Dealing w/Algae for 3 weeks

[Watermom]

Add acid if the pH goes above 7.8.

[TheKs]

Thank you!

[TheKs]

As an update, I wanted to say that I decided not to drain the pool even though it may have been an easier process. We had gotten this small pool as an experiment and thought it would give us a chance to learn. And learn, we did! We read everything we could find on the forum and the pool is now a sparkling blue. In addition to ridding the pool of the algae, I have included some DE to our sand filter and indeed it does add a pleasing sparkle!

To try to deal with the continuing problems with high PH and high alkalinity, I've just gone through the process of adding borates as per the instructions for adding Borax. I am in the phase of waiting for 48 hours before testing the borate level (and once again, trying to bring down the high PH level). I am hoping this will be an added "inoculation" against algae and the PH pendulum.

Thank you for all the wonderful information!

[PoolDoc]

As an update, I wanted to say that I decided not to drain the pool even though it may have been an easier process. We had gotten this small pool as an experiment and thought it would give us a chance to learn.

An excellent approach!

To deal effectively with alkalinity, you will have to have a decent test kit. The HTH 6-way drops kit is adequate for that, but you'll either have to have that or the K2006. Links below.

Ben

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+ Here are links to the kits we recommend (you can check local availability on the HTH kit, using the Walmart link):

HTH 6-Way Test Kit @ Walmart
Taylor K2006A (3/4 oz bottles) @ Amazon
Taylor K2006C (2 oz bottles) @ Amazon

[TheKs]

I received the Taylor K2006 test kit last week and have been using it every day. No problems figuring out how to use it.

We couldn't manage without it!

Thanks for all the great info for us to learn how to maintain a pool most effectively!

[PoolDoc]

you're welcome. ben

[TheKs]

Ok, now that I have the pool under control, here are some maintenance questions:

Current Status
FC - 6 ppm
CC - 0 ppm
TC - 6 ppm
Nighttime chlorine loss: none
Daytime chlorine loss: 0.5 - 1.0 ppm loss
PH - 7.6
ALK - 127
CYA - 40
Pool Temp: 82 degrees
Usage: 3 adult swimmers, average 3-4 times a week
Debris: very little daily debris

Are the above levels a good standard to strive to maintain?
How often should I test the water per week?
When/how often should I shock the pool?
Is it best to shock using 6% bleach or dichlor?
Is it ok that I don't want to use the trichlor tabs in our floater very often because our pool is so small and it can add a lot of cyanuric acid very quickly?

Thanks again!
Peggy