White gritty scale

Ok PoolDoc, here are my current test results I just took:

Chlorine. Close to 10just strong yellow now, no orange
T A: 160- I was able to read, it did not turn yellow as it did this morning. It also was at 180 yesterday when I started aerating.
PH: 7.5 (it was 8 earlier today)

I was going to add more acid to again lower ph-do you have any advice on amount? Do to this problem Im not exactly sure how much acid I should be adding??

Also, I have heavier build up along my deep end seams, its darker in color, I am just wondering if some of that is algae or just a thick pile of the scale? Some of it did go with brushing and vacuuming?

A pile of this stuff has been coming out my waste hose and filter basket holder-enough to fill a spoon! If you want me to send a picture got a great sample now I could get a pic of!!

+ Use whatever doses you have before, but decrease them gradually. If you haven't been adding any particular amount, I'd start with 1/2 gallon of muriatic acid. If you find a dose takes you too low, reduce the dose.

+ Brush lightly those areas you think might be algae, but don't scrub.

+ Please send pictures to poolforum@gmail.com

When you send the pics, include the thread number (16457) in your email.

Still brushing off some, I can see its really brushing off in some spots where the coating was not as concentrated.

T A is most certainly coming down, its at 120-130 now.
ph holding at 6.8
Chlorine down to 1.-2.

Kids want to swim tomorrow, would you think its ok to let them in there for awhile? Didnt know if thats a good idea with the adjusting im doing?

Thanks again,

Yes.

Finally getting around to pictures:

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-a...lgae%25201.jpg

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-9...lgae%25202.jpg

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-O.../s800/pool.jpg


Color enhanced image:

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4...0/pool-enh.jpg

How's the battle with the grit going?

Well, I am glad to report having a bunch of rowdy kids swimming in the pool seemed effective to pull up some of this stuff-there literally were piles of this grit in the corners, and on the floor which i was able to vacuum up the next morning. They also didnt even notice it as they were swimming, of course, its always on my mind, but they could have cared less!

There has been substantial amounts that have started to come up especially in the shallow end floor and the deep end floor.

I still have several areas on the walls, and on the seams around the deep end that just want to keep holding on.

I brush every night (i dont scrub), and every swipe does produce a cloud so I know its coming loose, just not as fast as I guess I want it to come off!

My TA has been difficult to get below 120. TA has held now for the last four days betw 120-140.

I have my returns turned up, and I use a power nozzle on my fill hose to spray over the surface of the pool water and create bubbles and fizz, but am thinking I may need to get a little more agressive on my aeration?? I saw where some have rigged up pvc pipes to do this-do you suggest that, or just stay the course with what I am doing?

My PH as come up several times (last read this morning was 7.5), but I just add a half gal of muratic acid and it drops by the next morning to 6.8.

Another question though, each season I use the Tri Chlor pucks in my chlorinator, but have not used any yet since opening the pool. Would you suggest that I go ahead and start putting the pucks in my chlorinator?

All in all, I would say I am winning with your advice, just have a feeling this is going to be a long war!

Thanks again PoolDoc

The calcium carbonate bits are INCREASING both your TA and your CH, as they dissolve or break down. So it's not too surprising that you're finding your pool resists going below 120.

As the sand algae bits diminish, you should be able to lower the TA, and clean up the remnants.

Hi Pooldoc,

my TA has finally dropped to 70-80ppm (this is the second day it has read that, was stuck at 120-130 for most of last week. I have been holding my PH between 7 and 6.8. it has generally taken 3/4 to one gallon of muratic acid, every other day to hold it there, the highest my ph has spiked was 7.2-7.5. my current chlorine is 1-2ppm.

The most progess i see on the scale coming off is usually right after a heavy swim day (kids jumping in and splashing all day). literally in my shallow seams and corners there will be little piles of it which are easy to vacuum.



I still brush every day, then vacuum the evening.

the lighter patches are diminishing for sure, specifically in my shallow end , but the real dark, thicker areas in my deep end dont seem to be budging much (these deep end patches have remained their same color, the darker brown, while the stuff that comes off is much lighter).

Just thought I would let you know an update. I havent used any pucks and will not!! I havent had to shock the pool, water has remained clear.

If you have any suggestions, or if you think I need to change something in my routine, please let me know.

I am a little concerned that the heavier stuff at the deep end does not seem to be 'chipping' off as quick.

Thank you again for your help and advice,