Is this algae?

[8ightiesfan]

Settling in to around 10 months of pool ownership and I like to think I have the basics worked out now and generally maintenance is going well.

I have started to get what looks like algae growing in the tile grout. The brownish/black spots you can see in the grout. Though this is only growing on the bottom of the pool, not on the sides. It cleans off pretty easily with a steel brush. I do get a lot of leaf litter in the pool. At least 1 full basket every week. I brush and manually vacuum the pool at least once a week but the leaf litter can sit there for a few days until I get to it, I am wondering because it is only on the bottom of the pool if the organic leaf litter is causing this?

My questions are:

Does this look like algae, maybe black algae or could it just be staining from the leaf litter?
What is the best way to manage it? SLAM?
I brush the sides often but I don't always brush the bottom of the pool but it does get vacuumed. Should I brush the bottom more frequently?

I did a OCLT last night and no drop in FC at all and even saw CC drop from 0.5 at 8pm to 0.0 at 6am
The pool is still very clear, the photo was taken at the deep end of around 2m so you can see the water is very clear.
My pool math logs should be available to view, let me know if you cant see them.

Any guidance on how to treat this would be appreciated

Cheers,

 

[ajw22]

Your PM logs are not visible.

If you passed the Overnight Chlorine Loss Test I think it is just dirt settling in the grout lines.

What type of pool cleaner do you use? I think you need to brush the bottom more often.

 

[8ightiesfan]

ok does anyone know how to make my PM logs visible?

FC 5.5
CC 0.0 (0.5 yesterday)
pH 7.6
TA 60
CH 400
CYA 60
SALT 3600

I only have a manual vacuum, no suction cleaner or robot, so its just brushing and a manual vacuum once a week, twice a week if its windy and I get more debris.

 

[ajw22]

ok does anyone know how to make my PM logs visible?

I am on an iPhone - Hamburger menu on the upper right. Scroll down to Sharing.. Flip on the toggles.

 

[8ightiesfan]

hmm cant find this setting on desktop or phone (Android)

 

[ajw22]

hmm cant find this setting on desktop or phone (Android)

@Leebo

 

[Plefasu]

On android you click on the settings wheel at the top right and sharing is at the bottom of that menu.

 

[8ightiesfan]

ok worked it out, but I worked out my account is not linked to this one, anyway my test results are above.

Hoping for another opinion on the above, I am hoping that because it is not on the sides as well that it is just staining from the leaves

 

[8ightiesfan]

I think I have fixed my issue so my PM logs should now be viewable.

I am hoping someone knowledgeable can confirm that this is just staining, the fact that it only appears on the bottom of the pool not the sides, plus the fact it is only in the grout and not on the tile itself and a passed OCLT means this is just staining.

I guess I will begin brushing and vacuuming daily and see if it stays away?

 

[mknauss]

Staining from an organic source should be removed with chlorine. It will be difficult to get at the stain as the grout is porous.

Try holding your FC at mid way between Target and SLAM for awhile, with vigorous brushing of the grout lines on a regular basis.

 

[8ightiesfan]

Staining from an organic source should be removed with chlorine. It will be difficult to get at the stain as the grout is porous.

Try holding your FC at mid way between Target and SLAM for awhile, with vigorous brushing of the grout lines on a regular basis.

Thanks, I will try this and see how it goes