New to this forum - 24' AG pool with algae

[Dabikeman]

I have only owned a real pool for a year. Have an above ground 24 ft pool. opened it after the winter and found slight green. Now it is cloudy but clean. Have read that ph needs to be higher in order to make it clear. Using my AquaCheck strips my ph is at 6.8, my free chlorine is at .3 - .5 ppm , Alkalinity is 80 ppm and my stabilizer is at 30 ppm.

Should I continue testing with the strips or change to a Taylor test kit ?

[Dabikeman]

For some one who is new to pools< I am finding a lot of useful information being shared here. Awesome.

[Watermom]

Glad you think so. We do, too!

I see that you started three threads. I'm sure it is because when you posted, your post didn't not show up. That is because when a new member posts, the post goes to a moderation queue where it waits until one of us approves it and mods it in. So, it won't show up as soon as you post, but we do try and clear the queue multiple times per day so it usually doesn't take too long.

You should absolutely order a Taylor K-2006 or 2006C kit from the test kit link in my signature below. We don't trust test strips. In the meantime, go to Walmart and pick up an OTO/Phenol Red kit (yellow and red drops), a couple of boxes of 20 Mule Team Borax (laundry aisle), and several jugs of plain, unscented bleach. Test your water and post the readings and someone will help you go from there.

Welcome to the Pool Forum!

[Dabikeman]

Tested my pool with test kit. I have the following. TC 4ppm , PH 6.8, Alk 110, Hardness 200. Have Borax in order to raise PH.

[PoolDoc]

What is your stabilizer level? That is critical, especially when removing or controlling algae. Read the Best Guess page, linked in my signature.

membership updated.

[Watermom]

He noted above stabilizer was 30ppm.

Get going with that Borax! If your kit reads pH of 6.8 that means it could actually be lower than that since 6.8 is the lowest reading on the kit.