New to forum, black algea problem.

[lucas2]

I was using the pool perfect stuff, but havent put it in since I started at this site. I put 3 bottles of black algea tx from the pool store, I think that is what put me into this big mess that I just cleaned up.But it did cut down the algea by at least 90%. You are right, algea was growing all winter and I was too preoccupied with other stuff to care. Now I am paying for it. Been dumping chlorine in for weeks now. Don't have a good test kit yet, to measure high chlorine, just guessing and trying to error on the high side.Been wanting to do the borax just a little intimidated. I have a crappy cartridge filter. I am planning to change it out for DE soon, but first trying to get this algae thing and my pump problem handled before I start any more projects.

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Pool is plaster. filter is brand new intelliflo. Filter is cartridge. Volume I am unsure of. Post the formula and I will take measurements.

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I googled it and found a handy pool volume calculator by pentair. Says mine is 20,000 gallons.

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[PoolDoc]

Do not use any more algaecide. No algaecide is completely compatible with chlorine; even polyquat, though it's more compatible than most.

The ultimate results of using anyone's phosphate remover will be the same, but apparently the Kem-Tek product I linked costs 1/2 to 1/3, per unit phosphate removed, of what the Pool Perfect products cost. Keep in mind that neither borax nor phosphate removal is a solution; both simply make it harder for black algae to recover from damage done by chlorine.

If you can post the EXACT model and make of your filter, I can possibly help you find a higher quality replacement cartridge that will do away with the need for a DE filter.

[PoolDoc]

Note that I corrected the error recommending AquaChem strips. Fortunately, what is shown on the test page, it shows LaMotte and that's correct.

[lucas2]

Honestly, I think I want to upgrade my filter. It is time for new cartridges and the pool store wants $200+ for a set. Now is the time, I can get a hayward pro grid for a couple extra bucks. Mine is a clean and clear plus 40. I hate it. No back flush. When removing phosphates I have to disassemble and clean sometimes daily. I think I will replace with a 60.

[PoolDoc]

Not finding that model; here's the Pentair brochure: http://www.pentairpool.com/pdfs/cleanclearplusDS.pdf

There is a CCP420 and there are some Clean and Clear filters (no "Plus"), but the lowest they go is a CC50.

The Hayward Pro Grid is a DE filter. Have you ever used a DE filter? They are not very forgiving, and can be rather messy to service.