Quote Originally Posted by DesertSwim View Post
What's the best way to combat the black algae?
You can't really eradicate black algae that's deep in cracked plaster; you can only manage it.

1. For now, 3 gallons of PLAIN 6% bleach in the pool every evening, added via the skimmer -- assuming you have no trichor tabs in a feeder.
2. Backwash or clean your filter (if it's not clean) and then add the stabilizer to the skimmer. You'll need to allow 3 days (or equivalent) of CONTINUOUS circulation, to dissolve the stabilizer. (So, if your pump is on a 6 hour timer, 12 days!)
3. Meanwhile, get a good test kit ASAP
4. Put your tabs in a floater; after a few days, your chlorine loss may drop enough (from stabilizer) to use only the floater. Do NOT pour bleach over tabs in the skimmer.
5. Brush your pool regularly, especially the areas with black algae. -- THIS WILL BE A PERMANENT TASK, till the plaster is repaired and the algae is eradicated. --


+ Here are links to the kits we recommend:
HTH 6-Way Test Kit @ Walmart
Taylor K2006A (3/4 oz bottles) @ Amazon
Taylor K2006C (2 oz bottles) @ Amazon