New Pool Owner

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Pwareing

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May 4, 2018
65
Carcassonne France
Hi there, Sorry not sure how to post an open question.
I am new to pool ownership. I currently have a clear pool with odd lines of algae growing overnight. The test strip results are all over the place and I just wonder - simple question: where do I start first - I have read a lot and think its probably CYA reduction by replenishing the water but await your replies. I read quite a lot and understand that the high FC is needed due to the high CYA but wonder if reducing the PH will help keep the algae at bay whilst I replenish over a period (hopefully)
Regards to all

FC 10
PH 7.8
TA 80
CYA 150

Peter
 
Hi Peter and welcome to TFP! :wave: In this forum, we clear algae by using a process we call "SLAM" (see link below). That link explains it all. To perform a SLAM however, you must have a proper/reliable test kit. As we have all learned, test strips are also "guess strips" for a reason. They just are not accurate. If you can get either a TF-100 (link below) or Taylor K-2006C test kit, you will have much better success. The pH needs to be lowered for a SLAM, but that's only to compensate for the elevated FC level. It has no bearing on the algae itself. Removing the algae is all about sanitation - the proper FC level based on your current CYA level.

I should also note that a CYA over 100 is not only difficult to confirm as most testers only go to 100, but achieving the proper elevated FC level for that CYA is almost impossible. That's a big reason we rely on regular bleach (liquid chlorine) to sanitize pools because they do not add stabilizer (CYA). If you can get a TF-100 or Taylor K-2006C test it, I would recommend performing a diluted CYA test as seen on the TFP Pool School - CYA page, starting at step #8. The only way to lower an elevated CYA is by changing water, so that would ideally be step #1 before trying to kill the algae. The lower the CYA, the lower the bleach requirement as seen on the Chlorine/CYA Chart (link below). If you are using anything else to chlorinate (tablets, powders, etc) I would recommend avoiding those products and use just regular/plain bleach.

That may seem like a lot of info, but once you understand it's not that much. Please review/save the links below in my signature and let us know if you still have some questions about how to proceed. Thanks for using the forum.
 
Do you consider repeated small exchanges to be practical for this level of CYA?
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The most efficient method is to exchange water in the largest amount possible without emptying the entire pool. We never want a pool totally empty to protect the structure itself. But if you are able to drain 60-70% of the water, that's great. Some people however, simply cannot do it that way and have to exchange water slowly or in stages. So if that happens, it's okay. If you don't have a main drain, all you have for suction are the skimmers, so some people will borrow, rent, or buy a submersible pump to help remove water quicker. Just do the best you can and retest. I'd recommend that the very least, try to get your CYA down to 60 or lower (no lower than 30 though). A CYA of 70-80 can also be SLAM'd, but it requires more bleach. Hope that helps.
 
Welcome Peter! I second the advice you've already been given and would also suggest you not use test strips at all. They are completely unreliable and will give you readings all over the chart. The only way to know for sure what's going on with your pool's chemistry is to learn how to test it correctly. This might seem daunting at first, but it's really not difficult. The best place to start is the "pool school" link at the top of this forum page. I wish I had learned this when we first became pool owners; it would've saved me years of headaches and hassles!
Best of luck to you!
 
Hi, no I cannot 'drop the lot' so will have to exchange slowly. I was thinking of topping up with a hose pipe and draining to waste at the same time. I thought that having a 8 foot deep end (cold) I could drain from the bottom only and refill at the top (warmer), it may not be overly wasteful only taking away the CYA water and not the new. Comments greatly appreciated.
 
I was thinking of topping up with a hose pipe and draining to waste at the same time.
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That type of "continuous exchange" of water going in & out at the same time will work, it's just a little slower. But sometimes that's the best we can do. I've done it that way as well. :)
 
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