Will Draining Water Help With Algae?

[ugadawgs311]

Couple of questions:

1. Can I use my robot vacuum now and during the SLAM process? I figure it’s at least brushing and moving the dead algae around for me (although not exactly removing it from the water).
2. The CYA level is almost 0 now. Once I drain and refill with hose water, won’t it most definitely be 0? If that’s the case, should I go ahead and stock up now on tons of CYA increaser?
3. Can I ignore TA now and during SLAM (it’s currently around 80 ppm)?

FYI, I have a May install set up for a SWG. Once that’s done, it should make all of this easier going forward.

Thanks!

 

[JJ_Tex]

Couple of questions:

1. Can I use my robot vacuum now and during the SLAM process? I figure it’s at least brushing and moving the dead algae around for me (although not exactly removing it from the water).
2. The CYA level is almost 0 now. Once I drain and refill with hose water, won’t it most definitely be 0? If that’s the case, should I go ahead and stock up now on tons of CYA increaser?
3. Can I ignore TA now and during SLAM (it’s currently around 80 ppm)?

FYI, I have a May install set up for a SWG. Once that’s done, it should make all of this easier going forward.

Thanks!

1 - Yes, you can use your robot during the SLAM
2 - Yes, tap water does not contain CYA so you will have to add it. During the SLAM I would shoot for 30 CYA to lessen your chlorine need in the SLAM.
3 - Yes, 80 is totally fine for TA. Remember the first step of the SLAM is to lower your pH to 7.2. During the SLAM you can ignore everything except for the FC.

 

[ugadawgs311]

1 - Yes, you can use your robot during the SLAM
2 - Yes, tap water does not contain CYA so you will have to add it. During the SLAM I would shoot for 30 CYA to lessen your chlorine need in the SLAM.
3 - Yes, 80 is totally fine for TA. Remember the first step of the SLAM is to lower your pH to 7.2. During the SLAM you can ignore everything except for the FC.

So, if I'm using this calculator correctly, to go from 0 CYA to 30 CYA in my 22,500 gallon pool, I need to add 90 ounces of stabilizer to my pool once I refill it? I found a 7 pound bag for $35, so that's not too bad. From what I've read here, the best way to add this stuff is in a sock in the skimmer (to help with the dissolving the granules).

 

[Newdude]

So, if I'm using this calculator correctly, to go from 0 CYA to 30 CYA in my 22,500 gallon pool, I need to add 90 ounces of stabilizer to my pool once I refill it?

You're doing it right.

Gallons are frequently overestimated so aim low and creep up the last bit.

From what I've read here, the best way to add this stuff is in a sock in the skimmer (to help with the dissolving the granules).

Hang it in a tied up sock, carrot on a stick like, in front of a return. (Pump running). Come back some time later and squish it out. Brush well after.

The skimmer is ok *so long as the pump stays running throughout*. It's acid and you don't want it collecting. If the system hiccups and you don't catch it, bad things can happen. Carrot on a stick is preferred.

 

[ugadawgs311]

You're doing it right.

Gallons are frequently overestimated so aim low and creep up the last bit.


Hang it in a tied up sock, carrot on a stick like, in front of a return. (Pump running). Come back some time later and squish it out. Brush well after.

The skimmer is ok *so long as the pump stays running throughout*. It's acid and you don't want it collecting. If the system hiccups and you don't catch it, bad things can happen. Carrot on a stick is preferred.

Good to know. What if I left it in my skimmer net attached to an outside pole? I’ve done that before with calcium hardness granules and that seemed to work well. I don’t have a sock big enough for 5.5 pounds of CYA ha

 

[Newdude]

What if I left it in my skimmer net attached to an outside pole?

It needs to be tied up in something or you risk spilling it all over the floor.

I used to use the sleeves from a long sleeve Tshirt because I would have needed many socks. (Which you could still do, 1-2 lbs each). With the new pool, I used the tshirt itself for the initial dose.

 

[ugadawgs311]

It needs to be tied up in something or you risk spilling it all over the floor.

I used to use the sleeves from a long sleeve Tshirt because I would have needed many socks. (Which you could still do, 1-2 lbs each). With the new pool, I used the tshirt itself for the initial dose.

View attachment 482653

Good ideas! But what if I skipped this and just got liquid CYA? Wouldn’t that be easier?

 

[Newdude]

The CYA clumps at the bottom of the jug and is near impossible to get correct dosages without using the whole jug. (With lots of swishing to get it all out).

It's also spendy.

 

[ugadawgs311]

The CYA clumps at the bottom of the jug and is near impossible to get correct dosages without using the whole jug. (With lots of swishing to get it all out).

It's also spendy.

Noted. Thanks. I'll stick with the granules and some sock/t-shirt/net combination ha.

 

[JJ_Tex]

Also note that the granules are acidic and can eat away at whatever you use. Socks are much cheaper to replace than pool nets.

 

[HermanTX]

Noted. Thanks. I'll stick with the granules and some sock/t-shirt/net combination ha.

I assume you must have 3 returns, so you could hang 3 socks each with about 1.5 lbs. I would not exceed total 5 lbs. You rather be a little under than over on the CYA.
do you have a main drain? Once the water level is above the returns you could open only the main drain assuming you can close off all suction from skimmers. Then start adding the CYA. Always good to test before you add, just to be sure you are starting from less than 20. As that all the test will show. It will take 24 hrs to mix.
If you are sucking any air from the skimmer lines then just delay until the pool is mid-way of skimmer.

 

[ugadawgs311]

I assume you must have 3 returns, so you could hang 3 socks each with about 1.5 lbs. I would not exceed total 5 lbs. You rather be a little under than over on the CYA.
do you have a main drain? Once the water level is above the returns you could open only the main drain assuming you can close off all suction from skimmers. Then start adding the CYA. Always good to test before you add, just to be sure you are starting from less than 20. As that all the test will show. It will take 24 hrs to mix.
If you are sucking any air from the skimmer lines then just delay until the pool is mid-way of skimmer.

You read my mind… that was my next question: how much CYA can I add at once? Sounds like I’ll be ok if I do 2 pounds first, retest and check levels, add 2 more pounds if needed, retest, and add 1 or 1.5 more pounds if needed.

I have 4 returns and a main drain, so I should be able to do what you mentioned above.

Another method I read about is dissolving the granules in a bucket of warm water first, then adding that to the pool. Is that just as effective? Might be the safest option to make sure I don’t damage anything with the CYA.

 

[Mdragger88]

Btw - the puritech cya is 20# for $68 on amazon. $3.42/lb.
They have other incriments as well. If you keep it dry it won’t go bad. It’s in a resealable bag.
Mine came in a couple days. I think they sent me 2- 10# bags.
20# will be enough for the initial 30ppm for slam + what you’ll need to increase cya for the swg later with a little bit to spare.

 

[magiteck]

Btw - the puritech cya is 20# for $68 on amazon. $3.42/lb.
They have other incriments as well. If you keep it dry it won’t go bad. It’s in a resealable bag.
Mine came in a couple days. I think they sent me 2- 10# bags.
20# will be enough for the initial 30ppm for slam + what you’ll need to increase cya for the swg later with a little bit to spare.

They also have a 25lb bag for $71. Ask me how I know. Did I need 25lbs of CYA? Well, no. But it was only $2.84 per lb, I mean, so how could I not?

@Mdragger88 over here only getting the 20lbs and paying an extra $0.58/lb. I’ll be laughing all the way to the bank in 4 years when I crack into those last 5 lbs!

 

[ugadawgs311]

Btw - the puritech cya is 20# for $68 on amazon. $3.42/lb.
They have other incriments as well. If you keep it dry it won’t go bad. It’s in a resealable bag.
Mine came in a couple days. I think they sent me 2- 10# bags.
20# will be enough for the initial 30ppm for slam + what you’ll need to increase cya for the swg later with a little bit to spare.

Is 20 pounds too much? I was thinking I’d need 90 ounces for SLAM, so a little under 6 pounds. Then I may need some extra left over, but I didn’t think 14 pounds extra. Will I need that much for the rest of summer and the SWG?

 

[magiteck]

Is 20 pounds too much? I was thinking I’d need 90 ounces for SLAM, so a little under 6 pounds. Then I may need some extra left over, but I didn’t think 14 pounds extra. Will I need that much for the rest of summer and the SWG?

Probably not. But you will eventually. It does (very slowly) degrade, maybe 10ppm per month tops. And if you get a lot of rain and have to drain, diluting your water, that will lower it some.

The idea is that you’ll eventually need it, and it’s a great price per pound. For comparison Walmart by me sells a 4lb bag for $21. So over $5/lb at that rate.

Buying more costs more, but it won’t go bad and you’ll eventually use it.

Completely up to you!

 

[ugadawgs311]

Probably not. But you will eventually. It does (very slowly) degrade, maybe 10ppm per month tops. And if you get a lot of rain and have to drain, diluting your water, that will lower it some.

The idea is that you’ll eventually need it, and it’s a great price per pound. For comparison Walmart by me sells a 4lb bag for $21. So over $5/lb at that rate.

Buying more costs more, but it won’t go bad and you’ll eventually use it.

Completely up to you!

Welp you’ve convinced me. Makes sense to get more for less $ per pound. I was looking at around $5/lb., so this will save over $38 in the long run.

Does diluting this in a bucket of warm water work well? Would that be easier than the sock contraptions?

 

[magiteck]

Welp you’ve convinced me. Makes sense to get more for less $ per pound. I was looking at around $5/lb., so this will save over $38 in the long run.

Does diluting this in a bucket of warm water work well? Would that be easier than the sock contraptions?

Not really, as it doesn’t dissolve very fast and needs agitation to do so more rapidly. But the sock method is really much easier than it sounds.

Fill the sock. Dangle it some how in front of the return. Go have a beer or 4. Come back and squeeze the sock a bunch and watch it all come poofing out. Remove your CYA sock to dry in the sun until next time it’s needed. Have another beer.

Edited to add - I’m more of a rum guy myself. But you do you!

 

[HermanTX]

Another method I read about is dissolving the granules in a bucket of warm water first, then adding that to the pool. Is that just as effective? Might be the safest option to make sure I don’t damage anything with the CYA.

Stick with the sock method. Also, It may take 24 hrs for the CYA to register on your test. Your plan to add a little at a time is right on the mark. Now, after you refill, and we complete the SLAM to rid your pool of all Algae then you will increase the CYA. If you continue to use liquid chlorine you will target 50 to 60 CYA. If you have a SWCG then target 60-70 CYA.

 

[ugadawgs311]

Stick with the sock method. Also, It may take 24 hrs for the CYA to register on your test. Your plan to add a little at a time is right on the mark. Now, after you refill, and we complete the SLAM to rid your pool of all Algae then you will increase the CYA. If you continue to use liquid chlorine you will target 50 to 60 CYA. If you have a SWCG then target 60-70 CYA.

This got me thinking… what’s the plan after the SLAM process is complete? Will I need to add a gallon of LC every day? I assume there will be less frequent maintenance needed once I get a SWG installed, but until then, am I looking at adding chlorine daily?