Seriously is this algae...or??

[Maczpool]

We are on our 3rd pool season in a new house to us, older pool. The first year the pool was opened by previous owners and no issues. Vinyl, 25,000, Sand filter, stopped using inline chlorinator...pucks in skimmers?

Last year we had a company open who said we needed a new sand filter, then we thought mustard algae, then black and we struggled all season. Spent thousands of dollars.

We were off to a great start a few weeks ago, after a delay in opening left us unable to backwash. We thought we were good..the stuff is back..we already have dumped a ton of money in...

Our water is clear, beautiful. But we have these grey/black streaks/marks. They easily "poof" when the brush is near them. But return to the the same places. We've brushed, quadruple shocked, algacide...?? Not seeing improvement. Not sure what we're really fighting because we heard black algae is uncommon on vinyl pools.

Any help?? We've tried 2 different pool stores and have water guru. Phosphates are high, chlorine is high though too. Water temp is high 70 to 80s.

 

[Texas Splash]

Mac, it sounds like your biggest problem right now is relying on pool store testing and advice. You need to cut that cord. Test your own water. It's easy and more accurate. We recommend either the TF-100 or Taylor K-2006C. Start there you'll be amazed at the difference.

Be sure to visit our Pool Care Basics page that has everything you needed to know under one roof. We'll be here to help you asking if you have a question.

Also get familiar with our SLAM Process page. That's how you kill algae.

 

[Maczpool]

Mac, it sounds like your biggest problem right now is relying on pool store testing and advice. You need to cut that cord. Test your own water. It's easy and more accurate. We recommend either the TF-100 or Taylor K-2006C. Start there you'll be amazed at the difference.

Be sure to visit our [ BASICS][/BASICS] page that has everything you needed to know under one roof. We'll be here to help you asking if you have a question.

Also get familiar with our SLAM Process page. That's how you kill algae.

The SLAM process is def where we started we just dont know if it's algae. Is that the correct behavior? The poof? I saw a thread on here with someone using a pick or something!

We're all for cutting the cord that's why we thought we'd ask here if it sounds like algae because we spent a thousand dollars on a new sand filter we don't think we needed!

 

[Texas Splash]

It seems like algae, but you have this option. At the very least do an Overnight Chlorine Loss Test to confirm. I you pass the OCLT you know it's just local stuff in the air settling. But you need a proper test kit to do the OCLT, either the TF-100 or Taylor K-2006C. I recommend the TF-100 (link in mu signature) but you should have one or the other.

 

[Rodski]

Wow your issue looks very similar to mine. I have a fiberglass pool that has lots of black dots all over the pool floor that when scraped open eventually turn into what I thought was a dead brown spot that won’t scrub off. I’ve been told it’s probably metal staining and not black algae. I just ordered a jacks magic testing kit to find out.

 

[tavtel]

We are on our 3rd pool season in a new house to us, older pool. The first year the pool was opened by previous owners and no issues. Vinyl, 25,000, Sand filter, stopped using inline chlorinator...pucks in skimmers?

Last year we had a company open who said we needed a new sand filter, then we thought mustard algae, then black and we struggled all season. Spent thousands of dollars.

We were off to a great start a few weeks ago, after a delay in opening left us unable to backwash. We thought we were good..the stuff is back..we already have dumped a ton of money in...

Our water is clear, beautiful. But we have these grey/black streaks/marks. They easily "poof" when the brush is near them. But return to the the same places. We've brushed, quadruple shocked, algacide...?? Not seeing improvement. Not sure what we're really fighting because we heard black algae is uncommon on vinyl pools.

Any help?? We've tried 2 different pool stores and have water guru. Phosphates are high, chlorine is high though too. Water temp is high 70 to 80s.

omg!!!, IT SOUNDS LIKE I WROTE THIS! I have the exact same circumstances and issues. 3 yrs, new house, possible black algae! vacuums easily. keeps coming back. high chlorine and Ph. Pool store keeps selling me more and more chemicals. Their testing results different from mine. Only difference is that I am in GA. So what did you do?