having possible mustard algae problem 3 weeks now

[PoolDoc]

I'd recommend vacuuming up what's already on the bottom, first. Do this:

1. Your chart says you have a 2 speed pump. Put the pump on LOW speed, and run it 24/7.
2. Make sure the chlorine is STILL very high, and then brush the pool completely, to expose all the algae to chlorine.
3. Check the chlorine an hour later to make sure it's remaining high.
4. Wait 24 hours, and then vacuum up the algae. Stay on low speed. Put a towel over the main drain to block it, if you don't have a valve.
5. Continue to keep the chlorine high. Brush the pool again, if algae remains on any surfaces.
6. Let me know how it goes.


Watch the pool returns -- make sure algae is NOT going through the filter and returning to the pool. If it does, you'll need to get some DE filter powder from Lowes or Home Depot.

[bluebayou]

Yesterday I did as you suggested plus added 24oz of HTH Algae Guard. I rarely use the algae guard, but I am frustrated.

I vacuumed, then checked FC later in day (it was still high), brushed the entire pool (I DID find some green growth on vertical wall in shallow end which is shaded), and then brushed again about 7pm.

The water started to clear about mid afternoon yesterday. This morning it was crystal clear, but I didn't look at the bottom. Today, at 6pm, the water is still crystal clear with fine gray powder (presumably dead algae). BUT, I have the same yellow brown dust in a very thin layer in the shallow end.

I brushed it again. The test strip is still deep purple for FC. I was debating adding more cal hypo shock

its funny that you mention the DE. I was wondering the same thing. the steps into the pool accumulate dust, sand, and the algae. It looks to be blown from the returns mounted in the steps. I don't notice anything around the other returns, but water is a low deeper.

Please tell me that I can add that to the skimmer and not have to crack the filter ope

[PoolDoc]

Yesterday I did as you suggested plus added 24oz of HTH Algae Guard.

I suggested algae guard???? Where did I do that? Algae guard is cheap (well, maybe not, but it should be) foamy algaecide that's not really effective against anything. If I suggested that -- and I'm not seeing it in my posts -- I was having a 'senior moment'!

The purpose of adding DE is first of all, to see if your filter is working properly. If you add DE, and it blows out into the pool, that is pretty much proof that you do, indeed, 'have to crack the filter open' -- an unfortunately painful task on top valve filters.

[bluebayou]

no, you did not suggest the algae guard. I was frustrated and added it. I followed the steps that you suggested, but I ALSO added algae guard.

[Watermom]

NEVER use any algaecide other than 60% Polyquat. So many of them make a foamy mess in your pool that can take a long time to clear up. Besides, algaecide can be a pretty good preventative but once you have algae, don't really help so much.

[PoolDoc]

It just uses up chlorine. It *will* kills some forms of algae, if you add enough. But *enough* = looks like a sink full of dish detergent!

[bluebayou]

I had clear water yesterday and today. Last night I forgot to override the timer and it was off till 100pm this afternoon. The pool is still clear with deep purple on the test strip.

At 300pm, the pool floor was clean. Tonight at 800pm, the pool is accumulating yellow-green dust again. the test strip is still deep purple for FC.

I backwashed the filter even though it was at its normal 18 psi. I the backwash was green and dusty in the sight glass.

I have not purchased any DE. I think that it might be time to open up the filter. There is a leak at the flange clamp. It is leaking water on the backwash and there is a hissing sound when in the filter mode.

Assuming that the filter is 10-15 years old........we have been here 7 years. what is the best course of action at this point?

Add the DE and see if its blowing through or just open up the filter?
Dig out the sand?
Replace the sand? Add more sand? Or just add the DE to the existing?
Pull out the lateral assembly while I have it open?

[PoolDoc]

+ Do NOT open your filter. Do NOT backwash your filter UNLESS there has been a 3 - 5 psi pressure increase.

+ DO get some DE and test your filter immediately!

+ DO get an HTH 6way kit IMMEDIATELY. If you cannot get one, get a local OTO / phenol red it. We *NEED* to be able to test your chlorine at levels above 10 ppm. http://pool9.net/tk-hth6/

+ If you cannot get a 6way, but have to get just an OTO, ORDER a K2006. We *NEED* to know what your CYA level is

+ STOP ignoring our instructions OR I will close this thread. There are other people who we *can* help, because they *are* listening.