What can I do while Pool is Empty to rid it of yellow algae

[pwcunning]

I have a 30000gallon, in-ground, Gunite pool. Have been struggling with yellow algae for the past two years. May have had balance off for at a time to let the yellow stuff in, but since discovering the problem I’ve checked the chemistry weekly and kept in balance - Chlorine, Ph, CYA, everything. Have also done the yellow-out treatment three times but the yellow stuff keeps returning. Now, coincidentally, I need to have my pool resurfaced which means it will be completely drained and the old plaster blasted off before being re-plastered.
I am, on the one hand, hopeful this will help with the yellow algae problem, but fearful on the other hand that I will have the same problem when the pool is refilled after re-plastering. What can I do while the pool is empty to help get rid of all the yellow algae - what may be in the pump, the filter contained (cartridge filter) and all the plumbing that leads their way? Is there anything I can do to flush these out effectively while pool is empty?

thanks

 

[YippeeSkippy]

Got test results from a reliable test kit you can share? Maybe *that* is the problem you're having.

What is "balanced" to you? It might be totally inadequate for the job at hand.

Maddie

 

[Jimrahbe]

pw,

I suggest you take this opportunity to stay out of the pool $tore and quit buying "Magic" potions, like Yellow out or any other pool store products. If you don't already have one, spend the money you save to buy a real test kit, a TF-100 (the one I have) or the Taylor K-2006C (and yes the 'C' is important).

With a good test kit you will not longer have an excuse to have algae...

"Well Balanced" pools NEVER have algae... So, it is a given, that your pool could have never been Well or Balanced..

I doubt it is needed, but I would sure take this down to open and clean the filter.

Thanks for posting,

Jim R.

 

[JamesW]

If you get algae, it's because the chlorine is not maintained at sufficient levels.

I would recommend that you do not use any yellow out type products.

Definitely remove the cartridge and clean it.

 

[pwcunning]

thanks to all who replied but sadly, I got the responses I expected but did not ask for.
The question was - what can I do while my pool is empty to help rid it of the yellow algae? What I got was - had you balanced it right you wouldn’t have had a problem in the first place and stop using store concoctions such as yellow out. I cant go back in the past and re-live it. NOW I have yellow algae. I said in my original question that I must have had a balance problem at one time. Ok! I got that!
I DO have a Taylor K-2006C kit. My measurements are Free Chlorine:3, Combined Chlorine:0, pH:7.2, CYA:30, Alk:60ppm. I have tried both bleach cleaning and completely replacing my filters. And guess what - the yellow algae keeps returning. So, please - is there anything EXTRA I can do while my pool is empty to help ensure the problem does not return once I re-plaster?
thank you.

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[BasicTek]

You already had much better experts than me reply, there is nothing about your pool being empty that will prevent the yellow algae. IT's when your pool is full that you follow TFP chemistry recommendations to now allow it to grow, and SLAM it for good if it does. For CYA of 30 your target FC should be 4-6 per the chart running at 3 is dangerously close to minimum especially if you have yellow algae. Checking all your equipment, places it can hide, behind skimmer, light, ladder, and any equipment that was in the pool such as vacuum could hold it. Good luck and good choice on test kit. Another thing that helps is filling out your signature with equipment and test kit for future reference.

 

[YippeeSkippy]

Here's the thing..yellow algae isn't all that common, usually found in shady spots. Is that where you're finding it?

Have you looked behind the lights? While the pool is empty pull the light out.

My only suggestion would be bleach... spray the pool down with diluted bleach.

Maddie

Have you read this? --> Pool School - Mustard Algae

 

[JamesW]

So, please - is there anything EXTRA I can do while my pool is empty to help ensure the problem does not return once I re-plaster?
thank you.

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To answer your question, no there isn't much to do with a drained pool. Maybe clean out the light niches and ladder treads

Mostly, it comes down the maintaining the proper fc/cya ratio.

When people get recurrent algae, they often look at the wrong things. They change the sand etc.

Should I change the sand? No, focus on the chlorine.

Should I add algaecide? No, focus on the chlorine.

Should I add copper? No, focus on the chlorine.

Should I replace my cartridges? No, focus on the chlorine.

Should I worry about phosphates? No, focus on the chlorine.

Should add clarifier? No, focus on the chlorine.

Focus on the chlorine. If you're getting algae, you're not maintaining the chlorine properly. You might think you are, but the presence of algae indicates that the fc is too low.

Also, brush the pool on a regular basis.

 

[HiddenRiver]

pwcunning I will add one more thing as a novice myself, but a lesson learned the hard way. Be sure whomever plasters and cleans up your pool after plastering has thoroughly decontaminated brushes/equipment before using it in your pool. We had our plaster patched last winter and as we slowly refilled the pool with wellwater perfectly straight streaks of black showed up on the bottom that begaan to grow, lengthen and widen...black algae. I battled it for three weeks and the only thing that beat it was brushing with a wire brush and dosing with very high amounts of Chlorine. I agree with the above. Chlorine is your friend and maintaining it higher than you think you need to is key, including during the day and night until you have beaten it. My humble 2cents. Good luck!!


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40,400 inground gunnite, max depth 10-ft with 1.5 hp single speed Pentair, DE filter, well water, only one skimmer working, TAYLOR TK-2006 TEST KIT COMP CHLORINE FAS-DPD, Chester County, PA--OLD pool, but a beauty.

 

[Donldson]

To answer your question, no there isn't much to do with a drained pool. Maybe clean out the light niches and ladder treads

Mostly, it comes down the maintaining the proper fc/cya ratio.

When people get recurrent algae, they often look at the wrong things. They change the sand etc.

Should I change the sand? No, focus on the chlorine.

Should I add algaecide? No, focus on the chlorine.

Should I add copper? No, focus on the chlorine.

Should I replace my cartridges? No, focus on the chlorine.

Should I worry about phosphates? No, focus on the chlorine.

Should add clarifier? No, focus on the chlorine.

Focus on the chlorine. If you're getting algae, you're not maintaining the chlorine properly. You might think you are, but the presence of algae indicates that the fc is too low.

Also, brush the pool on a regular basis.