Just Embarking on the BBB Method - Help Needed

[CoffeeBean]

Hi,

I took the cover off our 16,000+ gal AG last weekend and discovered sludge. I posted a few days ago on the Algae thread and am now getting that under control after dumping 9 gal of bleach into the pool.

My test #s (Ben's 233) on the 7th showed zero CL at all, a pH of 7.2, ALK - 80, CAL 120, CYA -also zero. Then the bleach dump.

Today I got:

FC - 11.5
CC - 0
TC - 11.5
pH 6.8!
Alk - 80
Cya - 0

I know I need to add 20 Mule team. I saw on another thread (from CarlD) to add a whole box and wait 6 hours and test again but what then? How much to add in increments to raise the pH .2?

Do I need to add any CYA at this point or just wait for the CL to start dropping?

I'm vacuuming out the dead algae bodies but the sides of the vinyl are still green/brown all the way down to the bottom. What can I do to get rid of that? I tried a scrubbee from the deck and it doesn't remove much. It was that way before I added the bleach.

Thanks for the help.

CoffeeBean

[JohnT]

Be sure that your pH test is valid at that chlorine level before adding anything. Some don't give accurate readings at higher levels of chlorine.

[CoffeeBean]

Humm. If I'm using Ben's kit why wouldn't it be valid?

C-Bean

[CToon]

Hi Coffeebean

I would use a brush to knock off all of the algea and wait for it to settle before vaccuming ( a soft bristle push broom works too ) . I have good results keeping the ALK in the 100-120 range , so I would say put some baking soda in first to get the alk up. It will raise the ph slightly too , so you might not need as much borax.

I dont have a link for it , but Mwsmiths bleach calculator is awesome. you can use it to figure out quantities of everything..

Lastly , the cya can be adjusted after everything else is in order.. the bleach calculator will tell you how much to use.

[CoffeeBean]

Thanks for your advice. Unfortunately I've tried brushing it off and it's not coming off. Hopefully when I get the pH balanced that might help?

I looked at Michael's formula but it asks for liters (I guess since it has an L) not gal and it want's to know another fact that I can't remember at the moment that I never seem to know either.

If I'm using the BBB method, where do I get the CYA? At a pool store? And do I ask for cyanuric acid or some brand name?

Thanks.

CoffeeBean

[tundraSQ]

Thanks for your advice. Unfortunately I've tried brushing it off and it's not coming off. Hopefully when I get the pH balanced that might help?

I looked at Michael's formula but it asks for liters (I guess since it has an L) not gal and it want's to know another fact that I can't remember at the moment that I never seem to know either.

If I'm using the BBB method, where do I get the CYA? At a pool store? And do I ask for cyanuric acid or some brand name?

Thanks.

CoffeeBean

ask for stabilizer (so as not to confuse the counter person)...but read the label to make sure it contains CYA. you wil want to start with 3 lbs.

[CToon]

To change from liter to gallon on the Bleach Calculator , click on settings, plug in default volume and bleach value, click imperial, save and close

[mbar]

The stains that are there are probably from the algae and are organic. As your water circulates with the high chlorine the stains should fade. If they don't, let us know.

[sevver]

To change from liter to gallon on the Bleach Calculator , click on settings, plug in default volume and bleach value, click imperial, save and close

Thank god! I have been googling conversions for everything, and was about to look for a measuring cup in metric.

[CoffeeBean]

Thanks for the hints for using the bleach calc in gallons!

Today the water is sparkling clear!! but the walls are still green/brown.

About an hour ago my #s were:

FC - 4.5 (down from 11.5 yesterday. Wow, it goes fast!)
CC - 0
TC - 4.5
pH - 7.5 (up from 6.8 yesterday after adding 4#, 76 oz of 20 Mule Team)
ALK - 90 (up from 80 yesterday)
Cal - 140 (up from 120 on 6/7)

I know I need stabilizer. Tundra you said start with 3 #s. That still right?

Should I put that in before adding more Chlorine or after?

You guys are life savers - or at least sanity savers.

CoffeeBean