Rained and rained now Algae n above ground pool

[Pam in Texas]

I have a 24'×54" ag pool. I have salt water system and Borates (or had Borates) and it has rained A LOT! I have vacuumed what I could, the PH is @ 7.4 and says I have about 1 chlorine, YIKES! Question, how often and of how much chlorine do I add to slam it? Thanks from an old Lady

 

[ajw22]

What is your CYA?

Follow the SLAM Process step by step with no shortcuts.

See the FC/CYA Levels

 

[Pam in Texas]

I think it reads 40 on cya. Ok thanks. I guess I'll find that here.

 

[ajw22]

For CYA 40 SLAM FC is 16.

 

[Pam in Texas]

For CYA 40 SLAM FC is 16.

I was wrong, it is 100. Idk how bc I haven't put any Cya in for 2 yrs. Only thing it could be coming from would be the Borate product I use.

 

[ajw22]

Borates don’t add CYA.

Do the CYA dilution test…

For CYA > 90ppm, repeat the test adjusting the procedure as follows:

1. Fill the mixing bottle to the lower mark with pool water.
2. Continue filling the mixing bottle to the upper mark with tap water.
3. Shake briefly to mix.
4. Pour off half of the contents of the mixing bottle, so it is again filled to the lower mark.
5. Continue the test normally from adding R-0013, but multiply the final result by two.

If you need to dilute the pool water further then apply these ratios:

Pool water	Tap or distilled water	Multiply result by
1	1	2
1	2	3
1	4	5

Note that when doing a diluted test not only do you multiply the range of the test you multiply the error rate of the test, so results are a ballpark - not an absolute.

 

[Pam in Texas]

I've drained and replaced water 4x and CYA is staying at 100. I've used 3 different kind of test strips and a digital tester that I add drops to etc... And all read 100 every time. I have algae bad, but chlorine is holding...until I drain out water.

 

[Bperry]

I've drained and replaced water 4x and CYA is staying at 100. I've used 3 different kind of test strips and a digital tester that I add drops to etc... And all read 100 every time. I have algae bad, but chlorine is holding...until I drain out water.

Test strips and digital tester are not accurate. Don’t waste your time with them. Get a Taylor drop based kit for CYA. The TF-100 will do it along with all the other tests.

If you’re pool is green, you need more chlorine in it, unless it’s green because of copper.

 

[Pam in Texas]

Test strips and digital tester are not accurate. Don’t waste your time with them. Get a Taylor drop based kit for CYA. The TF-100 will do it along with all the other tests.

If you’re pool is green, you need more chlorine in it, unless it’s green because of copper.

1 of the 3 brands of test strips is Taylor. The tester is a New product. I have a salt water, TC 8, FC 8, PH 7.4, AL 120 and CYA stays at 100 no matter what I do. Thank you for your reply.

 

[Bperry]

1 of the 3 brands of test strips is Taylor. The tester is a New product. I have a salt water, TC 8, FC 8, PH 7.4, AL 120 and CYA stays at 100 no matter what I do. Thank you for your reply.

Test strips don’t work, even from Taylor, even when new. I know it’s hard to believe, but don’t make any decisions based on them. Look around at the site and see how bad they can be.

It’s possible your CYA is way higher than 100 and the strips can’t measure higher than that, even if they were accurate?

 

[Pam in Texas]

Borates don’t add CYA.

Do the CYA dilution test…

For CYA > 90ppm, repeat the test adjusting the procedure as follows:

1. Fill the mixing bottle to the lower mark with pool water.
2. Continue filling the mixing bottle to the upper mark with tap water.
3. Shake briefly to mix.
4. Pour off half of the contents of the mixing bottle, so it is again filled to the lower mark.
5. Continue the test normally from adding R-0013, but multiply the final result by two.

If you need to dilute the pool water further then apply these ratios:

Pool water	Tap or distilled water	Multiply result by
1	1	2
1	2	3
1	4	5

Note that when doing a diluted test not only do you multiply the range of the test you multiply the error rate of the test, so results are a ballpark - not an absolute.

I have drained and replaced water 3x and CYA will not change, remaining at 100. The Chlorine is holding just fine FC is about 8 atm. PH 7.4, AL 120. I have used 3 different brands of test strips and a New Photometer and all indicate CYA 100.

 

[pjt]

I've drained and replaced water 4x

You need a proper test kit. The cost of the kit is much less than the cost and time spent draining and refilling your pool four times.

TFtestkits.net

tftestkits.net

 

[ajw22]

I have used 3 different brands of test strips and a New Photometer and all indicate CYA 100.

None of those are accurate and CYA of 100 is the upper limit of their range.

We recommend you use the Taylor K-2006C or TFT Test Kits

Test Kits Compared

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

 

[Texas Splash]

Pam, I think the others have already pointed out the importance of a proper test kit versus test strips. But I was going to ask that at your next opportunity to please fill out your signature - see mine as an example. Are you on city water or a well in Weatherford? If a well, please add that too. Stick around, we'll be happy to help you get things back on track.

Stick close to our Pool Care Basics page an enjoy the forum.

 

[woodyp]

Depending on HOW MUCH water you drained 3 times.....impossible for cya to remain at 100.

 

[Pam in Texas]

Pam, I think the others have already pointed out the importance of a proper test kit versus test strips. But I was going to ask that at your next opportunity to please fill out your signature - see mine as an example. Are you on city water or a well in Weatherford? If a well, please add that too. Stick around, we'll be happy to help you get things back on track.

Stick close to our Pool Care Basics page an enjoy the forum.

At this point I'm in tears. I health issues and this has drained me. I'm afraid of getting in trouble bc of water restrictions and I don't want to leave the pool green until a test kit arrives. But thank you do much, as I do appreciate your time.

 

[Bperry]

At this point I'm in tears. I health issues and this has drained me. I'm afraid of getting in trouble bc of water restrictions and I don't want to leave the pool green until a test kit arrives. But thank you do much, as I do appreciate your time.

You can add 5ppm of liquid chlorine until the test kit arrives to keep it from getting any worse. It’s totally possible to turn things around.

 

[Pam in Texas]

Depending on HOW MUCH water you drained 3 times.....impossible for cya to remain at 100.

Ikr! I drained about 1/3 of pool water.

 

[woodyp]

We can get you back to blue. Have faith!

 

[thefloatqueen]

Ikr! I drained about 1/3 of pool water.

Has your test kit arrived? I got it fairly quickly when I ordered it. It shipped from NC and got to OH in a few days. Let us know when it arrives and we can really get down to business!! I’m sorry about your health issues and I pray you feel better soon. You CAN do this and we are all here to help! Just hang in there!