If I have green algae on the floor of my pool, is it better to vacuum the pool before treating it with CYA, shock, and algecide? Or can something like that only be treated with chemicals and I shouldn't bother vacuming until After the algae goes away with chemical treatment? Thanks!
Green Algae
- Thread starter SpicyMeatball96
- Start date
- May 3, 2014
- 62,696
- Pool Size
- 6000
- Surface
- Fiberglass
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Pentair Intellichlor IC-40
You follow the SLAM Process. It takes raising the chlorine levels to the appropriate level, maintain that, and brush/ vac daily.
- Jul 17, 2019
- 4,070
- Pool Size
- 13000
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Pentair Intellichlor IC-40
Chlorine and brushing (as part of the SLAM process above) are what you need. Hold off of the CYA for now, and do not use the algaecide.
Please read "Pool Care Basics" up in Pool School. That help you learn a bit more about what we teach. At this point, algaecide is a waste of your money
No, in fact using the wrong algaecide can absolutely make things far worse.
- Jul 17, 2019
- 4,070
- Pool Size
- 13000
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Pentair Intellichlor IC-40
Most algaecides contain copper and silver, and while it is true that those inhibit some algae growth, copper and silver can stain your pool and cause other issues.
Pool stores recommend them because they make them $, but around here chlorine is king.
This hasn't been asked as you're a new pool owner but how are you testing? Can you post all your pool levels please.
I've been testing using colored test strips. I know I should probably get a better test kit (TF-100). I've been SLAMing it the past 2 days and the water looks good.
FCI 3-4
TCI 3-4
ALK 120
PH 7.8
TH 100 (low)
CYA 30-40 (low-ok)
The weather has not been great so I've just been shocking and scrubbing the walls with my pool brush. If work/time permits I'll try to jump in today and vacuum (though I don't see much dirt or algae build up on the bottom).
You cannot perform the SLAM Process with test strips. You do not know your CYA level, you do not know your FC level, you are unable to perform an Overnight Chlorine Loss Test to verify you have solved the problem and it won't come right back.
You're operating blindly.
You're operating blindly.
Just to keep the wording correct.......you Cannot SLAM your pool with test strips as the guide. SLAMing the pool is a very precise process that requires the use of one of the test kits we suggest..... Swimming Pool Test Kits Compared