Opened up pool and I have black algae again. We had it last year and it's there again. Should I drain and powerwash it? We haven't done anything except take cover off.
Opened up pool and I have black algae again.
- Thread starter Connie C
- Start date
- May 3, 2014
- 58,660
- Pool Size
- 6000
- Surface
- Fiberglass
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Pentair Intellichlor IC-40
Welcome to the forum!
www.troublefreepool.com
Power washing will not get rid of it. Only chlorine and lots of brushing will get rid of it.
I suggest you read ABC's of Pool Water Chemistry and consider reviewing the entire Pool School eBook.
Black Algae
This guide provides a step by step procedure for eliminating black algae in your concrete or gunite pool. Read full post here.
www.troublefreepool.com
I suggest you read ABC's of Pool Water Chemistry and consider reviewing the entire Pool School eBook.
Connie, please don't make me have to look up your zip code to figure out where you are? Just put a location. Thanks!
Are you sure this is black algae and not just algae that looks dark?
What did you do to get rid of it last year?
How do you sanitize your pool?
Can you tell us:
FC
CC
pH
TA
CH
CYA
and which test kit you use?
Thanks in advance-
Maddie
Are you sure this is black algae and not just algae that looks dark?
What did you do to get rid of it last year?
How do you sanitize your pool?
Can you tell us:
FC
CC
pH
TA
CH
CYA
and which test kit you use?
Thanks in advance-
Maddie
I am in Strasburg Ohio. I just took cover off. Haven't tested or started anything up yet. Ordered a new test kit per advice of this site, tf test kit. I am not sure if it is black algae. A ton on skimmer bottom but the rest of the pool looks like residue.
Ah, ok.... that sounds more promising than the dreaded "black algae"... That stuff actually grows roots into cement and all that.
Ok... while you wait to get that kit, figure out where you can obtain the most fresh liquid chlorine/bleach for the least cash and hassle.
And go ahead and do you best to gently scoop out any solid debris in the pool because if its there when you start to SLAM you'll waste a lot of energy on it.
Maddie
Ok... while you wait to get that kit, figure out where you can obtain the most fresh liquid chlorine/bleach for the least cash and hassle.
And go ahead and do you best to gently scoop out any solid debris in the pool because if its there when you start to SLAM you'll waste a lot of energy on it.
Maddie
Connie, please don't make me have to look up your zip code to figure out where you are? Just put a location. Thanks!
Are you sure this is black algae and not just algae that looks dark?
What did you do to get rid of it last year?
How do you sanitize your pool?
Can you tell us:
FC
CC
pH
TA
CH
CYA
and which test kit you use?
Thanks in advance-
Maddie
Hi Maddie
FC .05 more like 0
CC 0
ph 6.8
TA 80
CH 300
CYA 20 can still see dot
Are these TF-100 test results?
For the CYA test, was the test cloudy at all? If so, add 20ppm CYA. If test was totally clear, then add 30ppm CYA. Add the CYA to a regular sock and hang it in front of the return. Make sure it doesn't touch the wall. Leave the pump running 24/7. Just to confirm, the pool water was room temperature when you did the test?
pH needs to be raised. You can do this with aeration and it is chemical free. Aeration can be done via spa jets, waterfall, fountain, return pointed up so it breaks the surface, air compressor, etc.
Once you have the sock of CYA in the water, add enough chlorine to get to 10ppm FC. Test and re-dose with chlorine often. Brush and vacuum the walls and floor daily to allow the chlorine to get to all parts of the algae.
Follow the SLAM Process procedure.
For the CYA test, was the test cloudy at all? If so, add 20ppm CYA. If test was totally clear, then add 30ppm CYA. Add the CYA to a regular sock and hang it in front of the return. Make sure it doesn't touch the wall. Leave the pump running 24/7. Just to confirm, the pool water was room temperature when you did the test?
pH needs to be raised. You can do this with aeration and it is chemical free. Aeration can be done via spa jets, waterfall, fountain, return pointed up so it breaks the surface, air compressor, etc.
Once you have the sock of CYA in the water, add enough chlorine to get to 10ppm FC. Test and re-dose with chlorine often. Brush and vacuum the walls and floor daily to allow the chlorine to get to all parts of the algae.
Follow the SLAM Process procedure.
Yes they are TF100 results. It was not cloudy at all. I did it twice but it was not room temp. I had taken it out of cold pool. I will get CYA tomorrow. I don't have that. I am assuming pool store. Is my pool sweeper ok to put in water as well while cya is in there and heavy bleach? Sorry I am not savvy I went to a pool store for years and just did what they said. Hasn't worked out so well and a lot of money wasted.
Did you drain your pool recently? Your test results indicate you have almost non existent CYA which is usually thru the roof after years of disinfecting pool with pucks or pool store dry type shocks.
Add some liquid chlorine to your pool ASAP.
Add some liquid chlorine to your pool ASAP.
CYA can be found at the PS or Walmart. At Walmart, it is sold in 4 pound containers in the pool section. That is usually good stuff to use.
Walmart also typically has a good deal on their 10% chlorine in the pool section. check pricing for singles vs multipack. sometimes one packaging variety is priced better. Check date codes such as 19XXX. With 19 being the year of manufacure and XXX being the day number of the year. Get the most recent chlorine you can find.
A slight modification to my advice provided above. Before you add the CYA, I would like you to run a test. Add enough chlorine to the pool to get to 10ppm, in front of a return with the pump running. 15 minutes later take a sample of pool water and run a FC & CC test. If the FC is above 5ppm, then add the CYA. If FC is below 5ppm, then report back to us for additional advice. The 15 minute interval is important (don't wait hours).
Walmart also typically has a good deal on their 10% chlorine in the pool section. check pricing for singles vs multipack. sometimes one packaging variety is priced better. Check date codes such as 19XXX. With 19 being the year of manufacure and XXX being the day number of the year. Get the most recent chlorine you can find.
A slight modification to my advice provided above. Before you add the CYA, I would like you to run a test. Add enough chlorine to the pool to get to 10ppm, in front of a return with the pump running. 15 minutes later take a sample of pool water and run a FC & CC test. If the FC is above 5ppm, then add the CYA. If FC is below 5ppm, then report back to us for additional advice. The 15 minute interval is important (don't wait hours).
We have drained it the last two or three years because it has been a mess. That's why I am finished with the pool place. I did add the liquid chlorine and borax. Looking beautiful. I added the CYA Tuesday and everything looks good for the moment. My cya is now a 40. ph went from 7.6 to 7.2. Unsure why. fc is really high on the tester 5-10
I didn't see this in time Monday. Looking good now. Did add the CYA.
- May 3, 2014
- 58,660
- Pool Size
- 6000
- Surface
- Fiberglass
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Pentair Intellichlor IC-40
You stated you have a TF100. Always use the FAS-DPD (R0870 and R0871) to test your FC.
I am sorry I did use the FC tester. That was the ph and chlorine test. My new readings are as follows:
ph 7.2
cya 40
ta 80
FC 5.5
CC 0
Is this good or should I be worried if my ph is a little low? the CYA was added two days ago and stayed the same yesterday and today. PH also stayed at 7.2 two days.
Have you used PoolMath to input your numbers and get a CSI reading? That's helpful if you're worried.
pH of 7.2 is good while in SLAM mode.
With a CYA of 40, you should keep FC at 16. Add enough chlorine to get to 16ppm.
With a CYA of 40, you should keep FC at 16. Add enough chlorine to get to 16ppm.
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