Mustard Algae

[tnalaskan]

Are you saying I should raise the chlorine to 75? Should I run the pump on low or high?

[aylad]

Yes, if your CYA level is 80, then Ben's recommendation for mustard algae is 75 ppm. Note that it can cause some liner fading, and pretty much will make the pool unswimmable until the shocking is over, because that level of chlorine will be irritating to swimmers and their suits.

I would keep the pump on low so that it doesn't drive the algae back through your filter and back into the water.

[tnalaskan]

Thanks. I added more bleach. By my calculations it should be at 71ppm. Since the cholorine tabs are keeping the CYA up, will just using bleach instead of the tabs eventually lower it?

[chem geek]

Using bleach instead of tabs will prevent the CYA from continuing to rise. The CYA may drop if you've got water dilution such as from backwashing or from rain overflow (if it rains this time of year where you live) or carry-out and splash-out. For getting rid of yellow/mustard algae it is very, very important that you kill all the algae in the shady places it likes to hang out. That includes getting behind light niches and under removable ladders. Put in all equipment you use for cleaning into the pool during the shock process (i.e. pools, brushes, nets, etc.).

[tnalaskan]

I found the pool calculator in regards to how much bleach to add to raise the levels to 75. Thanks for your help. I really do think this is the best site for all of anyones pool needs and questions. Now back to Walmart for more bleach.

[Watermom]

I really do think this is the best site for all of anyones pool needs and questions.

Thanks! So do we!

[tnalaskan]

The pool is crystal clear now. Have kept the chlorine levels up where reccomended. My problem now is there are still a few small spots of the brown on one side of the pool. I know I have to keep the levels up until all gone. I have ordered the reagents for my Taylor K-2006 kit but they will not be here until at least Tuesday. I don't have enough left to see how high the levels of chlorine are today so I don't know how much bleach to add to keep it at 75. I have phoned everywhere I know to phone in this area looking for reagent. No one has it. Does anyone know of anyplace that has the reagents in the Chattanooga/Cleveland TN area? If not is there another way anyone knows of to test for the level of chlorine? I would hate to have to start all over.

[Watermom]

I doubt you'll find it locally. Go ahead and order and maybe pay the extra $$ for rush shipping. In the meantime, keep adding bleach.

[tnalaskan]

I have already ordered it. Should be here by Tuesday. How much bleach should I add since I don't know the levels? Don't want to damage the liner.

[tnalaskan]

Added more bleach today. In the last week I have put in 58 gallons of 6% bleach. Water is crystal clear but still a few brown spots. Hopefully will have the reagents by Tuesday so I can check the levels. I also added a box of borax since the ph was only 7.2 Never thought I would be putting that much bleach in my pool. But I'm sure it is a lot cheaper than what the pool stores would charge for all the chemicals they would try to sell me.