Mustard Algae

[Dallz]

Hi,

I think i have mustard Algae...patches of yellow on bottom of pool, when brushed it's like powder... all my levels are within range, my SLAM level is 14 and did it the other night, by morning FC was 7. Brought it back to slam level in the am so it can kill all remaining residue, brushed like crazy...it's a day later and it's slowly coming back!!!!

I think i made the mistake of backwashing and vacuuming on filter when I didnt know what it was.

I also disinfected everything when I slammed, washed suits, left equipment in pool to disinfect...I'm in Canada nit even a hot summer, is it really Mustard Algae??

How do I get rid of it?

Thanks!

 

[Texas Splash]

Hello! To learn more about Mustard Algae (MA), make sure to review the TFP Pool School - Mustard Algae page. I'm not totally convinced what you're describing is MA, but materials in the water can be tricky for sure. Regardless, the first treatment for any algae (including MA) is a proper SLAM. Your description of past SLAMs don't seen to follow the TFP SLAM protocol. By that I mean maintaining the proper FC SLAM level based on your current CYA and keeping it there 24/7 until you pass all 3 SLAM criteria. So if there is any doubt about following the SLAM instructions to the letter (link below), I'd start there. Only after passing a standard SLAM do you increase the FC to the appropriate MA-SLAM level for 24 hrs. Consider that process first and let us know if you have any further questions. Good luck.

 

[Dallz]

Hello! To learn more about Mustard Algae (MA), make sure to review the TFP Pool School - Mustard Algae page. I'm not totally convinced what you're describing is MA, but materials in the water can be tricky for sure. Regardless, the first treatment for any algae (including MA) is a proper SLAM. Your description of past SLAMs don't seen to follow the TFP SLAM protocol. By that I mean maintaining the proper FC SLAM level based on your current CYA and keeping it there 24/7 until you pass all 3 SLAM criteria. So if there is any doubt about following the SLAM instructions to the letter (link below), I'd start there. Only after passing a standard SLAM do you increase the FC to the appropriate MA-SLAM level for 24 hrs. Consider that process first and let us know if you have any further questions. Good luck.

Thank you I couldn't find the mustard algae shock instructions.

I read through your link, and it says that pollen is usually at the bottom of the pool, but tyebpatches were on the side creases of the pool as well (where the liners meet)... I hope you're right and it's not
Mustard algae, especially since I never had an algae problem and I usually have correct chlorine levels in my pool.

If it were MA, would my chlorine drop faster?

Any other tips on how to really tell if it's MA?

 

[jblizzle]

It really does not matter too much at this point if it is Mustard Algae. You have not properly followed the SLAM Process process yet and passed the 3 criteria to stop ... which just happens to be the first step in fighting MA.

That article should explain how to ID if it is MA, but I would not worry about it.

 

[Dallz]

It really does not matter too much at this point if it is Mustard Algae. You have not properly followed the SLAM Process process yet and passed the 3 criteria to stop ... which just happens to be the first step in fighting MA.

That article should explain how to ID if it is MA, but I would not worry about it.

Hmmm but I did slam properly!? what does it mean to not lose 1pm overnight? Does that mean if it's 12 at slam level then it has to be no less than 11 by next morning? That's the part I'm unsure about...

 

[jblizzle]

What you stated is correct. Looks like you lost 7ppm and that is HUGE. Something in the water is consuming the FC.