Chem log, to see....

[Charlie_R]

Ok, confirmed algae attempting to get a foothold in the pool. What I'd like to know is why the CC never showed more than .5ppm. Only clues I had were the odd lightly cloudy, and slightly elevated CC, with only those two overnight losses of around 4 FC. Water is now at shock level, and will be held there for the next two days.

Question for PoolDoc: In your experience has there ever been a relationship between low or high pH and the ability for algae to start even with FC being held within nominal levels of the best guess chart?

CYA is 70 - 90, so FC being held between 6 - 10. Do I need to keep it a bit higher range, like 8 - 12?

Also, could a mod change my pool chart data to show my having the K-2006?

[Charlie_R]

Obviously, I am not doing something right.

After the first bout of algae, I thought that I had a clean pool. Such is not the case. For the last week, I have had to keep it at shock (20ppm) levels, but am still losing 4-6ppm overnight.

Looks like I'll have to take it up to around 50ppm, while the pool is too cold (68-74F) to swim in. I'm evidently dealing with chlorine resistant type of algae.

What I'm finding strange about this is that even on the 25mL sample, I get 0.0 CC. So what else could be happening here?

I'm thinking that part of the problem lies in the not so great circulation in this pool. I have a bit of PVC pipe on the return, giving me a circular flow of the water. I'm wondering if that isn't leaving the center of the pool without adequate circulation. I might try a 45 instead of a 90 where the return enters the pool, to bring the flow more towards the center, while maintaining the circular part. PoolDoc is right, these Intex round pools do have a serious flow problem from the factory. I'm attempting to remedy that with mine.

[RedwingT]

Charlie I have been dealing with basically the same thing when it comes to the algae for about the last month. I've succumbed to keeping it covered unless we are going to be using it and chl at 30 for the last week. I vacuum out the algae before use and with the chl levels that high I seem to be keeping it at a minimal. It's not a huge problem, nor has it ever been this summer, but it is there in some of the wrinkles and a bottom seam. No slime at all either. Someday's I think it's just dirt and I'm going mad! lol But it has to be algae because when it's disturbed it disappears. Not to mention the brown filter I just changed a few days ago. Those Unicel filters sure do a whole lot better job then the Intex ones! Next year I am getting a bigger filter/pump that's all there is too it. I'm also going to invest in a solar cover so come this time next year the water isn't so cold you don't want to go in it!

Good luck and congratulations on the promotion.

[Charlie_R]

Thank you.

One of the problems we have with these Intex pools, is the flaps at the seams. When I take ours down this fall, I am seriously considering cutting the flaps as close to the heat welded seams as possible. Maybe this will discourage algae from hiding where we have trouble getting to it.

I ordered the 2500gph from Amazon this morning. As noted in my last post, the 1000gph leaves much to be desired.

since I've been battling this algae, I've been brushing the pool twice a day, and that seems to be helping. Keeps the water stirred up for a short while, and maybe brings more of the algae into contact with higher concentrations of chlorine.

[Charlie_R]

New pump arrived today. Installed it this afternoon. What a HUGE difference! Instead of a lethargic circulation from the original pump, I now see water moving all the way around the pool. Now to buy the Unicel carts for this new pump.

Oh I guess I'll need another update on my pool chart... to Intex 633EG pump and filter unit.

[RedwingT]

I think I need to look around Ebay and Amazon to find one. Does the one you bought have a timer on it? I ask because I came across one labeled as a 633T but in the product description it is model #56633EG. I was just wondering if the "T" stands for the timer? It say's 2500 GPH, not sure if its the same one as you have.

Pretty great price too! (I love free shipping!)
I run my pump (637R) now 24/7 and still have probs. I can only imagine the algae bloom if I didn't!

*After reading more I see I would need the conversion kit-Did you order that also or did you use the DIY method? How difficult was it to convert? I seen some used PVC pipe and had no problems as apposed to using the adapters with leaking and loosing suction. I know nothing about plumbing, so I am at a loss! lol *

Those Unicel filters are by far superior to the Intex ones. You will notice a difference the first time you use them.

[Charlie_R]

Here's the one I ordered: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...ls_o00_s00_i00 As far as I can tell, the T would be for Timer, yes. The EG seems to mean Electronic timer, with GFCI.

It came with new bulkhead fittings, valves and hoses, and suction/return screens. Good deal for the money!

All that is required for you to use the larger fittings is remove the smaller ones that the 637R needs, and CAREFULLY cut the hole larger to fit the new fittings.

We did ours without a partial drain, by using a large plastic bowl held to the side of the pool while removing the old. Then covered the hole from the outside after enlargement long enough to get the inside portion of the new fitting to the hole. Then the bowl back over the hole, and tighten the ring nut to the fitting, with the valve in place on it. Didn't lose more than a few gallons of water this way.

Yes, I'll be buying the Unicel carts next payday. These Intex branded ones, you can almost see through the filter material, it's that thin. Lets a lot of fine material blow through.

One of the things I really like about the 633 is it's a pressure feed to the filter, instead of a suction through the filter. If I can find a good spot on my filter canister, I'd like to add a pressure gauge, maybe two. One before the filter, and one after. Call it a differential gauge set-up. There actually are gauges made for this purpose, but would require a bit of small tube plumbing, and those gauges get rather expensive.

Agreed on the algae thing. After only one day with the new pump, the much superior water flow had helped kill the algae I do have. Swept the pool several times today, and each time less of the brown crud settled back out. With the smaller pump, it seemed like the brown crud increased.

I don't think you will regret buying the larger unit.