Dirt, algae, pollen?

[Jason0308]

I am a rookie and this will be my first spring with an inground pool. My pool has been crystal clear all winter. All of the sudden, I have a brownish "dust" completely coating the steps pool bottom, etc.

any opinions as to what this is?

[PoolDoc]

There are multiple possibilities.

Put a chlorine tab on one step; put a couple of vitamin C tab on higher step. Avoid disturbing the dirt when placing the tablets. Remove the chlorine tab after a couple of hours.

If the chlorine tab clears the brown, it's algae + bacteria. If the vitamin C clears the brown, it's iron. If the vitamin C has little affect, and the chlorine has no effect, or only clears the brown partially, it may be dirt or pollen.

Meanwhile . . . order a K2006 from Amazon (see link in my signature), and start testing your water. Report results.

(Welcome to the forum!)

[CarlD]

After you have followed Ben's advice, if the Vitamin C and chlorine have no effect and your water is still cold and clear, you have a lot of vacuuming to do. Normally in the spring, my water is clear and the bottom is charcoal grey. I have a robotic vacuum and have to run it four times! I try to get it after the ice melts, but before it gets warm enough to start algae growth.