Pollen Bombs go BOOM

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p00lf00l

Member
Apr 9, 2019
24
Austin, TX
Hi all!

Living in Central Texas, we have a love/hate relationship with our pollen-exploding trees.

I usually have no issues maintaining my pool numbers for months when it's hot and dry (July/Aug) - CYA around 50, FC around 4, crystal clear, 7.4 pH, etc

The problem I have is any time it rains, the pollen (and other stuff) from the trees washes down in to the pool and BAM!...cloudy green water and no FC (what I call "crashing"). It's seriously like an algae food bomb.

When I know we're going to have a huge downpour, I'll usually pour a whole gallon of bleach in (FC 12ish?) in advance and that prevents the algae bloom. But, we dont always know and it sometimes happens overnight, while we're gone for the day, out of town, etc. For some of our bigger storms, I usually have to add even more in the pouring rain. Some months (hello, May!) there's a threat of rain every day.

Save cutting down our beautiful shade trees, I'm guessing that there's not anything that can been done about this other than slam'n whenever it happens, huh?
 
Here is an idea. You say adding extra chlorine helps AND you get almost daily rain where you are (we do also so understand your pain) SO here is my idea. Use this chart: https://www.troublefreepool.com/blog/2019/01/18/chlorine-cya-chart/ and your test kit to find your CYA level. Then get and keep your FC up towards it's SLAM/Shock level during your pollen BOMB time. Think of it as preventive medicine.

What do you think about this idea?

Kim:kim:
 
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kimkats said:
Here is an idea. You say adding extra chlorine helps AND you get almost daily rain where you are (we do also so understand your pain) SO here is my idea. Use this chart: Chlorine / CYA Chart - Trouble Free Pool and your test kit to find your CYA level. Then get and keep your FC up towards it's SLAM/Shock level during your pollen BOMB time. Think of it as preventive medicine.

What do you think about this idea?

Kim:kim:
Click to expand...

Hi Kim.

Thanks for the suggestion, but doesnt keeping the FC at SLAM level render the pool unswimmable (aka defeating the entire purpose of the pool)?
 
p00lf00l said:
But, we dont always know and it sometimes happens overnight, while we're gone for the day, out of town, etc. For some of our bigger storms, I usually have to add even more in the pouring rain
Click to expand...

Looking at the chart that Kim referenced it looks like your FC around 4 is borderline. Then when you get the pollen it drops below the threshold due to the added chlorine demand from the pollen and the algae blooms. How are you testing for CYA? Kim is right on the money, you'll just need to have a good reserve of FC when you're exposed to the pollen bombs. Stay on the aggressive side instead of the defensive approach you're using now.

Chris
 
Skimmer socks MAY (can't promise) collect some of the floating pollen and prevent it from consuming too much of your FC.

They are cheap and worth a try.

Also, just restating, elevate your chlorine during the pollen season........safe to swim at or below SLAM value
 
"safe to swim at or below SLAM value" Really? :0

Not sure where I got it from, but I have always thought it was dangerous/toxic to swim in higher FC levels. I never let the kids swim unless it was under 5.

Is that really just junk science? Ive been fighting with this for 10 years - trying to keep the pool clear AND safe to swim in. ?
 
Geday p00lf00l and welcome to TFP and the forum,

Skimmer socks are a great idea, just remember to check and/or clean them real regular, every day or two.

Running high on your FC is not a problem, as the weather or bather load has changed Ive found I have been high and with the recommended CYA no one should have noticed. With 50ppm CYA a very large percent of your FC is bound to the stabiliser, aka CYA.

Don’t be worried about the sudo science out there, Ive had my very precious, allergy suffering child with symptoms in when Ive been over 10ppm FC (@ a CYA of 60-70ppm) and it has never been a problem. If he displays allergy symptoms, rashes etc. medication + a shower is our first reaction, in the warmer months a good soak in the pool will beat a shower every time.
 
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p00lf00l said:
"safe to swim at or below SLAM value" Really? :0

Not sure where I got it from, but I have always thought it was dangerous/toxic to swim in higher FC levels. I never let the kids swim unless it was under 5.

Is that really just junk science? Ive been fighting with this for 10 years - trying to keep the pool clear AND safe to swim in. ?
Click to expand...

What you have read is true if CYA is 0.

The junk science does not recognize the relationship of CYA with FC which our methods do. We base our recommendations on real science and don’t overly simplify it.
 
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duraleigh said:
Skimmer socks MAY (can't promise) collect some of the floating pollen and prevent it from consuming too much of your FC.

They are cheap and worth a try.

Also, just restating, elevate your chlorine during the pollen season........safe to swim at or below SLAM value
Click to expand...

I use hairnets in my skimmer (like this) and noticed the yellow oak (and pine) pollen getting caught up in by them a day or two before I noticed the pollen on other surfaces, so I think this is a pretty good way to HELP with the pollen problem. At .03 cents per hairnet, I tend to change them daily. I have also noticed that my pump basket only needs to be emptied every couple of weeks, as well.
 
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HeyEng said:
I use hairnets in my skimmer (like this) and noticed the yellow oak pollen getting caught up in by them a day or two before I noticed the pollen on other surfaces, so I think this is a pretty good way to HELP with the pollen problem. At .03 cents per hairnet, I tend to change them daily. I have also noticed that my pump basket only needs to be emptied every couple of weeks, as well.
Click to expand...

Ordered. Thanks!

As for the oak pollen, not sure how you are fairing up there, but last week it all erupted here. There is probably a solid inch+ layer of catkins on everything. Ive been clearing out the jammed-packed skimmer basket 3 or 4 times a day. And it hasnt let up.

Most people are smart enough to not have their pools covered in shady Live Oaks. Most people.......

:)
 
p00lf00l said:
Ordered. Thanks!

As for the oak pollen, not sure how you are fairing up there, but last week it all erupted here. There is probably a solid inch+ layer of catkins on everything. Ive been clearing out the jammed-packed skimmer basket 3 or 4 times a day. And it hasnt let up.

Most people are smart enough to not have their pools covered in shady Live Oaks. Most people.......

:)
Click to expand...
The catkins are just now starting up and the oak pollen has been going for about a week. It's very windy today, so there will be a mess out there, I'm sure. I lived in San Antonio for 6 years and do *not* miss the cedar pollen...blah!!!
 
p00lf00l said:
Even my Taylor kit implies the FC should always be 4 or lower - with no mention of the effects of CYA.

Why is the CYA relation never mentioned publicly?
Click to expand...

It is mentioned here. We are in public. I think. :scratch:

Many places overly simplify the instructions.
 

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