Please help me!

[Ness1228]

Help needed…

Hi guys! I’ve been having some trouble with my pool. I’ve asked two experts and they have me different answers. I had algae…did an algaecide and double shock like instructed. But I still have this floating cloud of, I’m assuming dead algae?? Someone told me to double shock again and the other told me to drain and start all over. I don’t necessarily mind the drain but it’s kinda pointless to drain and refill so close to winter I would love some help! No one can help me with the floating brown cloud. Here is my pool and my results thank y’all so much!!

 

[Ness1228]

Here’s another pic

 

[Texas Splash]

Welcome to TFP! You've somewhat answered your own question - "Two different experts with different recommendations". These pool store people and their testing are often the reason people take control of their own water, and you should as well. Consider the following:
1 - Use your own proper test kit; either a TF-100 or Taylor K-2006C. You must have one or the other. I recommend the TF-100. Link in my signature.
2 - If your CYA is truly at/above 100, you'll need to exchange water. You probably used tablets and/or bags of shock the pool store was happy to see you, and now the CYA is too high from the very products. Stop using any tabs or bags and use liquid chlorine or regular bleach exclusively.
3 - Once you get a proper test kit, post a full set of results. We can't advise on pool store results. They are often times incorrectly performed.
4 - To remove algae for good, we use the SLAM Process.

The link below is a great resource to read and refer to while waiting on your test kit. If you have any questions let us know.

Pool Care Basics Archives

Your one-stop shop for all things TFP to include: ABCs of Water Chemistry, Recommended Chemicals/Levels, Test Kits, Troubleshooting, and much more!

www.troublefreepool.com

 

[Ness1228]

Welcome to TFP! You've somewhat answered your own question - "Two different experts with different recommendations". These pool store people and their testing are often the reason people take control of their own water, and you should as well. Consider the following:
1 - Use your own proper test kit; either a TF-100 or Taylor K-2006C. You must have one or the other. I recommend the TF-100. Link in my signature.
2 - If your CYA is truly at/above 100, you'll need to exchange water. You probably used tablets and/or bags of shock the pool store was happy to see you, and now the CYA is too high from the very products. Stop using any tabs or bags and use liquid chlorine or regular bleach exclusively.
3 - Once you get a proper test kit, post a full set of results. We can't advise on pool store results. They are often times incorrectly performed.
4 - To remove algae for good, we use the SLAM Process.

The link below is a great resource to read and refer to while waiting on your test kit. If you have any questions let us know.

Pool Care Basics Archives

Your one-stop shop for all things TFP to include: ABCs of Water Chemistry, Recommended Chemicals/Levels, Test Kits, Troubleshooting, and much more!

www.troublefreepool.com

I have a test kit but embarrassed to say I have no idea how to use or read it
This is the one i have but now I just use the test strips

 

[Texas Splash]

I have a test kit but embarrassed to say I have no idea how to use or read it

Unfortunately that's a very basic test kit. While it tests pH and TA, it does not test free chlorine, combined chlorine, calcium hardness, or cyanuric acid (CYA). You won't use the bromine reagent since this is a chlorine pool. Your best bet is to order a TF-100 (or Taylor K-2006C) test kit. They are user-friendly, reliable, and have very good instructions. Plus, we have tons of members who would be eager to coach you through testing if needed.

 

[Ness1228]

Unfortunately that's a very basic test kit. While it tests pH and TA, it does not test free chlorine, combined chlorine, calcium hardness, or cyanuric acid (CYA). You won't use the bromine reagent since this is a chlorine pool. Your best bet is to order a TF-100 (or Taylor K-2006C) test kit. They are user-friendly, reliable, and have very good instructions. Plus, we have tons of members who would be eager to coach you through testing if needed.

Is there something wrong with the water test that I posted? Is it not reliable?

 

[Texas Splash]

Is there something wrong with the water test that I posted? Is it not reliable?

Not your fault. Store testing is often unreliable either due to poor lighting, training, seasonal employees, etc. Their products are over-priced (or not even required) and pushed to unsuspecting pool owners who expect results and see nothing of the kind. In almost all cases we find their results are not correct. This is often proven when an owner goes back to the same store the next and some results (CH and CYA for example) that could not have changed are listed as different. Homeowner testing with a TF-100 or Taylor K-2006C test kit is always recommended. Also keep in mind a proper test kit is needed for testing the free chlorine and combined chlorine levels consistently during a SLAM Process to remove algae.

 

[Ness1228]

Not your fault. Store testing is often unreliable either due to poor lighting, training, seasonal employees, etc. Their products are over-priced (or not even required) and pushed to unsuspecting pool owners who expect results and see nothing of the kind. In almost all cases we find their results are not correct. This is often proven when an owner goes back to the same store the next and some results (CH and CYA for example) that could not have changed are listed as different. Homeowner testing with a TF-100 or Taylor K-2006C test kit is always recommended. Also keep in mind a proper test kit is needed for testing the free chlorine and combined chlorine levels consistently during a SLAM Process to remove algae.

so that cloud or whatever it is, is that algae? If so what kind? Is that the only way to kill it? The test kit is out of my budget at the moment….maybe draining is my only chance

 

[Texas Splash]

so that cloud or whatever it is, is that algae? If so what kind? Is that the only way to kill it? The test kit is out of my budget at the moment….maybe draining is my only chance

Algae comes in many varieties, but it does appear to be algae. Since you appear to have a simple Intex pool, and if you have the original (small) cartridge filter, changing the water would probably be more efficient and cost effective right now. But stick close to the link I gave you above and also the FC/CYA Levels. That chart tells you what your FC level should be based on your current CYA. Remember if you change all the water, the new water has no CYA in it. Ironic right? CYA was too high from store products, you drain, then have to add some. But that's how it goes at first until you learn. Use liquid chlorine or regular bleach to increase and maintain your FC level. Liquid does not have stabilizer (CYA) in it.

 

[Ness1228]

Algae comes in many varieties, but it does appear to be algae. Since you appear to have a simple Intex pool, and if you have the original (small) cartridge filter, changing the water would probably be more efficient and cost effective right now. But stick close to the link I gave you above and also the FC/CYA Levels. That chart tells you what your FC level should be based on your current CYA. Remember if you change all the water, the new water has no CYA in it. Ironic right? CYA was too high from store products, you drain, then have to add some. But that's how it goes at first until you learn. Use liquid chlorine or regular bleach to increase and maintain your FC level. Liquid does not have stabilizer (CYA) in it.

Would you say that is dead algae? It was green then I used an algaecide and this happened? Is it possible to remove so that I can start chemically balancing the water?

 

[ccbill]

Is it floating or on the bottom?
If it is floating dead algae your filter should eventually take care of it.
If it is on the bottom try vacuuming it up - maybe vacuum to waste instead of through the filter, which will help with the high CYA when you refill..
If your CYA is that high you need to get your free chlorine (FC) up and keep it there to prevent further growth.
If your CYA is that high you eventually should replace some of your water, stop using pucks and start using liquid chlorine or bleach.

You really need to get a proper test kit, without it you are flying blind. None of us here trust Pool Store tests - too many bad experiences.

The Free Chlorine and Cyanuric Acid Relationship

Managing your cyanuric acid and Free Chlorine levels is key to stabilizing your pool. Learn how these two items affect each other.

www.troublefreepool.com

Pool Care Basics Archives

Your one-stop shop for all things TFP to include: ABCs of Water Chemistry, Recommended Chemicals/Levels, Test Kits, Troubleshooting, and much more!

www.troublefreepool.com

 

[Ness1228]

Is it floating or on the bottom?
If it is floating dead algae your filter should eventually take care of it.
If it is on the bottom try vacuuming it up - maybe vacuum to waste instead of through the filter, which will help with the high CYA when you refill..
If your CYA is that high you need to get your free chlorine (FC) up and keep it there to prevent further growth.
If your CYA is that high you eventually should replace some of your water, stop using pucks and start using liquid chlorine or bleach.

You really need to get a proper test kit, without it you are flying blind. None of us here trust Pool Store tests - too many bad experiences.

The Free Chlorine and Cyanuric Acid Relationship

Managing your cyanuric acid and Free Chlorine levels is key to stabilizing your pool. Learn how these two items affect each other.

www.troublefreepool.com

Pool Care Basics Archives

Your one-stop shop for all things TFP to include: ABCs of Water Chemistry, Recommended Chemicals/Levels, Test Kits, Troubleshooting, and much more!

www.troublefreepool.com

It is on the bottom but not attached to the pool i would say it is floating about 2-3 inches from the pools bottom. It’s like a cloud…?

 

[ccbill]

Since you don't want to refill this late in the year, maybe see if you can put your vacuum head near the center of it and let it run, sucking it out to waste. Then maybe you can get a free refill over the winter when it rains.

But unless you keep your free chlorine at a sufficient level you will just be continuslly fighting the algae.

 

[Ness1228]

This is a dumb question but how do u vacuum to waste? I have a vacuum that drives by itself…I’m assuming I need a handheld type?

 

[Texas Splash]

This is a dumb question but how do u vacuum to waste

You haven't updated your signature yet with all of your pool and equipment info. But typically only sand or DE filter owners with a multiport valve can filter to waste. If you have a cartridge filter, that function is not available.

Once algae enters the pool, chlorine dosed (and maintained) at the proper level per the FC/CYA Levels is the only remedy while following the SLAM Process. Algaecides and other pool store snake oils simply won't resolve the issue.

 

[Phookinl]

Since you don't want to refill this late in the year, maybe see if you can put your vacuum head near the center of it and let it run, sucking it out to waste. Then maybe you can get a free refill over the winter when it rains.

But unless you keep your free chlorine at a sufficient level you will just be continuslly fighting the algae.

Probably a bit late, but one option might be to siphon using the flexible hose from the vaccum. You need to have a spot lower than the pool bottom/cloud of algae and preferably with a drain, (you don't want to dump salty pool water on your grass. You might need to sit a brick or large rock on the end of the hose. You need to make sure you fully submerge the hose to fill it with water and then keep block the end until you have it where you want it to start siphoning. You can also buy cheap submersible pumps from hardware stores that aren't very expensive. That and a length of layflat hose might be enough to reach a nearby drain or sewer access point depending on your local regulations on discarding pool water. You can hire these pumps too, but for the cost, you probably only need to use it a couple of times and it's paid for itself.