Looks like algae!

Ccross

Well-known member
May 9, 2022
57
Ringgold/GA
Pool Size
20000
Surface
Vinyl
Chlorine
Liquid Chlorine
Here’s the dumb question for the evening. Been maintaining pool balance with tfp procedures for the last couple of yeasts, no issues. I live in north ga and we’ve been in pretty much a drought for the last month or so. It’s starting to cool off here, and with the cooler nights, the pool is around 74 degrees. I noticed today some green on my steps. Brushes off no problem, but I’m not even sure how this is possible. CYA is at 35, call it 40, and I get my chlorine in check all the time. Never let it get below 3-4. Most times, I keep it around 5-6. I’ve also noticed it’s starting to catch more debris I’m assuming with the leaves starting to fall so I run my dolphin about every other day. Is it possible this is something g other than algae.
 
Here’s the dumb question for the evening. Been maintaining pool balance with tfp procedures for the last couple of yeasts, no issues. I live in north ga and we’ve been in pretty much a drought for the last month or so. It’s starting to cool off here, and with the cooler nights, the pool is around 74 degrees. I noticed today some green on my steps. Brushes off no problem, but I’m not even sure how this is possible. CYA is at 35, call it 40, and I get my chlorine in check all the time. Never let it get below 3-4. Most times, I keep it around 5-6. I’ve also noticed it’s starting to catch more debris I’m assuming with the leaves starting to fall so I run my dolphin about every other day. Is it possible this is something g other than algae.
Btw, using a TF-100 kit.
 
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Okay guys. Need someone to talk me off the ledge. About a week ago, I started noticing some dirt/sand looking particles around my steps. I brushed them off for a few days and then after googling, I’m pretty sure it was dead algae. So…….started slamming. After an oclt revealed I lost around 2ppm. Day 3 of slam. Definitely looking better, particles are about gone but now my ph keeps rising. I put 32 oz of muriatic in last week and that got it to 7.4 but now it’s back up to 8.2. Is this due to algae????

FC. 16
CYA 40
PH 8.2
TA 110

I have been following tfp procedures to a “T” for the past two years and this is my first issue and honestly, I’m at my wits end. First, because I’m struggling to keep the slam level high, but secondly, I don’t even know how this happened in the first place. Thanks for anyone that can keep me from jumping. Lol
 
Do not add acid based on inaccurate testing.

Most folks in GA do not close their pools. But follow your normal practice. Likely should wait awhile so the water temperature is well below 60F.
 
Do not add acid based on inaccurate testing.

Most folks in GA do not close their pools. But follow your normal practice. Likely should wait awhile so the water temperature is well below 60F.
If it comes down to it, can I close it up with the elevated FC? I would think so, since I typically put extra in when we usually close it. Hope that makes sense.
 

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Will do. I feel like I’m close, but we’ll see. Thanks for the advice.
Day 4 or 5 of slam. Hard to do during a work week. At any rate, water looks amazing but still seeing what I assume is some dead algae particles on the steps. It lessened a lot but still there. I’ll send a pic when it’s re accumulated. CC’s were at .5 this morning but OCLT was around 1.5 still. Keep trucking.
 
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Could be dead algae. Keep brushing/vacuuming, repeat. The pool looks great so I think you’re super close!
Thank you. Needed the encouragement. Always read about issues and slam but this is my first. It’s a roller coaster. 2 days ago I would’ve probably paid for enough dirt to fill it in lol.
 
Gonna check about every 3 hours
2-3 times daily (at your stage of the SLAM) to test and replenish your chlorine is plenty adequate. The SLAM article spells this out but check as often as you like. Stay with the SLAM until you meet the three criteria that tells you you are finished. Try to finish the SLAM before you close.

If you want proof that it's dead algae, carefully try to pinch some between your thumb and forefinger. Algae will simply "whoosh"
away.......dirt or sand will feel gritty.
 
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2 days ago I would’ve probably paid for enough dirt to fill it in lol.
Totally get it! But good news is that you are doing a good job getting it under control so you’ll know how to handle your pool differently next time. We all go through these types of scenarios while we are learning. Keep pushing!
 
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