SLAM process and getting rid of mustard algae😭

[Texas Splash]

What I would say at this point is to look over the SLAM Process article closely. Once you are able to get the FAS-DPD, and perhaps an HTH test kit to do the CYA, then you can start the SLAM Process. I wouldn't waste a lot of time or chlorine until you are ready to start. For now, you can simply add one half gallon of liquid chlorine to the water each day. That and brush the pool once a day and let us know when you are ready to start the SLAM Process.

 

[slcresswell]

The tools don't need to stay in the pool. We backwash when the filter pressure increases by about 25% from the clean pressure. So take note of the clean filter gauge reading, then backwash when it goes up by 25%. It's not a lot, so be ready.

Good to know. I thought I would have to clean the tools every time which added to my frustration of this being time consuming. Do I need to brush every single area of the pool and every nook and cranny of the ladder and skimmer etc?

So backwashing after vacuuming up the Crud won’t help get rid of it? Wont it just sit in the filter or does the high levels of chlorine kill it all?

 

[Texas Splash]

Unfortunately, no amount of vacuuming or mechanical foundation will kill algae. That will be the chlorine's job later...... In the proper amount of course.

At some point, I would recommend removing the later to either disassemble as much of it as you can, or clean really well then inject chlorine into the areas you can't reach. Ladders become algae traps after a while.

 

[slcresswell]

The tools don't need to stay in the pool. We backwash when the filter pressure increases by about 25% from the clean pressure. So take note of the clean filter gauge reading, then backwash when it goes up by 25%. It's not a lot, so be ready.

Thank you so much for your patience and advice. Much appreciated from a frustrated pool owner who just wants to make it thru the season.

 

[slcresswell]

Download the PoolMath app. There is a free version. Load your pool info then go to the section Effects of Adding. Then you can see how much of any chemical to add.

Algae is gone!!

Finally bit the bullet and got the TFT kit. I hope I did it right. Going out of town on Saturday for a week so want to make sure I get things adjusted. Here are my readings….

FC-24
TC-24
CC-0
PH-7.8
CH-325
ALK-100
CYA-30

We just had a ton of rain yesterday afternoon. Almost 3 inches in 2 hours! So I was excited to try out the kit. We have our SWG on 4 out of 8. So I will definitely be adjusting that. What else should I do?

 

[Texas Splash]

Algae is gone!!

Great to hear. The only thing you might want to do now is add a bit more stabilizer. It your pool gets a lot of hot sunshine, a CYA of 40-50 would probably be better this time of year. Other than that, don't bother doing anything with the pH until the FC falls down to 10 or below. That's when you can get a good pH test.

 

[slcresswell]

Great to hear. The only thing you might want to do now is add a bit more stabilizer. It your pool gets a lot of hot sunshine, a CYA of 40-50 would probably be better this time of year. Other than that, don't bother doing anything with the pH until the FC falls down to 10 or below. That's when you can get a good pH test.

So before I leave only maybe add some stabilizer and lower my SWG? We will be gone for a week

 

[Texas Splash]

So before I leave only maybe add some stabilizer and lower my SWG? We will be gone for a week

Stabilizer yes. For the SWG, it depends on when you are leaving. Your FC of 24 is quite high for you CYA, twice the SLAM level. So if you don't leave for a day or two just leave the cell off until the FC comes down to about 16 or so. If you are leaving today, then just be sure the cell isn't on a crazy high % output.

 

[slcresswell]

Stabilizer yes. For the SWG, it depends on when you are leaving. Your FC of 24 is quite high for you CYA, twice the SLAM level. So if you don't leave for a day or two just leave the cell off until the FC comes down to about 16 or so. If you are leaving today, then just be sure the cell isn't on a crazy high % output.

Ok thanks. We are leaving on Saturday morning. I will recheck the FC tomorrow morning and see how it’s going. Thank you!

 

[slcresswell]

Stabilizer yes. For the SWG, it depends on when you are leaving. Your FC of 24 is quite high for you CYA, twice the SLAM level. So if you don't leave for a day or two just leave the cell off until the FC comes down to about 16 or so. If you are leaving today, then just be sure the cell isn't on a crazy high % output.

A few more questions since you were so helpful last time!!

Current readings from this morning....

FC-12
TC-12
CC-0
PH-7.5
CH-325
TA-100
CYA-60

I have turned off the SWG to get the chlorine back to a normal range. I have found that I have been having to test the chlorine 2-3 time because it's never the same reading each time. Does the water have to be absolutely clear to stop adding the R-0871 drops?? It will get to almost clear and I add one more drop to be completely clear. I kind of figure the average on readings I get because sometimes it’s between 2-3 ppm difference. Is that normal??

Also, I believe we have mustard algae again!. Ugh. If we did, why wouldn't the CC be off??

I took water to get tested at a pool store because I have been curious how off their testing is. This was their results....

FC-8.94
TC-9.67
CC-.73
PH-7.5
CH-168
TA-81
CYA-75

Since they show some CC wouldn't that be more accurate since I have algae?

Please help!

 

[Texas Splash]

Does the water have to be absolutely clear to stop adding the R-0871 drops??

Yes it should be. The final result should be consistent. That's the prime benefit of the FAS-DPD test portion.

Also, I believe we have mustard algae again!. Ugh. If we did, why wouldn't the CC be off??

The CC by itself is not indicative of algae, only that there is a heavy organic presence currently being eliminated form the water and waiting to be oxidized by the sun.

Since they show some CC wouldn't that be more accurate since I have algae?

Not at all. As we've said here many times, pool store testing is not reliable. If you have a concern for algae, do the Overnight Chlorine Loss Test with your own test kit. That's the best way to know.

 

[slcresswell]

Yes it should be. The final result should be consistent. That's the prime benefit of the FAS-DPD test portion.


The CC by itself is not indicative of algae, only that there is a heavy organic presence currently being eliminated form the water and waiting to be oxidized by the sun.


Not at all. As we've said here many times, pool store testing is not reliable. If you have a concern for algae, do the Overnight Chlorine Loss Test with your own test kit. That's the best way to know.

Ok I am baffled. I started the SLAM yesterday morning. Added first amount of chlorine and brushed. Tested every 3 hrs and added as needed. The FC only dropped maybe 2-3 ppm each time. Tested last night at 9:30 and FC was up to 25. Woke up and tested and it was still 25. I went ahead and brushed and didn’t add anything. I just tested again at 11:00 and the FC is 24.5. The algae is back in the same spots they were in their morning and every other day. Our CC has always been 0 this entire time. Before slam and now. Could it be I’m not dealing with algae?? Even though it comes back within 2-3 hours in the same exact spots?? Water is clear as can be and has been the entire time. Here are my current tests results …

FC-24.5
CC-0
PH-7.5
TA-80
CYA-50

 

[slcresswell]

Ok I am baffled. I started the SLAM yesterday morning. Added first amount of chlorine and brushed. Tested every 3 hrs and added as needed. The FC only dropped maybe 2-3 ppm each time. Tested last night at 9:30 and FC was up to 25. Woke up and tested and it was still 25. I went ahead and brushed and didn’t add anything. I just tested again at 11:00 and the FC is 24.5. The algae is back in the same spots they were in their morning and every other day. Our CC has always been 0 this entire time. Before slam and now. Could it be I’m not dealing with algae?? Even though it comes back within 2-3 hours in the same exact spots?? Water is clear as can be and has been the entire time. Here are my current tests results …

FC-24.5
CC-0
PH-7.5
TA-80
CYA-50

 

[Texas Splash]

Perhaps your next step should be after passing the OCLT, taking the FC up to Mustard Algae level for 24 hrs.

If this continues to happen after passing these criteria, I can't help but wonder if what you are seeing settle in the same location isn't algae at all, but dust or pollen material that lands in the same area based on your water circulation.

 

[slcresswell]

I can definitely try that for sure. I have thought it was something other than algae too but it did start as a few spots and has grown to more spots scattered. Looks like sand in some areas and other areas dark yellow spots. Dissipates as soon as you pass thru it.

 

[Texas Splash]

Looks like sand in some areas and other areas dark yellow spots. Dissipates as soon as you pass thru it.

I would try the MA route for sure.

 

[slcresswell]

I would try the MA route for sure.

I haven’t added anything else yet. I just tested again with new R-0870 and R-0871 because my other 871 was almost out. Totally different ready. It’s showing I have 30 FC. Again confused. How do I go from 25 to 30 in a few hours? How am I supposed to trust these testing materials?

 

[Texas Splash]

How am I supposed to trust these testing materials?

Step back and review all your testing such as:
- Water sample from same location in pool about elbow's depth.
- Pool water has been circulating.
- Mixing tube clean.
- Using the magnetic speed/smart stir.
- 10 ml water sample size with one generous scoop of power.

Testing at higher FC levels can result in an increased chance of a slight variance, but not extreme like several digits off.

 

[slcresswell]

Step back and review all your testing such as:
- Water sample from same location in pool about elbow's depth.
- Pool water has been circulating.
- Mixing tube clean.
- Using the magnetic speed/smart stir.
- 10 ml water sample size with one generous scoop of power.

Testing at higher FC levels can result in an increased chance of a slight variance, but not extreme like several digits off.

I am doing all of the above. Trust me. Total type A. I just don’t understand.

 

[bam0271]

I am doing all of the above. Trust me. Total type A. I just don’t understand.

slcresswell, I feel your pain.! I too am battling the same problem. I have a Taylor test kit, not cheap. I even ordered another several recommended I get that had more stuff in it, but mostly just the silly magnetic speed stir thing. I sent it all back. You would think as much as they charge it would come in a decent closable lid instead of the snap lid that won't close. Sorry, I got carried away there with my frustration at the situation. Anyway, I just wanted you to know you are not alone with doing everything "right" and it still not working.
I wish you the best of luck at getting your pool water straight.!