Post-Algae Breakout Chemical Aftermath

[dtrainmcclain]

Hey all! In my first year as a pool owner (got our in ground fiberglass pool completed end of June last year). All in all I’ve done a decent job of keeping the chemicals leveled (using Pool Math), but things got a little out of whack while we went on vacation last week and I came home to this:



Using the tips I found here, I got that under control and the pool is back to it’s sparkling self, clear blue self as of yesterday. Testing the water this morning, though, my chemical levels are WAY out of whack. Here’s what I’ve got (all readings using test strip… have the better drop kit recommended on this site coming soon):
7000 Gallon Fiberglass Pool
Tri-Chlor pucks in chlorinator (I used bleach for the shock process in dealing with the algae, though)
FC: 0
CC: 2.0
Ph: 7.8
TA: 240
CH: 50
CYA: 150

Obviously things are way out of whack, especially that CYA (which I think is affecting everything). My initial thought was this was a result of the shocking process and that things will come back down, but that CYA being so high makes me concerned. Thoughts/advice? Thanks in advance!

 

[mknauss]

Welcome to the forum!
Add 5 ppm FC worth of liquid chlorine each day with the pump running. Once you get your test kit, run a full suite of tests and post them here.
I suggest you read through Pool School - Trouble Free Pool and even look at a few of our videos TFP-TV - Trouble Free Pool

 

[aussieta]

whoever advised you to use pucks is responsible for the mess you are now in
pool math would have had a fit with your cya level that high
good to hear you have a quality test kit on the way
nearly everyone here came with the same story
and now are posting in the TFP clear pages

How Clear is TFP Clear? Let's See (Pics Only Please).

How clear should my water be? A very common question. Here is mine on a calm morning where I could finally vacuum. Yes I know, I'm still manually vacuuming. It took me 7 years to finally get an SWG, I'm working on a robot. :) So now let's see your water clarity.

www.troublefreepool.com

 

[dtrainmcclain]

whoever advised you to use pucks is responsible for the mess you are now in
pool math would have had a fit with your cya level that high
good to hear you have a quality test kit on the way
nearly everyone here came with the same story
and now are posting in the TFP clear pages

How Clear is TFP Clear? Let's See (Pics Only Please).

How clear should my water be? A very common question. Here is mine on a calm morning where I could finally vacuum. Yes I know, I'm still manually vacuuming. It took me 7 years to finally get an SWG, I'm working on a robot. :) So now let's see your water clarity.

www.troublefreepool.com

That’s what the poowl installers told us to do and I didn’t know any better until recently, unfortunately. If I don’t use pucks should I not use the chlorinator at all and just use liquid chlorine in the pool itself?

 

[mknauss]

If I don’t use pucks should I not use the chlorinator at all and just use liquid chlorine in the pool itself?

How to Chlorinate Your Pool

Before chlorinating your pool, you should know these simple tips. Learn the best way to add chlorine to your pool.

www.troublefreepool.com

 

[YippeeSkippy]

Those aren't Clorox XtraBlu pucks you've been using, perchance?
(Avoid Clorox Xtrablu at all costs as its loaded down with copper. Copper is really bad for fiberglass pools)

Maddie

 

[dtrainmcclain]

Those aren't Clorox XtraBlu pucks you've been using, perchance?
(Avoid Clorox Xtrablu at all costs as its loaded down with copper. Copper is really bad for fiberglass pools)

Maddie

OMG yes it is. It’s like you are psychic.

 

[dtrainmcclain]

How to Chlorinate Your Pool

Before chlorinating your pool, you should know these simple tips. Learn the best way to add chlorine to your pool.

www.troublefreepool.com

Thanks for the link! Unfortunately, it doesn’t mention the method of application. I did find a link to another conversation where this question was asked, however, and it seemed like people felt it was best not to use the chlorinator with liquid chlorine.

 

[mknauss]

it doesn’t mention the method of application.

With liquid chlorine, you pour it into the pool. Every Day.

 

[dtrainmcclain]

Just wanted to bump this thread to say thanks to everyone for the advice. My pool is algae free, my chemicals are (relatively) balanced, and I've moved to a liquid chlorine approach.

My CYA is down to around 70 from up around 150. I am good with it there, but obviously working to get it lower, slowly.

Thanks again for all the help/advice!

 

[MITBeta]