I need some help! My Ph was too low for an extended period of time. The pool was neglected and was full of debris. The walls have a wavy black tint on them all over the pebble tech. Is it likely black algae, or something else? I can take pictures and post them if that would help, but the sun has gone down and I don't think you will see the black wavy spots very well so I will have to wait until tomorrow for pictures.
Help! Ph Too Low - Pool walls black
- Thread starter jeremyjohnolson
- Start date
It might be black algae or copper or maybe something else.
A few good pictures would help.
A picture of the system would be helpful.
A full chemistry report would be helpful as well.
A few good pictures would help.
A picture of the system would be helpful.
A full chemistry report would be helpful as well.
- Jun 22, 2014
- 52,017
- Pool Size
- 17888
- Surface
- Fiberglass
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- CircuPool RJ-45 Plus
We'll need some more info, along with those pics, to properly ascertain what may be happening. When you do post again, try to provide the following:
- How you test your water?
- Provide a full set of water test results
- Update your signature with all of your pool and equipment info (see mine below as an example)
- Tell us now you chlorinate your water
That's probably a good start for now. We'll watch for that info to help you along.
- How you test your water?
- Provide a full set of water test results
- Update your signature with all of your pool and equipment info (see mine below as an example)
- Tell us now you chlorinate your water
That's probably a good start for now. We'll watch for that info to help you along.
Here are some pictures. In the close up picture of the step, my shadow kind of got in the way, but if you look to the left of my shadow you can clearly see the black stuff (not my shadow).
I couldn't upload the photos on here because they are too big, but you can see them in my google drive folder by clicking this link:
Pool - Google Photos
I couldn't upload the photos on here because they are too big, but you can see them in my google drive folder by clicking this link:
Pool - Google Photos
- May 3, 2014
- 62,674
- Pool Size
- 6000
- Surface
- Fiberglass
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Pentair Intellichlor IC-40
I suspect copper. Probably from your heat exchanger in your heater. Any leaks?
Low pH destroys heaters.
Any chance of a set of test results?
Low pH destroys heaters.
Any chance of a set of test results?
I am not able to do a full test right now, but our pH last night was 6.8 and Chlorine was probably 10. I can do a more precise and full test tonight when I get home. We haven't been running the heater at all, do you still think that could be the problem?
- - - Updated - - -
No leaks as far as I can tell.
- - - Updated - - -
No leaks as far as I can tell.
- May 3, 2014
- 62,674
- Pool Size
- 6000
- Surface
- Fiberglass
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Pentair Intellichlor IC-40
The water goes through the heater all the time, right?
Low pH is the biggest cause of heater failure.
When you post your test results, let us know if you have been using copper algaecide or any other pool store potions.
Low pH is the biggest cause of heater failure.
When you post your test results, let us know if you have been using copper algaecide or any other pool store potions.
Now that I think about it, yes, you are right. It does go through the heater all the time. I have not been using copper algecide or anything like that.
What test kit are you using? If your pH is reading 6.8 there is a possibility it’s even lower as the minimum of some test kits is 6.8.
How have you been chlorinating?
How have you been chlorinating?
I use TF-100, K-1000, & LaMotte Insta-Test
These are my results tonight:
Ph 7.2
Borates 80
Chlorine 1
Calcium 650
TA 30
I was surprised that the total alkalinity was only 30! The Ph wasn't too bad at 7.2.
These are my results tonight:
Ph 7.2
Borates 80
Chlorine 1
Calcium 650
TA 30
I was surprised that the total alkalinity was only 30! The Ph wasn't too bad at 7.2.
- Jun 22, 2014
- 52,017
- Pool Size
- 17888
- Surface
- Fiberglass
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- CircuPool RJ-45 Plus
While your pH did appear to be low previously, we don't know how low or for how long, so we could be making some assumptions. But with no algaecides used, if it is copper staining, Marty is probably correct on that heat exchanger getting corroded. For now, the higher CH may be helping a bit to compensate .... at least for the pebble-Tech. But that TA does need to come up a bit to 50-60 at least. So you have no loop or way to isolate the heater huh? If the suspected copper is from the heater exchange, and no way to isolate the heater, that will be something you'll want to have checked to see if repairs are needed.
It's odd that you showed an FC of 10 yesterday afternoon and then only a 1 early this morning. Either the testing was off or you have a major algae issue with all the FC consumption. I would double-check. If the FC is that low, I would increase the FC right away to be balanced with your current CYA as listed on the [FC/CYA][/FC/CYA]. Next time you post your test results, please post them as follows:
FC
CC
CYA
PH
TA
CH
Now that your sig is updated, have you been using the SWG exclusively, or have you added any other methods of chlorine?
It's odd that you showed an FC of 10 yesterday afternoon and then only a 1 early this morning. Either the testing was off or you have a major algae issue with all the FC consumption. I would double-check. If the FC is that low, I would increase the FC right away to be balanced with your current CYA as listed on the [FC/CYA][/FC/CYA]. Next time you post your test results, please post them as follows:
FC
CC
CYA
PH
TA
CH
Now that your sig is updated, have you been using the SWG exclusively, or have you added any other methods of chlorine?
- May 3, 2014
- 62,674
- Pool Size
- 6000
- Surface
- Fiberglass
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Pentair Intellichlor IC-40
Time to get a feel for what the stain might be.
Is it slimy? A quick test for organics is to set a trichlor puck on a stain for a few minutes. Does it clear the stain or change the color? If that does not clear the stain, take Vitamin C tablets, put them in a sock, crush them up, and set on the stain for 15 minutes or so. Does that clear the stain or change its color?
Pool School - Metals in the Water and Metal Stains
Is it slimy? A quick test for organics is to set a trichlor puck on a stain for a few minutes. Does it clear the stain or change the color? If that does not clear the stain, take Vitamin C tablets, put them in a sock, crush them up, and set on the stain for 15 minutes or so. Does that clear the stain or change its color?
Pool School - Metals in the Water and Metal Stains
I thought I posted this early this AM but did not. Mirroring Marty's thoughts, the stain identification needs to be the next step.
Pool School - Metals in the Water and Metal Stains
Have you tried to brush it off? Vigorously?
Have you tried a tri-chlor puck resting directly on the stain for a few minutes? Report back.
Pool School - Metals in the Water and Metal Stains
Have you tried to brush it off? Vigorously?
Have you tried a tri-chlor puck resting directly on the stain for a few minutes? Report back.