Algae problem

[PoolDoc]

Might help to watch the CYA (stabilzer) video on this page:
http://www.poolforum.com/pf2/showthread.php?17157

[piggulet]

Okay, our Taylor kit finally arrived!!!! YAY!!!! Here's the test results:

FC: 1.4
CC: 1.0
pH: 7.0
TA: 60
CH: 100
CYA: less than 30 ppm

We've been continuing with the 2 gallons of 6% bleach in the morning and 6 gallons in the evening. The pool looks much better, but still a tinge of green. And, of course, cloudy. We appreciate all of your help!

I know we need to raise the pH which I believe is to be done by adding borax. How do we raise the CYA?

I've been searching the pool forum for information on dosing charts, but having difficulty finding them. I will happily do my own calculations (and likely come to the forum for confirmation) if you can direct me to the dosing charts for adding bleach/chlorine.

Thanks, again!

-Kimberly

[Watermom]

Add a half a box of Borax slowly to the skimmer while the pump is running, breaking up any clumps. After a few hours, retest and redose until you get the pH where you want it.

CYA is raised by either adding some directly as a separate ingredient or using a stabilized form of chlorine such as dichlor or trichlor. Do you have either one of those at home already?

[piggulet]

We have no dichlor or trichlor left. We've been planning to simply use the BBB method going forward (after correcting this problem with algae), so we haven't invested anymore in the sticks.

-Kimberly

[piggulet]

So, do we continue with the bleach dosage, as previously prescribed while adding the borax?

[Watermom]

Yes. And, you can just add some CYA separately. When you buy it, it may be labeled as conditioner or stabilizer. Just check the ingredients. If it says cyanuric or isocyanuric acid, it is the right stuff. You'll probably want to add about 4 lbs. You can either add it to the skimmer and then run your pump 24/7 for four or five days and don't backwash while it is dissolving or you can put it into an old sock and hang it in front of the return jet. Giving the sock a squeeze every once in awhile helps it dissolve faster. But, you'll want to wait until your algae issue if cleared up before you add any.

[piggulet]

Thanks for everyone's help in getting the green out of our pool. We are now free of the green; but, unfortunately, I cannot say we're clear. We have significant cloudiness in the pool. Here's the latest numbers:

pH : 7.6
chlorine: 4
Calcium hardness: 125
CYA: < 30

Do I find the conditioner or stabilizer in pool supplies? Is there a recommended brand?

Thanks for your continued help! We are enjoying the pool, again; but, I'd love to get it crystal clear, again. :-)

-Kimberly

[Watermom]

At this point in the season, places like Walmart are clearing out much of their pool supply sections so you may have to buy CYA at a pool store. I don't know that a particular brand is necessary but check the label. You want cyanuric or isocyanuric acid and not a bunch of other added junk.

Did you ever buy a K2006 kit? It sure would help to know your CC reading. If your water is cloudy, you should run your pump 24/7 and backwash when the pressure rises 8-10psi over clean filter pressure.

[piggulet]

Yes, we have the Taylor kit.

Sorry that I didn't report the CC. My husband ran the test and just told me the chlorine was 4. I didn't think to ask him about the two different measures for chlorine, as I am still new to this whole testing thing, also. I'll run another set of test this morning and post them. We have been running the pump 24/7 and the psi on the pump has not gotten above its normal operating level.

Again, thanks for the help!