Mustard algae loosing my hope

[YelenaTX]

Hi guys. Here's my story for 2 wonderful years I followed Leslie's maintenance plan and had no trouble in my 10K gallon vynil pool. I added 1.2lbs of dichlor every 2 weeks, had their kit for the water test (to watch FC levels and pH), and cleaned my cartridge filter once a week.
The third summer I decided to experiment and instead of a cartridge filter bought mesh filter(because it is easier to clean). I drained and refilled the pool. Slowly, but surely water in the pool turned hazy. Then I decided to shock the pool with dichlor, added 4 lbs, changed filter back to the cartridge and the BIG trouble rolled in my pool. I started seeing mustard algae. Came across this website and did a number of things. I bought Taylor's CYA test. First, the heat in the mailbox damaged the reagent, as a result CYA readings were super low. Bought another one, watched the delivery and took it from thr mailbox before sizzling or getting warm. Still could I trust it, not sure. However moved on, tested CYA 30. Bought FC DPD test. Performed regular slam, along with brushing, cleaning, cartridge cleaning and such) at 18.2-19.0 for 4 days, it did not kill the algae, just reduced the amount, and then Yellow/Mustard slam at 30ppm. Almost got rid of it, but not quite. After completing 24hours by the midday the algae came back with the triple revange (at FC= 18.2 ppm). The pool liner faded significantly. Now I am blaming everything on a wrong CYA readings, possibly being way to high for any successful SLAM. Tired and discouraged.

 

[Texas Splash]

Welcome to TFP! Well, one thing's for sure and I suspect you just experienced it, and that is without accurate testing, everything is frustrating and a waste of time. Have you considered ordering an entire test kit? There are two choices we recommend to pool owners, either a TF-100 or Taylor K-2006C. I like the TF-100 (in my signature) but either is good. That alone could make a huge difference in what appears to be inconsistent testing and lack of progress.

Then post a full set of test results and we should be able to help. Also be sure to update your signature. See mine as an example.

Pool Care Basics

 

[YelenaTX]

Thank you, Texas Splash! I need to consider it. I have fas dpd, cyanuric acid test and pH test from Taylor, just bought separately. It seems I need to add hardness and total alkalinity tests to make it complete.

 

[Texas Splash]

I have fas dpd, cyanuric acid test and pH test from Taylor, just bought separately. It seems I need to add hardness and total alkalinity tests to make it complete.

That's great. Then it sounds like you really need to confirm a good CYA result. See if the notes below help you.

CYA Testing:
Proper lighting is critical for the CYA test, so you want to test for CYA outside on a bright sunny day. Taylor recommends standing outside with your back to the sun and the view tube in the shade of your body. Use the mixing bottle to combine/gently mix the required amounts of pool water and R-0013 reagent, let sit for 30 seconds, then gently mix again. Then, while holding the skinny tube with the black dot at waist level, begin squirting the mixed solution into the skinny tube. Watch the black dot until it completely disappears. If it helps, pour a little, look away, then look back and pour some more. Some people like to squirt enough solution to go line-by-line for a better feel. Once it disappears, record the CYA reading. After the first test, you can pour the mixed solution from the skinny view tube back to the mixing bottle, shake, and do the same test a second, third, or fourth time to instill consistency in your technique, become more comfortable with the testing, and validate the CYA reading. If you are still questioning your own results, have a friend or two do the same test 2-3 times. Share your results only after everyone is done to see if you came up with the same average results.