The Algae Wars Continue - - -

[BigDave]

If you haven't yet, be sure to read Using Muriatic Acid to Safely Lower Your Pool's pH before using the acid.

Calcium Hypochlorite is a pool store chemical but has been recently been mixed with copper and other stuff you don't want in your pool. Ben recommended this: In The Swim Cal-Chlor Pool Chlorine Granules 50 lbs. available at Amazon earlier this season to another poster - it's not adulterated.

If you do decide to use Cal-Hypo, DO NOT let it come in contact with other pool chems or flamable liquids - Goes Boom.

[tenndoc]

OK. I've got some from Wal-Mart but it has copper so I've not used it, only bleach.

Thanks for the heads up on using acids. I've used different acids at work and its all about paying close attention and using the proper ppe.

So I'll bring the pH down using half of the previously noted amount and raise the FC levels with bleach to continue the war. Do I take care of the algae and then worry about the other chemicals?

Thanks for your help BigDave -

[BigDave]

You've got it!
1) pH over 8 needs to be fixed.
2) Chlorine kills algae.
2) ...
2) ...
2) algae dead
3) adjust calcium to protect concrete

[tenndoc]

Last night I added 5.68 gal. of bleach and this morning I had the following results:

pH looks to be a solid 8, FC 11, CC 2

The water is cloudy and still has the 'algae' look to it. I expected almost 6 gals of bleach to give me more than a 2 point bump in FC so I it looks as though the war continues.

Something is using up the chlorine and as cool as it's gotten around here no one is swimming. I'll go with the algae losing the battle.

I'll test again in the morning and hit 'em again.

This is a 'take no prisoners' kind of war -

Thanks -

[aylad]

This is a 'take no prisoners' kind of war -

-

You've got the right attitude At least with the water temps getting cooler, it should slow your chlorine consumption a little more. Keep at it!

[tenndoc]

Am I not using enough bleach? The most I've been able to raise the FC is to 11. It drops to 8 so I know I'm still killing algae. I add 5.84 with a goal of 19 FC starting at 11 and I still have cloudy water!

No one has used the pool in 3 to 4 wks. so I'm considering raising the CH (it's 110 now) closing the pool and opening it up early next year.

Thoughts or suggestions are appreciated -

Thanks -

doc

[aylad]

tenndoc, what is your current CYA level? A FC of 11 is not high enough for algae killing--it will need to go higher, but earlier in this thread I saw that you had added some CYA and your current level will tell you how much chlorine you need. Also keep in mind that the algae, live and dead, in the water is what makes it cloudy. You need to have your filter running 24/7 and backwash it when the pressure rises 6-8 psi over the "clean" pressure. Do you notice a rise in your pressure gauge?

[unklebuk]

Believe me i know how frustrating it is fighting algae..I'm just about finished with the algae issue I've dealt with for the last 5 months, clean outs, tons of chlorine ( bleach) and DTE. My pool filter is an ancient ( 40 years old) Anthony Pool system, for a 35k gallon, 35ft long by 15ft wide pool, alot of work. I tested the pool this morning and I'm a little concerned with the results.....help.

ph-7.8
chlorine-1.0
alk-180
cy-150
Th-100

[aylad]

unklebuk--The result that would concern me the most is the chlorine level of 1 ppm being WAYYYY too low for a CYA of 150. For a CYA that high, you should be keeping your chlorine between 8-15 ppm at ALL times, otherwise you're inviting the algae back.

What is concerning you? Also, if you would please start a new thread instead of adding into the bottom of this one if you're needing help, it would help keep things easier. You would get more views and responses, and it will be easier to keep the two pools and their respective problems straight....

Thanks!