Chlorine Lock ?

[PoolDoc]

Argh. I am SO not loving the transition from computers to tablets and phones! In so many ways, it's a technological step backwards, with smaller screens, worse keyboards, 'helper' apps that have unpredictable effects on data (and form!) entry, and so on.

I'm actually going to have drag out old pages from PoolSolutions, because they were better optimized for the smaller screen sizes typical of phones and tablets.

Personally, I have a 1920 x 1080 screen on both my desktop and my iPad . . . but naturally, the iPad is less than 1/4 as usable as the desktop. Of course, it IS easier to carry around.

Ok. Done whining for now.

[mjsboone]

I'm sure it is a challenge to keep up with tech advances which constantly set you back with changes. I am technologically challenged myself and depend on my 21 year old brainiac son to keep me on track! Back to my water... how much higher FC? I am trying to get it to that 25ppm and hold. Not there yet. Seems to go back to 21-22 FC over night and then again at dusk. Keep adding appropriate dose of bleach to get it to 25. Should that eventually take care of the mustard algae if I am diligent in vaccing to waste and brushing? I'm sorry I am so full of questions everyday...

[PoolDoc]

No problem with the questions.

Chlorine => 25% of your CYA => ~35 ppm or HIGHER!

The other option is to use phosphate remover. Mustard algae is VERY chlorine resistant. I'd recommend first trying 35 ppm + daily brushing, and see if you can eradicate it that way. It's much easier to remove mustard algae from vinyl pools than other types. Do NOT use any of the mustard algae products -- they ALL have horrendous side effects. Don't bother with polyquat; it's not very effective against mustard algae.

If you want, you can try borates. Raising your borate level to 60 ppm improves the aesthetics of the pool water somewhat, and helps with green algae. It may help with mustard algae somewhat, AND it will help with winter maintenance. If you want to pursue that, you'll need 22 boxes of 20 Mule Team borax and about 6 gallons of PLAIN 31% muriatic acid, like the Crown Muriatic at Lowes

The remaining option is using a phosphate remover, but doing so successfully requires a definite plan and consistent efforts on your part. Simply adding phosphate remover without a plan and without accurate phosphate testing is likely to be nothing but a waste of money.

[mjsboone]

Good morning! I am remaining diligent in getting my pool balanced! I have entered additional pool history logs and am hopeful that I am almost there. Have not noticed algae in the past few days so have not addressed that possibility of mustard algae. The pool was used last night and stirred up really well-very clear this morning. Finally got the FC up over 25 ppm (actually 27.5) this morning. I have not been able to hold or not go down by 1ppm overnight so far. CC is where it should and has held at 0.5 for the past 5 testings. Pool is clear. I have not met the 3 criteria that Watermom advised I should meet before I start letting the FC slowly go down and hold between 8-15ppm. Looking forward to rain all weekend-ugh. Pool water temp. is 88°.

[FormerBromineUser]

How's it going?

[mjsboone]

I have not been able to hold the water at FC 25ppm for overnight. That's where I'm at. I have met 2 of the 3 criteria that Watermom told me to achieve. Hold FC at shock level of 25ppm, CC less than 1 (which I have achieved!) and the water is clear (which is beautifully clear). The FC seems to go down over night by 1-2 ppm. I add more bleach to bring it up and I think I'm ok, then test again in the morning and down it goes. It has been a little frustrating. We have been vacuuming to waste and adding water when needed. Not sure what else to do...

[CarlD]

It's only dropping from FC=25 to FC=23 or 24 overnight? Then you are good as gold! If it dropped to FC=10 then you'd still be fighting. But down 1-2ppm from 25? Not to worry!

[FormerBromineUser]

.
Carl: You are my absolute favorite storyteller on the Pool Forum (!!!) and have been SO much help to me with my pool!

I just had time to reread this whole thread and I noticed these responses (posts 96-100) from PoolDoc and wondered if you caught them.

Ok, you're reporting what sounds like mustard algae -- so you'll need even higher levels of chlorine.

... ~35 ppm or HIGHER!

Mjsboone has been aiming for a shock level of 25ppm. Do you think he's still good to go to maintenance?

[mjsboone]

That is correct. PoolDoc wrote that what I was describing sounded like mustard algae. We have vacced to waste 2 times and have not tried to get the FC 35ppm as we were afraid we could not use the pool and here in SC, we use our pool! My husband said tonight he noticed that he thought there was a slight powdery substance on bottom-not over entire bottom, but enough that if he swiped his foot, he saw greenish stuff that just disappeared. The pool remains very clear. If I could get a few days that I knew we would not be using the pool, should I bump it up to 35ppm? For how long?

[Watermom]

Yes. Take it on up. Mustard algae is tough to eradicate.