Think I have black algae??

[Rich G]

Not sure how I would get it but based on googles opinion that’s what it is.... wanted to reach out to you guys.

I test my water every two weeks and usually the only thing that needs adjustment is the PH and TA.. here are my readings from this morning

FC 8
pH 7.8
TA 110
CH 300
CYA 80
Salt 2690
I put in acid this morning and plan on getting some salt this afternoon.....

I’ve read the best way to handle the algae is get some chlorine tablets and scrub them... is that true?


Thanks!
Rich

Edit sorry, I originally put CC but meant FC

 

[ajw22]

CC 8??? FC??? That correct?

Black Algae

This guide provides a step by step procedure for eliminating black algae in your concrete or gunite pool. Read full post here.

www.troublefreepool.com

 

[Rich G]

CC 8??? FC??? That correct?

Black Algae

This guide provides a step by step procedure for eliminating black algae in your concrete or gunite pool. Read full post here.

www.troublefreepool.com

Tested it twice... not sure why it’s so high because my generator is at 45% but I’m afraid to back it down more

 

[ajw22]

What is your FC?

With CYA 80 your FC target is 9-11 and if you have black algae you should run it up around 20.

 

[Rich G]

Sorry, was my mistake FC was 8.. CC was nothing

 

[ajw22]

Sorry, was my mistake FC was 8.. CC was nothing

With CYA 80 your FC target is 9-11 and if you have black algae you should run it up around 20. See FC/CYA Levels

 

[Rich G]

Maybe that’s my Issue? I’ve always thought FC was between 3-5 with a salt water pool?

 

[setsailsoon]

With CYA 80 your FC target is 9-11 and if you have black algae you should run it up around 20. See FC/CYA Levels

Allen, In his first post he show's SWG.

 

[setsailsoon]

Maybe that’s my Issue? I’ve always thought FC was between 3-5 with a salt water pool?

Rich,

*** Edit.*** Never mind, I just missed it! Your signature seems to have been deleted. Can you please add it back?

Thanks.

Chris

 

[ajw22]

Maybe that’s my Issue? I’ve always thought FC was between 3-5 with a salt water pool?

Missed that you were SWG. FC needs to go up to around 20 for black algae. Read the article.

 

[ajw22]

Rich,

*** Edit.*** Never mind, I just missed it! Your signature seems to have been deleted. Can you please add it back?

Thanks.

Chris

It’s early in the morning for all of us.

 

[Rich G]

Weird... my signature is showing on my screen.. let me check my settings

 

[ajw22]

Weird... my signature is showing on my screen.. let me check my settings

I see your signature Just poor reading comprehension in the morning.

 

[setsailsoon]

Rich,

Now that I've had my second cup, let me get to your question. Hard to tell if your algae is black algae from the photos, it really looks like generic algae. Does it vacuum off, if so it's probably generic algae. SLAM should do it. If it's black algae see this link.

I hope this helps.

Chris

 

[setsailsoon]

Weird... my signature is showing on my screen.. let me check my settings

No, it was me. Your sig is fine. As Allen guessed, I just needed to wake up!

 

[Rich G]

Rich,

Now that I've had my second cup, let me get to your question. Hard to tell if your algae is black algae from the photos, it really looks like generic algae. Does it vacuum off, if so it's probably generic algae. SLAM should do it. If it's black algae see this link.

I hope this helps.

Chris

Really hard to say... honestly brushing doesn’t touch it so for weeks I’ve just assumed it was stained plaster... but then someone on a local Facebook group had something similar but worse and everyone was saying black algae... it doesn’t “look”like algae to me as far as what I’m used to mold looking like..

To test I took a pvc pipe and put it over a spot and poured acid in and let it sit for like 20 seconds and it went away... didn’t work on a second spot... obviously this approach won’t work on some of the angles and stuff plus I don’t wanna put too much acid in.

So thanks for the help guys... would you think just getting a couple gallons of chlorine and dumping them in is the right move here, opposed to just setting the generator high and waiting? Not sure how fast it reacts to setting changes.

 

[setsailsoon]

So thanks for the help guys... would you think just getting a couple gallons of chlorine and dumping them in is the right move here, opposed to just setting the generator high and waiting? Not sure how fast it reacts to setting changes.

Good idea, we recommend shutting the SWG off for a SLAM. Much easier to know how much FC is being added and not have to guess how much was done by the SWG. SWG usually can't get the FC high enough anyway.

Chris

 

[Rich G]

Okay great... so another question.. pools been like this for weeks... I have my two year olds bday party at our house next weekend and the pool is gonna play a big part... water is beautiful and rchemistry is close... should I hold off slamming until next Sunday after the party? If I mess up the pool my wife will kill me.

On a side note, I’m willing to jump in the pool with a stainless brush and chlorine tablet and scrub.

 

[ajw22]

Black algae process is not the SLAM Process.

I would raise the FC to 20 using LC with the SWG on. Then use the SWG to maintain the FC 20. Then you have to do lots of aggressive brushing of the areas.

 

[ajw22]

Okay great... so another question.. pools been like this for weeks... I have my two year olds bday party at our house next weekend and the pool is gonna play a big part... water is beautiful and rchemistry is close... should I hold off slamming until next Sunday after the party? If I mess up the pool my wife will kill me.

Have you read the black algae article? It is not slamming.