HELP dealing with mustard algae!

[shannon2014]

finally got the murky swap to go away but now am dealing with mustard algae. Brown clumps in low end and shady areas - dissappates into cloud when swept. waiting on Taylor test kit to come in but bought 5-1 drip kit from Home Depot and here are my readings. I vacuumed to waste and back washed and rinsed prior to these readings.
pH 7.8
Free Chlorine 5.0(as high as it reads)
Combined Chlorine 5.0(as high as it reads)
ALK 180 ppm

I know I have to keep chlorine high but not sure how much 8.25% bleach to add and do I need to drop my pH? Have 3/4 bottle left of lo and slo pH decreaser. Please help - kids started summer vacation today and are ready to revolt!

[Watermom]

What is your volume? And, do you have any idea what your CYA is?

[shannon2014]

pool is 23,200 gallons Unsure what CYA number is as test doesn't include this.

[Watermom]

Ok. Well, hopefully your kit will arrive soon so you can test CYA. That is an important number to know because needed chlorine levels are dependent on that reading. (Any idea when it is supposed to arrive?)

Each jug of 8.25% bleach will add 3.4ppm of chlorine. For now while you are cleaning up your pool and until we know your CYA reading, I'd probably aim for keeping the chlorine between 12-15. Also, run your pump 24/7 while you are working to clear it and turn your SWCG off.

Your pH is ok for now.

I'm not familiar with that particular test kit. Do you add yellow drops to get the chlorine reading?

By the way, I'm assuming testing error on the CC test. I would be very surprised if you had a CC reading of 5.

[shannon2014]

Taylor kit should be here Monday. Yes it is yellow capped solution added for chlorine test. I also noticed in my pump basket sand underneath when I took it out to empty it and sand on my buddy seats -there are 2 returns on those seats. I am assuming this isn't good. My first year opening pool on my own and getting frustrated. Please help. How many 121 oz juga of bleach should I add? Also what about putting a tablet in skimmer basket?

[Watermom]

I would not use the tabs right now, just bleach.

What i wrote above:
"Each jug of 8.25% bleach will add 3.4ppm of chlorine. For now while you are cleaning up your pool and until we know your CYA reading, I'd probably aim for keeping the chlorine between 12-15. Also, run your pump 24/7 while you are working to clear it and turn your SWCG off.'

So, you test, then add however much bleach you need based on that info above, to get your chlorine level back up between 12-15. Once we know your CYA level, we may revise that recommendation but for now it will give you a target.

The yellow chlorine test is called an OTO test. If you click on the following link, it will take you to a chart that gives interpretations of colors that are higher than that kit can actually measure. But, you can use the colors to get an estimate of what your chlorine level is. When you are trying to clean up a swampy pool, you want to keep the chlorine in the very dark yellow/orangish range. http://pool9.net/oto-chart/

(By the way, when your chlorine level is over 5ppm, the pH test on that kit will give you a falsely high reading. So, test pH whenever the chlorine is lower than 5.)

Not sure about the sand on the seats. What size is your sand filter (how many lbs. of sand does it hold.) Sounds like your filter may not be working properly. To test it, buy the smallest bag of DE that you can find, throw a handful into the skimmer and watch the returns. If you see white powder shooting out, your filter is not working. If it doesn't shoot out, the DE may actually help your filter to filter better. More about that here: http://pool9.net/de-test/

Hope this helps.

[shannon2014]

Last question for now. Do I pour bleach thru skimmer?

[Watermom]

Yes, you can. That is always what I do for my pool. But, only do so if the pump is running.

[shannon2014]

Thank you-still had some algae this morning but not as much and haziness is clearing from the deep end.

[Watermom]

Glad to hear of the progress! Keep the chlorine level high and continue to run the pump 24/7.

[shannon2014]

Got my kit in last night - these are the readings I got this morning. Please keep in mind first time testing and I have been working all night
FC 22.5
CC 11.5
Ph 7.8
TA 200
Ca+ Hardness 100
CYA 80
Still had algae on bottom of pool which I vacuumed to waste. It wasn't alot -seems to be thinning out - not as many large clump areas. Any advice would be appreciated!

[Watermom]

I really doubt that you have a CC reading of 11.5ppm! ;) Take a look at these testing demos: http://pool9.net/K2006-vid/

If you are still fighting algae, then you need to continue keeping the pool at shock level and brush your pool while the chlorine is high. Now that we know what your CYA reading is, we need to adjust your shock level per the Best Guess chlorine chart: http://pool9.net/cl-cya/
So, your shock level will be 20ppm. And, once you get this algae bloom cleared up, you'll want to make sure you always keep your chlorine between 5-10ppm. If you drop lower than that, it will come right back. (By the way, the "best guess" chart is also available through the tab in my or Ben's signatures if you ever need it and can't find the link I put above.)

Since your CYA is on the high side at 80, only use bleach from now on. No more dichlor shock or trichlor tabs. They both have CYA in them and you don't want yours any higher.

Did you ever do the DE test to check to see if your filter is working properly?

Hope this helps. Re-do the chlorine test after you watch the videos and repost your FC and CC numbers.

[shannon2014]

retested this morning - add 3.5 jugs of bleach last night before going to work - ran filter all night - think it rained some too.
FC 43.5
CC 2
pH 8.0
CA+HARDNESS 200
TA 150
CYA 80
I have not had chance to do DE test as I worked nights all this weekend - gonna try to today or tomorrow morning. sand might be coming from yard and deck as it is not by all the input areas - just stairs. If filter needs sand changed and laterals replaced - how difficult is this? algae is now more of a brown gray color - still disappates into a cloud when brushed. Do I just need to continue with the bleach at night? Anything else I might try? So want to have kids swimming soon.

[Watermom]

Don't test your CYA daily. It doesn't fluctuate if you are only using bleach and it will only waste your reagents.

I'm going to ask Ben to jump in on this thread and see if he has any additional ideas.

Report back after you do the DE test to confirm whether or not your filter is working.

[shannon2014]

Ok I will let you know what happens. Thanks.

[PoolDoc]

Do this:

1. Go get a cheap OTO / phenol red drops kit. Also, get a gallon of Walmart *distilled* water (NOT: "spring", "artesian", "crystal clear", etc.). Use the OTO drops to test your chlorine. Tell me what you see -- the color result may not match anything on the test block.

2. Watch ALL the Taylor instructional videos:
http://pool9.net/tk-guide/
http://pool9.net/tk-interfere/ See if you notice any differences between their procedure and yours.

Thanks!

[shannon2014]

Ok I watched videos. Will follow those. What am I using distillers water for? I have cheap OTO KIT and will test shortly

[PoolDoc]

Run the OTO test, and I'll explain.

[shannon2014]

ran OTO test - water turned bright orange yellow.

[PoolDoc]

OK. Orange means TC > 25 or so.

I just wanted to double check your figures. Do this:

1. Collect some pool water, and mix exactly 1/2 cup of pool water and 1/2 cup of distilled. Test the chlorine level of THAT mixture using the 10 ml sample (0.5 ppm per drop of FAS solution). Multiple the result x2. That's your FC reading. Then, test your pH with the mixture. Take that reading directly, as your pH.

You can't test pH using phenol red when the TC gets above 15 pm. But you can dilute by 50% with *distilled* water, without changing the pH. However, the TC will be lowered by 50%, the phenol red can function as expected.

2. Tell us what FC and your pH readings are, and what you pool water looks like AND what the algae spots look like.

[shannon2014]

OK so it took 41 drops to change from pink to clear..... multiply that by 0.5 and then by 2 So FC is 41. pH is 7.4 Water is clear in low end - in deep end I can see bottom but not clear. Algae spots are brownish grey and dissapate into a cloud when brushed. Spots mainly in low end and on edges of bottom of deep end.

[Tom.B]

Yes, you can. That is always what I do for my pool. But, only do so if the pump is running.

Is there a different result or is it wrong to pour it directly in the pool in front of the jets?

[shannon2014]

Also rechecked just straight pool water sample and got FC 45.5 and CC 0 - after adding R0003 there was little to none color change - did test anyway and it resulted with CC of 2

[PoolDoc]

With FC>40, don't worry about an apparent CC of 2.

PH is OK; I was concerned.

Brush and vacuum the pool -- you're in a good place to get rid of mustard algae.

[shannon2014]

And put bleach in at night? If it rains, should I add extra bleach?
Do I need to add anything else? Algae is getting less ...water seems clearer. I don't need to add salt at this point right?

[shannon2014]

very little algae today and I can see the bottom of the deep end clearly! Feel like I am making progress! Readings after vacuuming pool
FC 52.0
CC 0
pH 7.8
Ca 110
TA 140
How many days of no algae can I start to balance out water so pool can be swam in?

[PoolDoc]

+ How long have you had the algae?

+ Have you had problems with this before, in previous seasons? (I haven't re-read your thread -- apologies if you've already answered this)

+ Typically I suggest going 2 - 3 days after ZERO algae appears anywhere. But mustard algae clings to tiny crevices and holes, somewhat like black algae, and then re-emerges. SO you might want to go a little longer.

[shannon2014]

Have had algae since 5/27. Took cover off pool and then pump died so pool sat opened without water moving for 8 days. Large amount of leaves in pool and took some time to get them out. Have not had this problem in the past. Really started using just bleach for last 5 days. I do see an improvement...just not completely gone yet. I have been adding 3 jugs of 8.25% bleach nightly and vacuuming in the morning. Does it matter if I brush before or after adding bleach? Please advise what I should do when I finally see no obvious algae - do I continue to bleach for those 2-3 days? This my first season opening pool on my own and feeling somewhat overwhelmed and frustrated. But determined to get it clear and swimable!

[PoolDoc]

Just dose to maintain FC > 40 ppm till the algae has all been gone for awhile.

Have we mentioned the DE-filter test? http://pool9.net/de-test/

Using DE will check to see if your filter needs repairs (or more sand) AND if the filter's OK, will help remove the fine particles now making your pool cloudy. You'll have to backwash more frequently, however. And, you can NOT use DE with live algae - doing so will result in the filter stopping up almost instantly.

[PoolDoc]

The correct link is http://pool9.net/de-test/, NOT http://pool9.net/DE-test/

Sorry.

[shannon2014]

Having hard time finding DE product - the stuff I found Watermom said not to use - I have gone to both Home Depot and Lowes - would they sell it at a pool store?

[Pappy]

Pool stores will have it. Many of the local walmarts (Dallas Tx area) carry this
http://www.walmart.com/ip/HTH-D.E-Filter-Aid-10-lb/20434370

The description is correct, picture is INCORRECT.

[shannon2014]

Here are my readings for today...what do I do next>
FC 30
CC 0
pH 7.6
TA 110
CYA 60

Took same sample to pool store to see what they said..they tried to sell me Balance Pak 100, pH reducer, stabalizer and Balance Pak 300
FC 15(highest can read)
pH 7.8
TA19 with Adj TA 3 (range 80-125)
CYA 54

[Watermom]

Have you passed the overnight test to see if you can go from sundown one evening to sunup the next morning without losing more than 1ppm of chlorine? Is the water clear?

I'm assuming you didn't buy any of that stuff. You need none of it.

[shannon2014]

Water is not 100% clear - hazy in deep end. Unfortunately I have to work the next 2 nights so I cant do that test until Sunday night. One question - what is a safe chlorine level for the kids to swim? I thought I would need to let the chlorine drop some before they can enter the pool. I can test water in mornings. Will post then Thanks Watermom!

[Watermom]

Personally, I'd let the chlorine drop quite a bit before swimming. It probably would not hurt you but it would be tough on swimwear. With a CYA of 60, I wouldn't have a problem swimming with the chlorine at 15 or so but that is personal opinion. Plus, if you have a hazy deep end, you have to be careful with being able to see your kids while they are in there. Post your numbers tomorrow.

[shannon2014]

OK rechecked today - no algae - deep end still hazy but getting clearer. Readings are
FC 33.5
CC0
pH 7.6
TA 140
Did add a bag of salt as it was low (3100) after rain

[shannon2014]

thought I had gotten ahead on algae issue on Friday after 2 days no problems. Was not able to test water last PM prior to going to work but had readings from yesterday AM of
FC 33.5
CC0
pH7.6
TA 140
This morning went down and found a blueish green algae in low end (before was more of a brownsih color) This did not disappear into a cloud when vacuumed or brushed - seemed more "clumpy". Immedaitely vacuumed to waste. Levels were as followed
FC 21.5(huge drop in approx 24 hours)
CC .5
pH7.5
TA 150
CYA 45
Added a bottle of 8.25% bleach - what else should I be doing? Know I need to retest water tonight and add bleach. How much? And TA seems to be climbing. I need to add water (city) to pool later due to drop after vacuuming. Any advice is appreciated!

[Tom.B]

I ain't the expert, but kept my FC level in the upper teens to low twenties for over a week to get rid of my algae problem. To the point where I started to see the liner begin to fade at the seams. I brushed and backwashed every day and also got into the pool and hand rubbed the underwater hardware (steps, ladders, hidden places). Checked my phosphates regularly too.

The mistakes I was making in the past was thinking that you could get rid of algae with a bottle of "stuff" and a vac to waste. Now, after doing my research here, I discovered it's a "process" of staying with it for a couple of weeks to get rid of.

[Watermom]

Shannon,
I am going to ask Ben to pop in on this thread again.

By the way, I combined all three of your threads. It is much easier to help if all the info is in one thread instead of scattered among three. Let's just keep it all in this thread.

[shannon2014]

OK -wasn't sure if I should just add on to old post. I had more of this algae this afternoon so I vacuumed to waste, brushed, added 3 more bottles of bleach around 5pm. Just took a sample and got these results
FC 34.5
CC 0.5
pH 7.8
TA 140
How often should I check CYA? Should I put in more bleach tonight? Had to add more city water to fill pool after all this vacuuming to waste today. It is supposed to be clear and sunny for the next 48 hours with temps in the mid 90's

[Watermom]

When was the last time you added CYA or used a stabilized form of chlorine (trichlor or dichlor)?

If you are at 34.5ppm, I don't think you need to add any more bleach tonight.

[shannon2014]

I have a bottle of stablizer I bought last month. Should I add it tonight? I had used a puck last week

[Watermom]

When was the last time you tested CYA and what was it then?

[shannon2014]

this morning before any bleach- CYA was 45

[Watermom]

You're ok for now. I wouldn't add any more CYA at this point. And, as long as you're not adding anymore, no reason to test it anytime soon.

[shannon2014]

Thanks Watermom - will check level in AM. Guessing that big drop in FC allowed algae to bloom.