Pool Stains - unsure what kind and best way to proceed

[tmcdonald]

Thanks for your help and info. I've been sidetracked with work, life, etc. and am just now trying to get my attention back on the pool.

1) I have been using a lot of copper algaecide over the last few years to combat serious algae problems..this is what the pool store told me to do. However, these stains were present BEFORE I started using these chemicals - although they may have gotten worse I'm not sure.

2) If I follow the steps you mentioned and purchase all of those products, can I get the pool balanced and keep any eliminate any existing algae without the use of copper algaecide? I don't have a good test kit and have never really gotten the pool balanced well, nor do I know the process without using algaecide. I'll look into what you suggested.

3) My pool is ~ 25,000 gallons I believe.

At this point I'm thinking that trying to remove the stains will have to wait until next spring. I just want to get the water balanced so that I can enjoy the pool and not have to dump a ton of money into algaecide and other products. I already need to replace my filter sand .

[PoolDoc]

Hi TMC;

1. It's probably a good idea to run without messing with the stains this year. I can actually show you how to do so, in a manner that will probably gradually reduce the stains. As you say, focus on just basic operations this year.

2. It's absolutely possible to run algae free without algaecide. Virtually the only time experienced PF users use algicide is for special purposes, for example when they'll be gone for a week. There *do* seem to be a few pools that have recurrent mustard algae, for reasons I haven't been able to discover. However, it appears -- in these limited cases -- that running low phosphate levels will resolve that problem. But generally, we don't recommend phosphate removers.

3. The starting place of getting control of your pool is accurate testing, and the K2006 is the best tool for that. We *still* haven't heard of that kit being sold locally; I know that the wholesaler in Chattanooga has never stocked any of them!

[tmcdonald]

Awesome thank you!

I'll grab that test kit and we can go from there.

Thanks again for your help - should I post some numbers after I get the test kit?

-Todd

[tmcdonald]

Back to the pool...

Finally got around to ordering and have now received the test kit. I have to admit, it's made me feel stupid, but I think I've mostly got it figured after finally sitting down for a few minutes to read.

One question - my chlorine test says 1 drop =.2ppm, us 25ml sample. for 1 drop = .5 ppm, us 10ml sample.

On the front of the testing box it says 1 drop = .2 or .5ppm chlorine...I'm not sure how big of a sample I need to use here .

Once I get that figured I think I can stumble my way through the rest.

Thanks again for your help,
-Todd

[PoolDoc]

Re: testing - use the 10ml / 0.5 ppm sample. That's more accuracy than you are likely to ever need. I can't even think of an occasion where it would have been nice to know chlorine levels to the nearest 0.2 ppm.

[tmcdonald]

Here's my test info....as best as I could get

free chlorine: 2 drops x .5ppm = 1ppm by my calculations
combined chlorine: 1 drop x .5ppm = .5ppm
ph: 7.0 or below...close to 7 though by color
alk = 6 drops gave me a pink color..not red...11 drops in I was still pink so i stopped. that would give me 60ppm-110ppm...but again..never turned red.
calcium hardness: water turned pink/purple around 10 drops in...it was lighter purpler at 30 drops in..never turned blue and I stopped at 30 drops.
cyA: I got half way between the bottom and the first mark at 100 - no number was present.

Sorry things came out kind of funny..let me know if I need to adjust or if that gives you a good enough idea what I'm dealing with

[PoolDoc]

1. Did you ever do the Vitamin C test on your steps?

2. Sounds like you still have some copper in the water. Watch the test kit videos (http://pool9.net/tk-guide AND the ones on interferences: http://pool9.net/tk-interfere. Then, re-test and repost.

3. Did you get the HEDP and Polyquat? Are you using it? Is your pool clear?

4. Removing stains is a pain, and a multi-step process that you may have to cycle through more than once. Are you up for that? Or would you rather just get your pool clear, and worry about stains later?