New pool owner (purchased a home that has one). Algae question

JeanneandTom

Member
Aug 7, 2021
21
Hampstead, NC
Pool Size
26000
Surface
Vinyl
Chlorine
Salt Water Generator
SWG Type
Pentair Intellichlor IC-60
New pool owner (purchased a home that has one). It is a saltwater 26,000 gallon with a vinyl liner. No bottom drain, just two skimmers. It was fine for the first 6 weeks or so but we suspect mustard algae. How do I know for sure? We have been brushing every morning, we’ve shocked it, used algaecide and vacuumed to waste. the water itself looks clear but the deep end is still a little cloudy towards the bottom and it comes back every day. The white steps will have yellowish debri on them.
 
Welcome to TFP! :wave: Most often times, the algae you see is actually not MA and some other form. Regardless, the SLAM Process is the way to go. You'll need to have a good test kit, either a TF-100 or Taylor K-2006C as well. If you wish to treat for MA, then you need to pass the SLAM Process 3 criteria first, then increase teh FC to MA level for 24 hours only. Liquid chlorine is the best product during the SLAM. Algaecides are just a waste of time and money. Checkout that SLAM page and the link below. Let us know what questions you might have


 
Welcome to TFP! :wave: Most often times, the algae you see is actually not MA and some other form. Regardless, the SLAM Process is the way to go. You'll need to have a good test kit, either a TF-100 or Taylor K-2006C as well. If you wish to treat for MA, then you need to pass the SLAM Process 3 criteria first, then increase teh FC to MA level for 24 hours only. Liquid chlorine is the best product during the SLAM. Algaecides are just a waste of time and money. Checkout that SLAM page and the link below. Let us know what questions you might have


We did use some algaecide and also added chlorine tablets to the skimmers. Pool looks much better today already. The cya was 40 yesterday according to the pool store and I’ve ordered a test kit but it won’t be here for a week or so. Today the free chlorine level is zero! Yesterday it was 3. Should I add some bleach?
 
Yes, you need to add some bleach. You want to have at least 5PPM of FC. Be careful with the tabs as they can raise your CYA. Your current level is fine, you don't want it any higher. You said you have a saltwater pool. Is your SWG working?
 
Yes, you need to add some bleach. You want to have at least 5PPM of FC. Be careful with the tabs as they can raise your CYA. Your current level is fine, you don't want it any higher. You said you have a saltwater pool. Is your SWG working?
Yes we have it set on 50% right now but we need to add some salt today. Is it true we should drop it down to zero when adding salt? How much bleach should we add?
 
Is it true we should drop it down to zero when adding salt? How much bleach should we add?
If you are low on salt, your SWG may not be producing chlorine. Until you get the proper salt level in the water and confirm the SWG is operating properly, be sure to add liquid chlorine each day as needed to maintain a basic FC of about 5 ppm. I wouldn't use tabs at all right now. Adding liquid chlorine each day won't resolve your issues, but may help keep things from getting worse until your kit arrives.
 
Thread Status
Hello , This thread has been inactive for over 60 days. New postings here are unlikely to be seen or responded to by other members. For better visibility, consider Starting A New Thread.