Mustard Algae??

[CarlD]

Yes, brush and vacuum. You want to knock it loose so the chlorine can kill it and the filter can filter it out.

Welcome!

Carl

[hcr129]

Thanks for your responses!

So last night we had a big thunderstorm come through so couldn't do a lot with the pool. However right before bed (while it was still raining, I am dedicated!) I retested and it was back down to 25, so I added another bottle of bleach, quickly! Did not have high hopes for this morning.

I was so happy to wake up to a blue pool, however it is milky/cloudy, but blue!! Retested and FC was down to 15 with no CC. Just added more bleach and brought it up to 26. I brushed the bottom and got very little dirt/algae/whatever but because of the storm not sure if this is new or old.

At this point, what do you think? I have a sand filter, pressure only went up 1 or 2 psi overnight. Not much to vacuum. I have some BioGuard Sparkle Up left from the old days of going to the pool store (had a metals problem, that I ended up fixing on my own without their help). Should I add the Sparkle Up to help the filter catch more of the particles? What should I keep FC at now that it is blue? Do I let it start to come back down or keep it up for a little longer?

Thanks again!!

[CarlD]

Doing GREAT! That's exactly what should happen! Do NOT add the sparkle. You CAN add some Polyquat algaecide, maybe an ounce or two, not more.
Polyquat is sold under all kinds of labels, but the ingredients should be: 60% poly [oxyethylene (dimethyliminio) ethylene (dimethyliminio) ethylene dichloride] as the ONLY and SOLE active ingredient. It's the ONLY additive I ever use, and certainly the ONLY algaecide. It also doubles as a clarifier.

You can also put a little DE in your filter via the skimmer...Just enough to raise PSI 1 lb, but backwash first.
Also, skimmer socks in your skimmer can pull an AMAZING amount of junk out. I usually can make one last a month, and 3 or 4 go for less than $10.

Carl

[Watermom]

Don't know about the Sparkle. I wouldn't use it.

But, the fact that you had such a big loss of cl overnight says that you need to continue shocking. Continue to do so until you can pass the overnight test.