New User Getting Butt Kicked By Algae

[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!

[Watermom]

It is chlorine levels and not CYA levels that allow algae to grow. Also, the reason that rain appears to invite algae is because people typically don't check their chemistry as diligently when it rains. Bottom line is --- if you have adequate chlorine, you don't get algae despite rain or what your CYA level is.

What kind of algaecide did you add?

You can read other posts. If you log out first, you'll be able to see the entire forum. We had hoped to get caught up this week with getting all the new registrants processed that have come on board lately but with the passing of Ben's dad on Sunday, it is going to be a little longer until we are able to do so, unfortunately. Hope you understand.

We are glad to have you join us, however!

[CarlD]

It is chlorine levels and not CYA levels that allow algae to grow. Also, the reason that rain appears to invite algae is because people typically don't check their chemistry as diligently when it rains. Bottom line is --- if you have adequate chlorine, you don't get algae despite rain or what your CYA level is.

To be very precise, what WM means by "adequate chlorine" is the appropriate chlorine level for your CYA level, whatever that CYA level is, will keep you from getting algae.

[TCP007]

And that's what brought me here really. I need to get my CYA up. It is so low I can't measure it, and my chlorine gets used up too fast.

I added some pH Increaser last night (less than a pound; it was all I had) and that helped to bring pH up to around 7.2 I have asked my wife to pickup some Borax today, as WM suggested, so we'll give that a whirl this evening and see if that helps us get closer to 7.4

Do you folks NOT recommend using Muriatic Acid to raise CYA? I checked an online pool calculator the recommends 3 gallons of muriatic OR a little over 7 lbs of dry acid. I also read that muriatic acid won't bring my pH down like dry acid (?)

[Watermom]

No, we do not use muriatic acid to raise CYA. You either need to use a type of stabilized chlorine that has CYA in it such as trichlor or dichlor or just buy some CYA separately and add it directly. Adding it directly or using dichlor is the fastest way to add it. Trichlor is slower.

Do you already have any trichlor or dichlor on hand?

[BigDave]

Do you folks NOT recommend using Muriatic Acid to raise CYA?

No, no we don't. It doesn't. CYA (aka conditioner and stabilizer) does as does trichlor and dichlor.

I checked an online pool calculator the recommends 3 gallons of muriatic OR a little over 7 lbs of dry acid.

I would burn that link and never ever ever use it again. Your pH is already low.

I also read that muriatic acid won't bring my pH down like dry acid (?)

Nope! muriatic acid (HCl) lowers pH and nothing else.

It's probably not a good idea to mix our advice with whatever you read wherever else.