My algae issues

[Watermom]

Oops! Sorry about that. Glad to hear it is improving. This is one reason that the only algaecide that we recommend for use is 60% Polyquat and even at that, most times you don't need any algaecide at all.

[True Blue]

Oops! Sorry about that. Glad to hear it is improving. This is one reason that the only algaecide that we recommend for use is 60% Polyquat and even at that, most times you don't need any algaecide at all.

Trust me, I've learned my lesson. I'll be interested in what you all recommend for winterization...particularly to prevent algae next season.

[Watermom]

We'll still be here in the fall. It's a big cycle. We help clear green pools in the spring. Then, when fall rolls around, we help with closing so that hopefully there will be fewer green pools next spring! Actually, the Pool Forum staff typically all pop onto the forum at some point most days in the winter, too. Just to see if anybody needs help and also because this forum is such a part of our lives that we would be kind of lost without it!

[True Blue]

I just tested my pool with my new K 2006 test kit. The DPD power top was open, so I lost most of the powder, but I was still able to get a reading with a bit that I found in the container.

Here are my results:

free Cl = 7.0 ppm
combined Cl = 0
pH = 7.2
CYA = 0

I went ahead and added another 3/4th gallon of bleach. I added five on Monday and have added 1 or 2 each day since. Due to the CYA reading, I went ahead and added some clarifier.

Yesterday, I could vaguely see the bottom of the pool for the first time.

I have a 7600 gallon above ground pool.

Any recommendations beside patience?

[Watermom]

Keep adding bleach. In your pool, each quart of 6% bleach will add about 2ppm of chlorine. Until you get some stabilizer in there, you'll probably need to test it at least morning and evening and each time, add enough bleach to get back up to about 10-12pm. The more times per day that you can test and shock the pool back up, the faster it will clear. Also run the pump 24/7 while you are trying to clear this up. Backwash the filter as needed. Once you get it clear, then you can add some CYA.

By the way, I don't understand your sentence where you said that "due to the CYA reading, I went ahead and added some clarifier." Clarifier has nothing to do with CYA. CYA is cyanuric (or isocyanuric) acid. Not clarifier. Don't add anything else right now except bleach and Borax if your pH drops any. And, you're right --- patience is needed.

I would also call the company you bought the kit from and tell them the powder was spilled when you got the kit and ask them to send you a replacement bottle ASAP.

EDIT: What company did you buy the kit from? Please email us at poolforum AT gmail DOT com and let us know.

EDIT again: I read of two people today who had their kit arrive with spilled DPD powder. That is why I thought there might be an issue that we needed to look at. But, when I investigated it further, I realized that it was the same poster (True Blue) who had mentioned it in two different threads rather than two separate incidences. Thus, it is probably nothing we need to be concerned about. If it happened several times -- maybe -- but only once, I doubt it. I'm sure if you call them, they will replace it. Especially since we have problem sent hundreds of customers their way!

[True Blue]

Will do.

Also, I mentioned in another thread, I've been having problems with my multiport. I've determined that it isn't filtering properly. My pressure guage was broken, so I couldn't quite tell, but I suspected a problem. I read in another thread on here how to test for proper filtration using DE. I did that and my suspicions were verified. My question is, do I need to replace only the multiport? I assume that the filter does nothing more than hold the sand.

[Watermom]

Post this new info about your multiport in that thread instead of this one. You're more likely to get equipment help there rather than here in this algae forum since some of our equipment people don't frequent this section as much as that one.