Remove Phosphates...When?

[Donldson]

At what pool store do you shop?

I haven't set foot in a pool store in many years.

What did you know when you first started?

I knew that I didn't know what I didn't know.

 

[JJ_Tex]

@TinFoilHat - I appreciate your feedback, however my search for a cause of algae is only because it came on so suddenly. No, my FC has not always been too low. Actually, it was too high about a month ago. I'm just here trying to learn and ask questions. I'm researching.

@Donldson - How much money do you spend on your pool each month? At what pool store do you shop? My bar might be low to you, but for me, a beginner at this, it's the only bar I know. What did you know when you first started?

What was your FC target in the past and what do you consider "too high"?

I'm asking because we acknowledge the relationship between FC and CYA, so the higher your CYA the higher the FC needs to be. CYA has been added to pool water for 40+ years, but unfortunately many places still hold on to the generic recommendation of FC of 1-4, including Leslies. Many times people think they have too high of chlorine when many times its the exact opposite.

I've followed TFP since day 1 and never had a speck of algae in my pool, no chlorine smells, eyes burning, etc. My MIL even comments that my pool feels so much better than hers since I don't use chlorine. Hint, take a peek at my avatar and guess if my chlorine is "low" or "high".

 

[rcortesim]

This is what we do. All day, everyday day. We were all there once and it sucked. We got you.


Let's just go with one simple example for now. Their FC test is +/-25%. So a 8 FC may test between 6 and 10.

When you suspect algae, you need to run an overnight test and if you lose more than 1 FC with no sunlight, you have algae consuming the chlorine. If the FC is actually 8, but the reading is 6 to 10, you can't prove or disprove you have algae. It's just a guess.

Thanks!
I did the overnight test last night. Maybe I didn't perform the test perfectly, as I didn't test after adding the evening chlorine.

I tested on Saturday, but had to add muriatic acid first (2-batches, 4 hours apart), so waited until Sunday to add chlorine. Having read some TFP articles, I decided to add the chlorine in the evening, then test this morning. As it had been a week since the previous test, the FC from Saturday's test was low, 0.21. Not surprising.
After adding chlorine yesterday evening and testing before the sun hit the water this morning, FC rose to 2.84.
Can something be gleaned from that, or is it still just a guess?

 

[TinFoilHat]

I was on the pool store merry go round for 22 years. 18-20 with Leslies who bought out the retail chain that Shasta Pools ran here. I was a solid Fresh 'n Clear, PhosFree and BeauTec user for all of those years. I spent mucho money on those products each year plus acid and, surprisingly, had only two instances of black algae and mustard algae in all of those years and only at the water line (as far as I knew.) I used Leslies products to rid the pool of those algaes but not because I knew what I was doing but because I was lucky. All of those 22 years were with pool store testing and buying what they recommended. I wasn't religious about the stores and tested water only when I felt I should (procrastinator) and for home testing I only ever used a two tube kit. Again, I was lucky and I'm sure my SWG has helped immensely.

I now subscribe to the science behind TFP, now that I know what it is and understand it. It's simple, basic, with tons of helpful cheerleaders, and nothing on this site is an attempt to sell anything nor to lead anyone astray. People who come here with difficult issue have them resolved quickly with the help available here. There are over 400,000 TFP members and that should tell you something. TFP will never replace pool stores and pool services because people want easy and they want to believe someone will guide them with the "customer's best interests in mind."

 

[TinFoilHat]

Thanks!
I did the overnight test last night. Maybe I didn't perform the test perfectly, as I didn't test after adding the evening chlorine.

I tested on Saturday, but had to add muriatic acid first (2-batches, 4 hours apart), so waited until Sunday to add chlorine. Having read some TFP articles, I decided to add the chlorine in the evening, then test this morning. As it had been a week since the previous test, the FC from Saturday's test was low, 0.21. Not surprising.
After adding chlorine yesterday evening and testing before the sun hit the water this morning, FC rose to 2.84.
Can something be gleaned from that, or is it still just a guess?

I think that's illustrating how inconsistent the AccuBlue is.

 

[rcortesim]

What was your FC target in the past and what do you consider "too high"?

I'm asking because we acknowledge the relationship between FC and CYA, so the higher your CYA the higher the FC needs to be. CYA has been added to pool water for 40+ years, but unfortunately many places still hold on to the generic recommendation of FC of 1-4, including Leslies. Many times people think they have too high of chlorine when many times its the exact opposite.

I've followed TFP since day 1 and never had a speck of algae in my pool, no chlorine smells, eyes burning, etc. My MIL even comments that my pool feels so much better than hers since I don't use chlorine. Hint, take a peek at my avatar and guess if my chlorine is "low" or "high".

Test taken on 7/19 had FC at 12.52. This was just after the weekly pool service's last visit. Doing the maintenance myself, I was able to get it down to about 2.0. Then, in the 2nd week of August, we (here in SoCal) started having 105 - 108 degree days, so FC dropped fast, going down to 0.15. I was able to bounce it back to 3.0 during a milder week, but then it dropped down again about 2 weeks ago. That's when the algae started.
This morning's overnight test was at 2.84, but I feel I need to continue to add another one-pound bag of chlorine to fight the algae.

 

[ajw22]

Test taken on 7/19 had FC at 12.52. This was just after the weekly pool service's last visit. Doing the maintenance myself, I was able to get it down to about 2.0. Then, in the 2nd week of August, we (here in SoCal) started having 105 - 108 degree days, so FC dropped fast, going down to 0.15. I was able to bounce it back to 3.0 during a milder week, but then it dropped down again about 2 weeks ago. That's when the algae started.
This morning's overnight test was at 2.84, but I feel I need to continue to add another one-pound bag of chlorine to fight the algae.

Compare your FC numbers to this. Getting your FC down to 2 - 3 ppm is NOT something you should be proud of.

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

 

[Newdude]

Can something be gleaned from that, or is it still just a guess?

Welp. +/- 25% is more favorable at 2.84 FC than it is at 8. But 2.13 to 3.55 is still too wide of a margin to measure a 1 ppm overnight loss.

feel I need to continue to add another one-pound bag of chlorine to fight the algae.

No more bags of shock. They jack your CYA or you calcium.

Liquid chlorine only. 10% pool essentials from the pool aisle at Walmart is a staple for a lot of us.

The sun will burn off 4 or even 5 ppm a day in the peak season in SoCal. It needs to be added daily, or once you get to know the pool, a double dose every other day.

As the days get shorter the demand decreases, but you're still probably going through 3 ppm *a day* right now.

Thats regular maintenance. For the algae, you need to
SLAM Process
(Click blue links )

 

[JJ_Tex]

^ what he said.

If we are to believe your Leslie's tester, your CYA is 90 and means your FC level should be 10-12 and never ever ever below 7.

Also note, those bags of shock you are using contain chlorine AND calcium. Thats not a good thing in many locations, especially SoCal. Eventually you will get the white calcium scale if you don't have it already.

 

[rcortesim]

I haven't set foot in a pool store in many years.


I knew that I didn't know what I didn't know.

So, if not Leslie's or some other pool store, then where do you get your supplies?

 

[Newdude]

then where do you get your supplies?

Ace Hardware, HD/Lowes, Walmart, ocean state job lot, Menard, etc for liquid chlorine.

ACE Hardware / HD / Lowes has muriatic acid for $10 to $15 for lowering Ph.

Any laundry aisle has 20 mule borax for $6 for a 4 lb box for raising Ph.

BJs / Sam's/ Costco has 13 lbs of baking soda for $10, a lifetime supple of TA raising.

The pool store has all of the above in fancy bags for many times the cost, or placebo products some which are very harmful *and* expensive.

 

[Donldson]

So, if not Leslie's or some other pool store, then where do you get your supplies?

I get liquid chlorine at a local home improvement store called Menards. I get muriatic acid at Home Depot. I get CYA at Walmart. I get pucks occasionally if I go on a trip, all of the above has those.

If we are to believe your Leslie's tester, your CYA is 90 and means your FC level should be 10-12 and never ever ever below 7.

Don't forget that even if the tester is accurate its precision specs mean it could be as high as 135.

 

[rcortesim]

Welp. +/- 25% is more favorable at 2.84 FC than it is at 8. But 2.13 to 3.55 is still too wide of a margin to measure a 1 ppm overnight loss.

No more bags of shock. They jack your CYA or you calcium.

Liquid chlorine only. 10% pool essentials from the pool aisle at Walmart is a staple for a lot of us.

The sun will burn off 4 or even 5 ppm a day in the peak season in SoCal. It needs to be added daily, or once you get to know the pool, a double dose every other day.

As the days get shorter the demand decreases, but you're still probably going through 3 ppm *a day* right now.

Thats regular maintenance. For the algae, you need to
SLAM Process
(Click blue links )

I read your comment just in time. I had already put the pump on high for 30 minutes in preparation for adding another bag of shock. I'll pick up some bleach tomorrow and start again. Thanks!

 

[cwswifty]

Rcortesim,

I’m still relatively new to pool ownership myself. I can tell you with great confidence that you have come to the right place to further your knowledge. The combined sum of knowledge in this group is truly mind blowing. Read through
Pool Care Basics in your leisure time. Read it again once you’ve picked up on a good bit of it. Use the search function to explore any topic you need info on. If you can’t find it when searching, post your questions here. The more you read the better questions you’ll be able to ask. I promise you this is not difficult. In no time you’ll be looking back and thinking “why did I pay people to cause me problems”? When you look at your pool and it’s clearer than you ever imagined you’ll know that YOU did that. And for a lot less money.

 

[Newdude]

Here's our proof it works, on the cheap and easy :
How Clear is TFP Clear?

 

[rcortesim]

Good morning or afternoon, as your location might be. Thanks for all the feedback yesterday. Wow! Three pages of comments. Hot topic!
Ok, so this evening, I’ll start treating the algae with bleach that has none of the additives which I’ve read are not good for this purpose. I have downloaded the pool math app, but haven’t yet gotten the recommended tester. Actually, I just haven’t decided whether to get the one with smart spin (?) or the regular version.

This is the current plan, however just for the sake of brainstorming, I’d like to ask again about my newly installed pool skim. Is it possible that it could have contributed to the sudden surge of algae? If you’re not familiar with how it works

 

[Newdude]

Actually, I just haven’t decided whether to get the one with smart spin (?) or the regular version.

Smart stir. (Tfpro) Any. Day. Of. The. Week.

Or add it to the TF100. It's the best $48 you can spend on your pool IMO. (Assuming you already have a reliable test kit to then need the stirrer).

I’d like to ask again about my newly installed pool skim. Is it possible that it could have contributed to the sudden surge of algae?

No

 

[dereksanders]

Get the speed stir. I’ll be ordering mine for next season, next season. Most of the tests will certainly benefit.

 

[rcortesim]

Smart stir. (Tfpro) Any. Day. Of. The. Week.

Or add it to the TF100. It's the best $48 you can spend on your pool IMO. (Assuming you already have a reliable test kit to then need the stirrer).


No

Actually, I had intended to delete the part about my pool skim, since I am focused on raising my FC. That said, it is still a curiosity, considering the way it works to catch floating bugs and organic debris. It doesn’t connect to a suction port, but just the opposite. It connects to a return, drawing debris into it and trapping it in a bag. I think I’ll err on the safe side and clean the bag a few times a week, rather than just once. Just seems like that bag could be a source for algae growth.

 

[rcortesim]

Actually, I had intended to delete the part about my pool skim, since I am focused on raising my FC. That said, it is still a curiosity, considering the way it works to catch floating bugs and organic debris. It doesn’t connect to a suction port, but just the opposite. It connects to a return, drawing debris into it and trapping it in a bag. I think I’ll err on the safe side and clean the bag a few times a week, rather than just once. Just seems like that bag could be a source for algae growth.View attachment 611416View attachment 611416

Sorry for the duplication. I’ve no idea why this image and one of my previous comments got duplicated.