Mustard Algae

[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.

[Watermom]

I'd kinda follow the pattern you've been doing the past couple of days when you were still able to test. What was the typical chlorine level you got when you tested? How much bleach did you add at that time? I'd kinda stick to that same amount especially since you only have to wait until Tuesday to get the reagent. If you are concerned, then maybe cut back just a little on the bleach dose until you can test. I think you'll be fine until Tuesday.

[tnalaskan]

I did have just enough of the reagent for 1 more test. The FC is at 40 again. Why is it dropping so fast? I will add 7 jugs of the 182oz 6% bleach, which is what the calculator says to add. (6.8 jugs) It is very sunny here today. Should I add an extra jug for good measure?

I added the 8 jugs of bleach directly to the pool water instead of through the skimmer as we had been doing. Poured in the areas where the brown spots were. They imediately disappeared. Praying they will stay gone! Thanks so much to everyone for your help. Do you think adding polyquat would be a good idea or not? My ph is only around 7.2 Can I add borax while dealing with the algae issue?

[Watermom]

I think it won't hurt to add the extra gallon of bleach. I don't think I'd bother with the polyquat right now. It typically makes your chlorine level plummet and you need yours high right now. You cannot trust your pH readings while your chlorine is so high. However, you typically get falsely high pH readings. I think you would be fine to add a box of Borax.

[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.