Is that Algae?

[PoolStored]

So add liquid chlorine now (Per the app), wait 30mins and then test again?

Yes.

 

[Clem116]

Yes.

Got it! Just added 20 Fluid Ounces which will raise my FC by 5.8, total of FC 9.6. Will report back in 30mins with new 10ml test.

 

[Mdragger88]

So add liquid chlorine now (Per the app), wait 30mins and then test again?

Yup

 

[Clem116]

@Mdragger88 @PoolStored

I now have an FC of 9. Will test in the morning!

 

[Clem116]

Morning @PoolStored @Mdragger88

I did 3 tests this morning…

FC 7, 6 & 7.5. So I clearly lost more than 1ppm. Pool still looks clear with no signs of algae. Why are my numbers so off after each test? I am using the right amount of powder, could that be it?

Anyways, what is next? SLAM? Boost my SWG?

Also, in general, when is the best time to test my pool if I run the pump and SWG from about 9am to 4pm?

 

[Texas Splash]

Looks like the others haven't had their morning java yet. The FC testing is quite important. Without consistency it could trigger other events (i.e. a SLAM) that may not be warranted. It will also drive you nuts.

Here are my personal tips for FC consistency:
1 - I always grab my water sample from the same location of the pool; usually the same time of day. Make sure your sample bottle is clean.
2 - I ensure my sample mixing tube is clean. If in doubt, I may use a little rubbing alcohol to clean out any residue.
3 - I always use my trusty speed-stir.
4 - I always use the 10 ML sample size with ONE generous scoop of powder. That's it.
5 - I mix and add R-0871 drops until clear and divide the result in half for my final FC number. For example, 10 drops = and FC of 5.

That should be quite typical and provide consistant results. If your FC result is bouncing up & down in one test sitting, something isn't quite right. Hope that helps.

 

[Clem116]

Looks like the others haven't had their morning java yet. The FC testing is quite important. Without consistency it could trigger other events (i.e. a SLAM) that may not be warranted. It will also drive you nuts.

Here are my personal tips for FC consistency:
1 - I always grab my water sample from the same location of the pool; usually the same time of day. Make sure your sample bottle is clean.
2 - I ensure my sample mixing tube is clean. If in doubt, I may use a little rubbing alcohol to clean out any residue.
3 - I always use my trusty speed-stir.
4 - I always use the 10 ML sample size with ONE generous scoop of powder. That's it.
5 - I mix and add R-0871 drops until clear and divide the result in half for my final FC number. For example, 10 drops = and FC of 5.

That should be quite typical and provide consistant results. If your FC result is bouncing up & down in one test sitting, something isn't quite right. Hope that helps.

That's very helpful, thank you!

I collect my sample water from the same location about 12 inches deep, furthest away from the jet return.

What time of the day do you test?

 

[Texas Splash]

What time of they day do you test?

I generally test in the evening when I get home from work. It's just convenient for me. But owners can test at any time of day. The key is to be consistent so that they can see how the FC is holding in a 24 hr period.

 

[Clem116]

I generally test in the evening when I get home from work. It's just convenient for me. But owners can test at any time of day. The key is to be consistent so that they can see how the FC is holding in a 24 hr period.

The pump doesn't need to be running when you test?

 

[Texas Splash]

The pump doesn't need to be running when you test?

Yes. If your pump was off, be sure to turn it on and let the water mix for at least 30 minutes before grabbing your sample. My pump is on 24/7 so I don't have to worry about that.

 

[Clem116]

Yes. If your pump was off, be sure to turn it on and let the water mix for at least 30 minutes before grabbing your sample. My pump is on 24/7 so I don't have to worry about that.

Based on my results above....Do YOU think I should SLAM?

 

[Texas Splash]

Based on my results above....Do YOU think I should SLAM?

Regardless of this morning's FC testing variations, it does appear you failed the OCLT. But since your thread is a bit long and I haven't been following all of your details, I'll defer that advice to @Mdragger88 just to be safe.

 

[Mdragger88]

Based on my results above....Do YOU think I should SLAM?

I’m up! ️
Yes - you lost more than 1ppm even with the variances in testing.
It’s
SLAM Process
Time.
I know you probably won’t like what I’m going to say next- your cya is quite high to do the slam process. This means exchanging some water to get it down - even just getting it down to 60 would help.
You can try doing the slam with your current cya level & see how you get on being as how your pool is so small maybe it won’t be that much of an expense for bleach . It may be a quick one since you are currently crystal clear.

 

[Clem116]

I’m up! ️
Yes - you lost more than 1ppm even with the variances in testing.
It’s
SLAM Process
Time.
I know you probably won’t like what I’m going to say next- your cya is quite high to do the slam process. This means exchanging some water to get it down - even just getting it down to 60 would help.
You can try doing the slam with your current cya level & see how you get on being as how your pool is so small maybe it won’t be that much of an expense for bleach . It may be a quick one since you are currently crystal clear.

Thanks!

Last CYA I was at 80…I thought that was fine.

 

[Clem116]

Also, 2 more questions.

1. Should my SWG be running as well? If so, just my normal scheduled time? I know that the pump needs to be running 24/7 during SLAM.
2. Do I really need to lower my PH to 7.2 initially?

 

[Mdragger88]

Thanks!

Last CYA I was at 80…I thought that was fine.

It just means it takes more liquid chlorine to reach slam level. Btw - I thought it was 85 which really counts as 90

 

[Mdragger88]

Also, 2 more questions.

1. Should my SWG be running as well? If so, just my normal scheduled time? I know that the pump needs to be running 24/7 during SLAM.
2. Do I really need to lower my PH to 7.2 initially?

No need to run the swg unless you’re going to be gone for an extended period of time - it probably won’t maintain slam level anyway. Definitely turn it off for oclt’s
Yes- lower ph to 7.2 (because we won’t be testing ph during slam) then raise to slam level
FC/CYA Levels
with liquid chlorine.
For a successful SLAM Process
you need to continue to MAINTAIN Slam level fc for your cya as often as possible (multiple times per day is best) until you meet ALL 3 end of slam criteria-

You are done when:

CC is 0.5 or lower;
You pass an Overnight Chlorine Loss Test
AND
the water is clear.
(Crystal Clear w/no algae dead or alive)

*Check & scrub every nook & cranny where algae may hide (light niches, steps, drain covers, ladder handrails, skimmer throats/weirs, etc.)
*Run slam level water through all water features & lines for at least a couple hours a day during the SLAM Process.
*Brush & or vac daily (this breaks up biofilms that algae uses to protect itself from chlorine)
*Backwash/clean filter when pressure rises 25%over clean pressure.

 

[Clem116]

No need to run the swg unless you’re going to be gone for an extended period of time - it probably won’t maintain slam level anyway. Definitely turn it off for oclt’s
Yes- lower ph to 7.2 (because we won’t be testing ph during slam) then raise to slam level
FC/CYA Levels
with liquid chlorine.
For a successful SLAM Process
you need to continue to MAINTAIN Slam level fc for your cya as often as possible (multiple times per day is best) until you meet ALL 3 end of slam criteria-

You are done when:

CC is 0.5 or lower;
You pass an Overnight Chlorine Loss Test
AND
the water is clear.
(Crystal Clear w/no algae dead or alive)

*Check & scrub every nook & cranny where algae may hide (light niches, steps, drain covers, ladder handrails, skimmer throats/weirs, etc.)
*Run slam level water through all water features & lines for at least a couple hours a day during the SLAM Process.
*Brush & or vac daily (this breaks up biofilms that algae uses to protect itself from chlorine)
*Backwash/clean filter when pressure rises 25%over clean pressure.

What’s the best way for me to lower my pH?

 

[Mdragger88]

What’s the best way for me to lower my pH?

Muriatic acid or dry acid if that’s all you have

 

[Clem116]

Ok, might need to go get some.

By the way, here is my latest test from about 10 minutes ago.

------------------------------------------
Test Results 04-19-2023 @ 09:51 AM
------------------------------------------
Free Chlorine: 6.5
Combined Chlorine: 0.0
pH: 7.9
Total Alkalinity: 100
Calcium Hardness: 80
CYA: 70