Pink "Stuff"

[Watermom]

I wouldn't use any more cal-hypo. Your CH is getting too high. Just use bleach. (Plain, unscented generic Walmart 8.25% bleach is fine.)

If one scoop of the DPD powder turns the sample pink, no need to use a second scoop. Also, to make your testing reagents last longer, just use a 10mL sample of water and multiply the drop count by 0.5 instead of 0.2. Especially since you are going to have to run such high chlorine levels, you're going to go through the reagents fast. You can also use a 5mL sample, and multiply the drop count by 1. That would make them last even longer.

[djg9100]

Thanks for all the info. Would it be best to drain off some water to lower the CYA to 30-60 as per the pool builder instructions. Their initial instructions state that "adjustment to alkalinity or partial drainage of pool may be required should stabilizer exceed 60." Tonight's test results: CYA 125, FC 5.0, CC .04, PH 7.4, TA 150, CH 450 with a saturation index of .40. If it matters, the pool is 18 yrs old and it is time to redo the marcite. A friend of mine who has maintained pools for decades at his motels, said he paints them instead of re-plaster. Any thoughts on this.

Thanks again for your help.

[PoolDoc]

Lowering the CYA won't help you get rid of the pink algae; you'll still have to run 20+% chlorine level, just readjusted to whatever the new CYA level is.

Lowering phosphates (<0.100 ppm) and raising borates (>60 ppm) will probably help you get rid of the pink algae, and will definitely make it easier to avoid other forms of algae (green, mustard, black). Given that porous marcite is particularly prone to both mustard and black algae, that might be good idea.

Painting? I wouldn't if you can wait for the marcite. Ask your friend how often he repaints pools . . . and make sure you want to get on that treadmill before you do so. Keep in mind that painting makes resurfacing considerably more difficult, since every trace of the paint has to be removed.

[djg9100]

I Apologize for my ignorance but what is this about "borates". How do I test and what is used to adjust? First time I have heard about this. What causes the CYA to get so high, the tablets [trichor-triaz..] or the Power Powder Pro [Cal-hypo-73%]. Thanks again.

[PoolDoc]

Trichlor adds about 6 ppm of CYA for every 10 ppm of chlorine. Cal hypo does NOT add CYA, but does add calcium.

Fill out the form here, and I'll try to work up a plan for you: http://pool9.net/pf-equip-form

You'll need the thread number -- it's 24873

[djg9100]

Form done.

[djg9100]

Yes, great idea. I really don't want to have the high chlorine and based on my other posts it seems like I need to take out some water and replace.