having possible mustard algae problem 3 weeks now

[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.

[bluebayou]

I am sorry if I offended you. I made a mistake adding the algaecide and I accept that. Otherwise, I just considered my posts as "thinking out loud".

No one has a 6 way kit locally. I have a OTO/Phenol kit and the reading today is shown below.

I do not understand whether you prefer the HTH 6way over the K2006. I will have to order one either way. I will order what you recommend.

[Watermom]

Definitely prefer the K2006! Can order it through this link: http://pool9.net/tk/

Another link that may be helpful shows shows you how to interpret OTO readings that are off the scale: http://pool9.net/oto-chart/

[bluebayou]

I got the DE and added one cup mixed with pool water into a skimmer. There was not a visible result from any of the returns.

The FC is at 5 according to the OTO kit.

The k2006 kit is scheduled to arrive on Monday.

Today the pool has a very fine film of rust colored dust around the returns (maybe 3-4 feet around). Otherwise, the pool floor is starting to accumulate the powdery looking algae. It always starts accumulating wherever there are wrinkles in the liner or at the angles where the inclines meet.