start to develop with the cell, and you start getting red lights flashing on the board, it's always a good idea to check salt levels with a reliable test kit.

 

[ddurrett896]

CYA = 60. Good to go.
FC = 9.0 and has been for the last few days. Hasn't been as sunny which might be slowing down the process.

I was running my chlorinator around 70-80 before the SLAM, reduced to 40 and just dropped to 20. Is there a typical % used or is all pool specific?

Also, I've got two gallons of liquid chlorine left. Does is hurt to throw in the pool if I'm going out of town for a week or before the weekend when I know a ton of people are coming over? Thanks!

 

[Rancho Cost-a-Lotta]

The goal is to set the output of your SWG to match daily FC loss (generally 2-4 ppm). Once FC is at target level, set your SWG to generate 3 ppm per day. Test daily and make adjustments to runtime/output from there.

You can calculate runtime/output to increase X-amount of FC in Pool Math under the "Effects of Adding Chemicals" tab. Select SWG and work from there. Make sure you select your specific SWG using the search (magnifying glass) icon. The number displayed is the unit's 24-hours chlorine gas production rate (100% @ 24 hours). This is what is looks like.



You can always supplement with liquid chlorine. Use Pool Math to estimate the amount needed to achieve your goal.

 

[ddurrett896]

The goal is to set the output of your SWG to match daily FC loss (generally 2-4 ppm). Once FC is at target level, set your SWG to generate 3 ppm per day. Test daily and make adjustments to runtime/output from there.

Rancho-

You've been a ton of help and I think over this past week i've got it dialed in pretty close.

FC: 3.0 (was 2.5 an hour ago and I increased my SWG % from 40% to 70%)
CYA: 50
ALK: 80
PH: 7.8

CYA/FC Chart says a SWG pool should have 60-100 CYA, with 70-90 recommended. With a CYA of 60, Target FC is 4 so I'm assuming my CYA of 50 would need a CYA of 3. Am I thinking about this correctly?

How important is that CYA 70-90? I'm hesitant to go that high unless it's necessary in the event I have to SLAM again. Thakns!!

 

[jeffchap]

If your SWG is keeping up with your daily FC needs and you're happy with the level and run time, there's no need to raise your CYA any more.

But don't target the low end of the FC on the chart. I like to keep mine at 10% of CYA, so 5 ppm in your case. Remember, it's safe to swim all the way up to 40%, so better to err on the high side.

 

[ddurrett896]

If your SWG is keeping up with your daily FC needs and you're happy with the level and run time, there's no need to raise your CYA any more.

But don't target the low end of the FC on the chart. I like to keep mine at 10% of CYA, so 5 ppm in your case. Remember, it's safe to swim all the way up to 40%, so better to err on the high side.

That's good to know - I will target 10% of my CYA. Question for ya....

My CYA of 50 would need a FC of 5. I turned my salt cell from 40% to 70% and today registered 3.5 (was 3.0 at 40%). How can I raise my FC to 5? Keep increasing the salt cell %?

 

[bertschb]

How can I raise my FC to 5? Keep increasing the salt cell %?

That and/or increase your pump run time (assuming it's less than 24 hours a day right now).