Greenish Dirt or Algae on bottom of pool

[Blake1989]

Before I start, I was unable to properly winterize our pool last year. A mistake I will not be making again! I'm worried about possible damage to the filter, o ring or lateral. Anyway what is happening is we are vacuuming the pool every 3-4 days. Every time, we get the pool floor spotless, and then gradually greenish dirt settles on the bottom. I'm assuming either we have an algae problem or our filter is damaged. Our water tested fine when I tested it earlier.

I'm using the pool kit purchased from this site. The one that includes the plastic carrying case. Our CYA tested to be 30-40. Our chlorine was getting low, plan to add bleach as soon as possible. Our PH was around the ideal range of 7.2 to 7.6. Finally our alkalinity was optimal compared to the pool school stats. This can't be normal to have to vacuum practically every 2 days to clean up this dirt. Any help would be appreciated!

Here is a picture of the problem.

 

[Texas Splash]

Kind of hard to tell without seeing all of the actual test results Blake. Can you post them for us please?
FC
CC
CYA (40)?
pH
TA
CH - N/A

 

[duraleigh]

Yeah, we need test results to keep from guessing. That said, reading between the lines, you are not keeping enough chlorine in your pool.

 

[Blake1989]

Thanks for the prompt replies! The test kit I'm using is roughly 2 years old. Will that matter in accurate test resulting? Also, I will test again when I get home from work and update you guys!

 

[Texas Splash]

2 years may be pushing it depending on how it was stored. But if it's a TF-100 or Taylor K-2006, it's better than nothing for now.

 

[Blake1989]

They were stored in an air conditioned basement, and I can't recall the name of the kit. It includes laminated instructions and business cards however. Haha

 

[Casey]

That's a TF100.

If the pool is green you need chlorine. You have big patches of green and blue water so you need to SLAM your pool.

 

[Blake1989]

Thank you. You don't think that's bypassing the filter when I vacuum it up do you?

 

[Blake1989]

Water tested today. Results:
FC: 2
CC: 1.5
Alkalinity: 110
PH: 7.4
CYA: 25-30

Vacuumed the green dirt off the bottom yesterday. More appear to have settled on the bottom but not as much. Have pump running on low 24/7.

 

[pooldv]

Chlorine level is set based on CYA level and the Chlorine CYA Chart. Keep it at target and NEVER let it drop below minimum or your pool will be unsanitary and algae will grow.

I am pretty sure you need to SLAM the pool. Here's how, Pool School - SLAM - Shock Level And Maintain

 

[Blake1989]

Just got done reading. About to SLAM now. In order to ensure my chlorine is at 10ppm, should I use the drop test or the Taylor kit?

 

[Texas Splash]

When testing over 5 ppm, I think it's always best to use the FAS-DPD (powder & drop) portion. Much more accurate.

 

[MarianParoo]

Use the FAS-DPD test.

 

[Blake1989]

Thanks guys. If I'm ever in a pickle with no more refills and ordering more on my test kit, will test strips at least give me a ballpark reading? Or are they completely inaccurate.

 

[MarianParoo]

Keep an eye on reagents so you can order in plenty of time. Throw out the test strips.

 

[Blake1989]

Thanks Marian. Very knowledgeable.

 

[MarianParoo]

Whenever one reagent starts to get low, check all the others. Most last for a good amount of time so you shouldn't worry about ordering new ones in advance. Just keep the kit out of the sun and in a cool location. Did you throw those strips out? Hahaha

 

[Blake1989]

They are currently in the garbage. They are super expensive for what they are too. Passed by the pool section in Walmart, and they are retailing for 12.99 a pop. What a waste of money.

 

[MarianParoo]

What a scam. Get reagents ordered now if you are low as a slam can use a lot. Let us know if you need any help with your slam.

 

[Casey]

They have 10% bleach for $2.99 which is a good deal. If you have an Ollies, they are selling 12% for $2.99g right now n once it's sold out, its gone!

Definitely start slamming the pool. Make sure you maintain it.