Clear water but dark algae

I have a 18 x 36 inground pool, vinyl liner. I have clear water but have dark algae ( I think) on the bottom of pool and along some of the liner seams. I have had this issue for past 2 yrs. I am tired of going to the pool place because there has not been any improvements and what staff they have that will come to my home and provide chemical and testing , want $300 + dollars! I test the pool water and it keeps showing my chlorine is high....any suggestions for this frustrated pool newbie? Thank you for any help.

Hi, and welcome to the forum!!

Generally if you have that much algae on the bottom of the pool, the water won't be clear. Do you also see algae on the sides, or just the bottom? Does the liner feel slimy to you? If you reach down, can you pinch some of the "algae" up? And if you do that and rub it on a piece of paper towel, does the smear appear to be green? When you brush the pool, does the water take on a greenish tint?

How are you testing the water? If you're testing with strips, or relying on the pool store, you're probably not getting accurate results. I would highly recommend that you get the K-2006 test kit linked in my sig, but in the meantime go to WalMart and see if they have the hth 6-way kit that sells for around $20. If not, at LEAST pick up the cheap OTO kit (uses red and yellow drops).

What method do you use to chlorinate your pool, and can you give us a list of every chemical you've put into the pool during your battle with the "algae". (We need ingredients, not just "shock".). With the answers to these questions, we can give you some more helpful advice--but first we need enough info to help you isolate the problem.

Hi aylad!
Thank you for the welcome! Glad to be here!
I need to get the information you asked me about when I get home. I am at work right now.
Stay tuned!

Thank you soooo much for your assistance and support!

Kelley

Just want to add my welcome to you! In addition to Janet's questions, I've got a couple more for you to answer. What kind of filter do you have and what size of pump?

Ok, here is alittle follow up from my first posting. I was told by pool/spa people that my problem is overstablization. They recommend either empty half of pool or use muractic acid and shock that does not have stablizer in it..... So, so far I have use 2 gallons of muractic acid and just started a weekly maintenance of shock with no stablizer in it. I still need to get the ingredents to you but wanted to check in because I have not had a chance to get back with you with the info you asked for. I have a Hayward pump/filter S200 Series.

I will be back with the ingredents.
Thank you for your patience!
Kelley

Quote:

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Originally Posted by cscgal

They recommend either empty half of pool or use muractic acid and shock that does not have stablizer in it..... So, so far I have use 2 gallons of muractic acid and just started a weekly maintenance of shock with no stablizer in it.

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Huh? Your pool store told you to use 2 gallons of muriatic acid for what? To lower the CYA? That's a first. I don't think we've heard that one before!

We really are going to need some good testing numbers to be able to help you much. If you haven't ordered the Taylor K-2006 kit like Janet suggested above, you should.

Yeah, and I'd run away from that store as fast as I could..... :)