Is this Mustard Algae ?

[Blue114]

This is my friends pool and he said its been like this for ages.

If you brush it with a wire brush a cloud comes up and it lighjtens it a bit but still dosnt renmove it much.

Thanks
Brad

 

[mknauss]

Mustard Algae

Today We are going to show you how you can get rid of mustard algae in your pool. By following the steps in this guide and with no expensive chemicals.

www.troublefreepool.com

Looks like a SLAM Process will take care of it. They will need a proper test kit.

 

[JamesW]

Looks like possibly a combination of problems.

Possibly black algae, mustard algae, green algae, iron stains and/or copper stains.

 

[Blue114]

I can use my test kit and help him out. Do I follow the levels for Mustard algae on pool calcul;ater

 

[Blue114]

Thanks for the replies.
One more question
Im not sure what % bleach I use in Pool calculator. In australia and buy liquid chlorine from the pool shop

 

[mknauss]

To defeat any algae prior to seeing other issues that JamesW pointed out - follow the normal SLAM Process. Read the article I linked on Mustard Algae. You follow a normal SLAM and then raise your FC to the higher level for 24 hours only.

Your liquid chlorine should have a stated concentration on the packaging. Use that in Poolmath.

 

[Blue114]

Thanks. His current test is:
PH 6
TA 40
CYA 60
FC 4

If I bring up the TA to 80 will I be able to SLAM with the low PH Thanks

 

[mknauss]

If that pool has a heater with that low pH, much of those stains are most likely copper.

Get the pH to 7.2.

 

[JamesW]

If there is a lot of copper, you are at high risk of creating some nasty, permanent black stains.

Just be aware and make sure that the homeowner is also aware of the risk so that you both are making an informed decision.

Throw some vitamin C tablets on a few spots to see what happens.

Do not use pH increaser (sodium carbonate) or calcium hypochlorite.

Use baking soda to get the pH to 7.2 by adding it and brushing vigorously.

 

[JamesW]

If they have a cartridge filter, can you pull the filter and take a picture of the dirty cartridge?

If the stains are copper, a sulfamic treatment might work, but that has its own issues and problems.

Note: I know that you’re trying to help your friend, but be aware that this can go wrong if there is a lot of copper.

You might want to reconsider taking the risk or at least inform your friend of the risk and let them decide if it’s worth it.

 

[Blue114]

Thanks.
I dont want to jump the gun and damage anything.
He s got no pool heater and a sand filter.
His recent pool test a few days ago shows no copper in the pool.
Would this mean anything re the staining?

 

[JamesW]

Metals won't show up in a test if they are all precipitated into stains.

Try the vitamin C.

 

[JamesW]

His recent pool test a few days ago shows no copper in the pool.

I think that it’s hilarious that they say that the copper levels are zero, so you should add some copper.

 

[Blue114]

Ok Thanks

 

[Blue114]

Looks like its copper/ metal staining.

Took a while to see any difference but it definately is lighter where the tablets have been. The staining seems to be more brown red color than blue grey color so maybe its iron.

Do I address the metal staining first then SLAM later?

 

[JamesW]

I suspect that there are several metals causing the problem.

Maybe silver, copper, iron and/or other metals.

I think that it’s at high risk for staining.

I think that there might also be some black algae.

A sustained SLAM and vigorous frequent brushing should clear the black algae, but it would likely make the metal stains worse.

If the black spots are algae, you should be able to scrape some off because black algae is like black mold.

See if the black will scrape off like mold.

Does the pool have and ionizer?

Has silver or copper algaecide ever been added?

 

[Blue114]

No ionizer and no copper or silver algaecide added.
But was using cheap salt that was told to me by my pool guy was full of metals