New to this forum - 24' AG pool with algae

[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.

[Dabikeman]

Thanks , I have started adding Borax. Is there any set amounts to add in order to raise the ph ? I understand you need to give it time to work.

[Dabikeman]

Thank for info about borax. Now my readings are FC 6.4 ppm , ph 7.2 ppm , Alk 200ppm , CH 170 ppm , CYA 30 ppm

[Watermom]

How does the water look now? Why the rise in alk and CH? What kind of chlorine are you using -- meaning ingredients and not just product names.

[Dabikeman]

The water is very clear now. Able to see the bottom. I am now using the K 2006 test kit, so I believe the change in Alk, and CH is from being able to properly test my water.

I have been using BioGuard Silk Tabs with Trichloro-s-triazinetrione 93.9% Other Ingredients 6.1% in a floating dispenser. Since they have helped with my chlorine levels planning to finsh what little I have left and then switch to liquid unscented bleach. Since my initial purchase of borax i have found it was sold out. I check the ingredients on Arm and Hammer washing soda and found it to be the sodium carbonate as is Borax. Also it was a lower price.

I am planning to take a vacation in August for about 10 days. Any suggestions as to what I should raise my levels to to keep things in check. My neighbor will keep an eye on things, but will not be testing water, just making sure nothing breaks.

[PoolDoc]

Arm & Hammer Washing Soda = sodium carbonate (AKA soda ash)
20 Mule Team Borax = sodium tetraborate decahydrate.

Both raise pH; soda ash also raises alkalinity. Borax inhibits algae -- but you'd have to use over 12 boxes to get to that level. By the way, according to Walmart.com, borax is in stock in Lockport.

Regarding vacation, you have several options:

1. Raise CYA to 200+ ppm and chlorine to 35+ ppm. That will probably last till you get back. Not recommended, unless you are already nearly that high. If the 30 ppm above is the value from the K2006, this is not an option.

2. Raise the CYA to 50 ppm, and have your friend add 3/4 gallon of PLAIN 8.25% bleach every other day.

3. Raise the borates (from borax) level to 60+ ppm, put your filter on recirculate (circulate, but not filter) and add 1/2 quart of 60% polyquat when you leave, and 1/2 through your vacation. See www.poolsolutions.com/polyquat.html.

To raise your borax to 60+ ppm, you'll need to buy 10 boxes of borax and 3 gallons of muriatic acid. Add 4 boxes of borax SLOWLY through the skimmer with the pump on, and add the muriatic to the pool. Repeat. Then use the remaining 2 boxes of borax and gallon of muriatic to adjust the pH up or down, as needed. Leave the pump on for at least 4 hours after. Read the muriatic acid safe-handling page, linked in my signature, before adding the acid.