I have a salt water pool, cartridge filter with variable speed pump. FC 0. PH 7.4. ALK 60. CH 150. CYA 0. I know my numbers are not ideal. Pool is crystal clear. However, I have I think Black Algea. I dove in today to confirm it was not sand or dirt. Believe I touched black Algea. I read Algea is resistant to CL?? I vacuum every day only to find same stuff in pool next day. Is it possible, I am vacuuming and my cartridge filters are simply letting it by and its getting redeposited in my pool? Is Algicide the answer to this? If so what? Will a slam kill it? Sorry if this question has been asked a lot but I looked quick and decided I just need to ask. Im a week into this. Never had issue before so I’m looking for some guidance. Thanks
Sorry but I have to ask
- Thread starter Vinchenzzi
- Start date
- May 3, 2014
- 62,759
- Pool Size
- 6000
- Surface
- Fiberglass
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Pentair Intellichlor IC-40
Black algae is a bacteria that embeds itself in the pore space of the plaster. If you have debris in the pool each day, that is common green algae. Follow the SLAM Process
You have a vinyl liner. There is virtually no way you can get black algae in your pool.
You have a vinyl liner. There is virtually no way you can get black algae in your pool.
:Vince... How are you testing your water? What's your plan to get that CYA up? How many hours are you running the pump and SWG?
Mknauss, thank you. I did just read a previous post about black Algea and you mentioned that. I also read article you had there. I think im glad I don’t have black Algea??
Yippee skippy, Thank you. I have the Taylor 6000. No plan. Was thinking a skid steer and dirt. I run my pump 24/7. 1500,2000,2500 rpm time slots.
Should I change out filter cartridges? Should I be vacuuming? If I do vacuum, should I put cheesecloth or something in skimmer to catch stuff, or waste of time? Thanks again
Clean your cartridges if needed
Add Liquid Chlorine, as apparently your FC is entirely non-existant
Add a couple gallons of Liquid CYA if you want instant increase, and your level is truly Zero
Figure out what your salt level is
Add Liquid Chlorine, as apparently your FC is entirely non-existant
Add a couple gallons of Liquid CYA if you want instant increase, and your level is truly Zero
Figure out what your salt level is
My salt level is 3400 ppm according to Taylor test. Am I reinserting Algea from prior vacuuming? Is that possible? They were cleaned prior to pool opening. I have a second set. Only CYA stuff I ever put in, never dissolved so I never used again.
really, it never dissolved? Granular CYA is slow but it usually dissolves in time. "Instand Conditioner" is the name of the liquid CYA. Any pool store would have it. Or try the granular again in a sock, hung over a pole into the water in front of a return. Squeeze it now and then to help it along. If you go with the liquid make sure you use the entire jug and rinse the bottom sludge out and pour into the pool.
-If you use granular you need 228 ounces to give you 60ppm CYA
-581 ounces of liquid to get 60ppm.....way too pricey for that much.
You've got a big pool- I'd go granular.
-If you use granular you need 228 ounces to give you 60ppm CYA
-581 ounces of liquid to get 60ppm.....way too pricey for that much.
You've got a big pool- I'd go granular.
MITBeta
Gold Supporter
- May 28, 2020
- 1,240
- Pool Size
- 13000
- Surface
- Vinyl
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- CircuPool RJ-45 Plus
You need to get your CYA only up to 30ppm for now and then follow the SLAM Process.
Algae isn't getting by your filter, it's growing in your pool and settling to the floor.
Algae isn't getting by your filter, it's growing in your pool and settling to the floor.
I get it on my vinyl liner usually in the seams. It can be very tough to get rid of and do everything you can to keep it from spreading too much.
Fortunately it never gets in the deep end. I put the mask on, swim down and scrape it loose with my fingernail. Once it breaks off it will be exposed to the chlorine.
I haven't really had much luck with methods outside the pool. Have heard of using your pole and pouring bleach down it directly onto the spots or using a tricolor tab and scraping it on it, but nothing has worked as well as getting down there and making sure the spots are separated from the surface.
Algae hides under a biofilm which protects it. That's why brushing is so important to disrupt that biofilm and let the chlorine at the algae.
Once you add chlorine and it starts to battle the algae that chlorine gets used up and needs replenishment. Otherwise the algae repopulate and grow again.
More chlorine is always the solution!! Think of it like warriors to the battle!!
Maddie
