New User Getting Butt Kicked By Algae

[TCP007]

Thanks, Carl!

The instructions with the kit say to add 2 scoops of the powder. Wish I had known you only need to add enough powder to turn the sample pink/red. That must be why my FC reading was so high (?) so I will re-test this evening for sure.

I ran the CYA test properly with the correct measurements of pool water / reagent. I actually ended up filling my small comparator to the brim and the dot was still quite visible. Since the cylinder's lowest registered reading is 30ppm, I can only assume mine must be close to zero. This is not a surprise as I have known all along that my CYA is/was quite low, and definitely below 30. I didn't add it back to the sample bottle (squeeze bottle) but will keep that in mind for future tests. I know the sample is supposed to be somewhat "cloudy" after adding the reagent. It was quite obvious that my sample was not visibly cloudy.

My pool water is crystal clear now and has been since Friday. I will retest my chlorine this evening and post. Can someone tell me a good FC level at which to start adding Di-Chlor again? I have already re-supplied my floater with Tri-Chlor, which is slow dissolving.

[Watermom]

With a low CYA like you have, I'd probably wait until my FC was at 3-4 before adding more dichlor.

[CarlD]

I have to disagree with Watermom here (a rate occurrence) and say start using the di-chlor immediately as it will add nearly as much CYA as chlorine, and you need CYA.

Unless I missed something ....

[Watermom]

He last reported FC of 22.5ppm.

[TCP007]

New readings:

FC = 12.5
CC = .5
PH = 7
TA = 150
CH = 170
CYA = N/A

Chlorine results are more accurate this time. 1 scoop powder made a big difference, imo.
CYA: Same results. Small comparator was completely filled and I could still see the dot. I need to get that resolved.
pH is lower now. I tested it twice to be sure. I was surprised that it dropped that much in just a couple days.

Is it okay to start adding Di-Chlor, and will that also help to bring my pH up a little? I know it will help with CYA.

My pool is old, gunite. It has a bottom drain in diving end and 1 skimmer (in corner of deep end), and 2 returns that are both on the opposite wall (in the shallow end) right near the base of the wall. They don't have nozzles or any means of directing the water. I have no means of aeration to help raise pH, aside from keeping kids in there splashing around. Other aeration ideas are welcome!

Thanks everyone for your responses.

[Watermom]

Dichlor is acidic and will lower your pH. Plus, your FC is still too high to add more chlorine right now. Hold off on the dichlor until your FC drops to 3-4ppm.

Personally, since you don't have high pH nor high CH, I wouldn't worry about the TA. It's not all that high really. Go ahead and just add a little 20 Mule Team Borax (laundry aisle at Walmart) and use that to bring your pH up some. Start with a half a box added slowly to the skimmer while the pump is running, breaking up any clumps. Aim for mid 7s on pH.

[TCP007]

Thanks Watermom. I think we hit that "breakthrough" point with the super-chlorination I did last Thursday night. I've been reading that a non-existent CYA level like mine is an open door invitation for algae. We had a pretty good rain today, so I believe that contributed to the pH dropping. Rain also seems to invite algae. I did throw some algaecide in yesterday, so I hope that will do something even with the low CYA.

I will hold off on adding more chlorine and keep testing the chlorine levels. I'm hoping to be accepted to the site soon so I can read other posts, too. Thanks again!

[CarlD]

He last reported FC of 22.5ppm.

So, I guess I did miss something. Don't know why I thought the FC was 0.......

[Watermom]

Aiming for a CYA of 40 sounds just fine. If you find that you are having trouble keeping chlorine in the pool, you can always bump it up some. Increasing CYA is no problem, reducing it is a whole other matter.

[TCP007]

Tested again this evening after adding Borax this afternoon:

FC = 10.5 (getting lower)
CC = .5 (same)
PH = 7.4 (thanks WM)
TA = 170 (a little higher than last night)
CH = 170 (same)

Dave: All is good. Just wanted to explain my desire to throw info at the wall, and see what sticks and what doesn't. I feel confident that this is the right board to separate fact from fiction, so please... keep it coming, and thank you.

Thanks for offering the suggestion of Borax, WM. I believe that is what pushed our pH back to good, and much more economical than buying pH plus products!

I ordered 25lbs of conditioner today (cyanuric); It should be here tomorrow. Anxious to see if I can get this balancing act figured out before it's time to close the pool.

Thanks for your patience with me. You're probably wishing I never found poolforum.com! Haha!