Algae loves my pool

[chem geek]

I'm confused. Your pool has a ton of algae again, but the water is crystal clear? So the algae you are seeing is on the bottom of the pool, is that right? What color is the algae? Is it green, yellow/mustard, brown, some other color? Is it everywhere or mostly just in shady areas of the pool? Is it dust-like or is it partially stuck to pool surfaces? Are you sure it's algae and not pollen or dirt? Have you tried using a skimmer sock in case it's something like pollen dropping into the pool?

[mrsbusymomee]

Yes the water is crystal clear. It first looks like sand or sediment so I go ahead and vacuum, then it comes back faster than before and is brownish greenish looking. Looks more dark green/mustard on the stairs which are white. It is on the bottom and very easy to vacuum up. There wasn't any on the walls. The pool is in full sun most of the day. When I vacuumed it up, there was not only the accumulation in the crevices but I noticed a thin film of it on the bottom. It is the same problem I had when I started this thread. I do have a skimmer sock, and I'll try putting that on. My pool is AG 13k gallons.
Appreciate your input.

[PoolDoc]

Did you ever use DE powder to TEST your filter?

I'd like you to do that -- buy the smallest bag of DE you can find. Here's an example
http://www.lesliespool.com/Home/Filt...ies/14316.html

Add 2 cups of DE to your skimmer with the pump on, and then watch your returns. If you see DE shoot back into the pool as a white cloud, you need filter work.

If not, the DE will help you catch and clean up whatever your dust is. You can keep dosing with several cups of DE just before you vacuum, and it will help your filter trap any fine powder you vacuum up -- but it will also shorten intervals between filter cleaning.

Ben

[mrsbusymomee]

Never used DE powder before. I'll try that maybe today. Will 2 cups of DE powder increase the pressure too much? I've been reading some of these threads and it says to add 1/4- 1/2 cup. My sand and the guts of the filter are brand new last year. I had to replace that center piece because it had a broken "tooth" and sand / debris were getting back into the pool. The algae left in the pool after vacuuming and shocking last night looks like dead algae right now. I had the chlorine up to 17.5 last night and it is at 15 this morning. I'm going to put it back up to 17 and try and keep it there. I'm thinking I didn't shock long enough the first time.
Thanks and I'll let you know on the DE powder.

[PoolDoc]

Hadn't thought about the pressure increase -- my bad.

But, with a sand filter, it shouldn't be a problem: even if the pressure does go up quickly, you can backwash in just a few minutes.

Ben

[mrsbusymomee]

Hey guys,

Me again. LOL Well my water has been doing great, but started noticing grit so to speak accumulate too quickly after each vacuuming. Well come to find out it is my sand from the filter. No I never did do the DE powder thing, but I'm pretty sure I would see it come back into the pool. I replaced the guts last year!!! I think this filter has finally pretty much had it. It is a doughboy from when we originally purchased the pool over a decade ago.
Can you give me some input as to what kinda of sand filter to get for my AG 13k gallons pool? I've been looking around the forum and it is overwhelming and so many opinions.
Thanks.

[mrsbusymomee]

Also, I have a 1.5hp pump. What size filter should I get for this kind of pump?

Thanks again!

[PoolDoc]

Sorry I overlooked this.

The fact that you have a 1.5HP pump is not unfortunately enough information, especially with an AG pool pump. The rating games played with IG pool pumps are kindergarten level compared to the stuff they do with AG pumps. In order to help, I'll need the exact pump make and model *and* some photos of your pump, filter, and pool hook up. You can email them to poolforum AT gmail DOT com.