Help: algae bloom I can't control

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M

martink

Well-known member
May 3, 2023
136
Katy, TX
Pool Size
18000
Surface
Plaster
Chlorine
Liquid Chlorine
I am having an algae bloom in my 18000 gallons inground pool. So far I have used 12 pounds of cal hypo. 5 pounds of acid and 4 gallons of liquid chlorine. But I can't treat it. I cleaned my cartridge filter twice and partially drained and refilled the pool. Today I added some clarifier in the hope that some of it clears.

Issues I know off. CYA was high before I partially drain. Now it is within acceptable ranges. PH is high and it has been like that since I had the pool and I can't find a way to control it. I am out of options and started to get really frustrated. I have been fighting it for a week now
 
proavia said:
Post a full set of current test results from one of the recommended test kits.
Test Kits Compared

FC
CC
pH
TA
CH
CYA
Water temperature
Click to expand...
I use strips, pentair and clorox liquid kits. That is the best I have for now.

FC 0 from test strip this morning. Just shocked with 4 gallons of 10% chlorine last night and ran pump since 9pm
CC. Not sure
Ph 8
TA 180
CYA 40 (was ove 100 before partial drain)
Water temperature 90F
 
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Test strips are highly inaccurate - pool store test are inaccurate as well.

With algae, you need to SLAM Process
Without one of the recommended test kits, it will be impossible to SLAM.
The SLAM Process is not a one time thing. It is a process that MAINTAINS a prescribed FC level to eradicate algae from your pool.

Have a read thru Pool Care Basics
 
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I read about the Slam. But I find it extremely difficult to do even if I have the right kits as I will need to be sitting next to the pool 24 hours. Will it eventually clear if I keep shocking every night?
 
You don't need to sit next to the pool 24 hours a day.
You do need totest the pool water and add liquid chlorine at least 3 times daily - more in the initial phases of the SLAM Process if you are able will make it go quicker.

It can take several days to several weeks to successfully complete a SLAM Process

If you don't have accurate test results, your success rate is pretty low.
 
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Trouble Free Pool Care works 100% of the time. Pool store magic potions, as you are discovering, will not clear up your algae bloom but will have you spending money without seeing positive results.

One of the test kits does cost $$$ then all you’ll need in addition is liquid chlorine to clear the algae. Help us help you, buy a test kit then check out SLAM process.
 
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No, those kits will not work unfortunately as they do not test for Free Chlorine and do not measure high enough chlorine levels. You need a FAS-DPD test kit, which accurately measures chlorine at elevated levels.

You can buy the kit separately, but the much better deal is to buy the full recommended test kit. That way you never have to step foot in a pool store again. That alone will save you the $ you spent on the full test kit.
 
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Neither of those kits tests for all of the parameters necessary to success maintain a pool.
Those kits only measure TC and pH.
You need:
FC
CC
pH
TA
CH
CYA

It's actually cheaper to buy one of the recommended test kits then purchase the necessary kits individually.

Without an accurate CYA measurement there is no way to determine the actual chlorine needed for the SLAM Process or the daily amount needed to maintain a sanitary pool. FC/CYA Levels
 
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JJ_Tex said:
No, those kits will not work unfortunately as they do not test for Free Chlorine and do not measure high enough chlorine levels. You need a FAS-DPD test kit, which accurately measures chlorine at elevated levels.

You can buy the kit separately, but the much better deal is to buy the full recommended test kit. That way you never have to step foot in a pool store again. That alone will save you the $ you spent on the full test kit.
Click to expand...
Is it possible to explain to me how these test kits work?
 
Order the test kit.
The TF-100 + the SmartStir or the TF-Pro (includes SmatStir) are the beter value.
But if you order the K-2006C, be sure it has the "C" in the number as that contains larger quantity reagents than the much smaller K-2006 kit.

Add 5ppm liquid chlorine DAILY while waiting for the test kit to arrive.
Let us know when you get your kit and we'll be here to help.
 
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From Tftestkits.net

What are the differences between the TF-100 and TF-Pro with Smart Stir?

  • The TF-100 is packaged in a plastic tackle-box. The TF-Pro is packaged in a water-resistant polyvinyl case with a custom-made foam insert to organize and protect your supplies.
  • The TF-100 does not include a magnetic stirring device, either the Smart Stir or Taylor SpeedStir, by default. This device is not necessary to complete testing, but it makes testing significantly faster and easier by mixing your reagents automatically with the push of a button. The TF-Pro includes a magnetic stirring device by default.
  • The TF-Pro includes higher-quality testing cylinders and better plastic hardware.
Which add-ons should I buy with my kit?

You might consider adding a Smart Stir to your TF-100 (one is already included in all TF-Pro kits) if you are new to managing your pool and want testing to be as simple as possible. These magnetic stirring devices save you a significant amount of time by mixing your testing instantly and more consistently than swirling your cylinders by hand.
 
Lilypad said:
From Tftestkits.net

What are the differences between the TF-100 and TF-Pro with Smart Stir?

  • The TF-100 is packaged in a plastic tackle-box. The TF-Pro is packaged in a water-resistant polyvinyl case with a custom-made foam insert to organize and protect your supplies.
  • The TF-100 does not include a magnetic stirring device, either the Smart Stir or Taylor SpeedStir, by default. This device is not necessary to complete testing, but it makes testing significantly faster and easier by mixing your reagents automatically with the push of a button. The TF-Pro includes a magnetic stirring device by default.
  • The TF-Pro includes higher-quality testing cylinders and better plastic hardware.
Which add-ons should I buy with my kit?

You might consider adding a Smart Stir to your TF-100 (one is already included in all TF-Pro kits) if you are new to managing your pool and want testing to be as simple as possible. These magnetic stirring devices save you a significant amount of time by mixing your testing instantly and more consistently than swirling your cylinders by hand.
Click to expand...
I purchase tf100xl with the SLAM option. I passed on the smart stir
 
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martink said:
Is this kit good or I am better with buying tf100. It is for $72

TAYLOR TECHNOLOGIES INC K-2006 TEST KIT COMP CHLORINE FAS-DPD Amazon.com


Also what is the main difference between tf100 and tf pro?
Click to expand...
That is a K-2006 - not a K-2006C

martink said:
I purchase tf100xl with the SLAM option. I passed on the smart stir
Click to expand...
You can always order the SmartStir or SpeedStir at a later date. Once you have one, you won't know how you ever did without one.

Add 5ppm liquid chlorine DAILY while waiting for the test kit to arrive.
Let us know when you get your kit and we'll be here to help.
 
I finally have the kits and did my first round of testing

FC 0.5
CC 1.0
pH 8.2
TA 140
CH 600-625
CYA 20

For the FC and CC testing. The solution was clear after one drop, but it turns back to pink if I left it for few seconds. But it clears with one drop every time. Not sure if that is correct or not

For the CYA, I was still able to see the black dot even when it is completely full so I assumed it is 20 as I have been using tabs for over a year and I only partially drained it a week ago
 

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