New User Getting Butt Kicked By Algae

[TCP007]

Thanks, Dave.

I understand you don't know who I am, but being a pupil in this field, one cannot decipher what is good or bad intel. I'm sure you can appreciate and remember what it feels to not have all the answers? It most assuredly is not a good idea to not seek answers, which is all I'm trying to do.

I appreciate knowing you feel this site is the Mecca of all things "pool" related! I will be happy to stop asking questions asap!!

[TCP007]

WM: Part of what I do for a living is tech-related. No, I was not offended and I realize you can't keep track of every sentence that a person writes. This type of medium is chock-full of information gaps, and I completely understand it isn't perfect. I don't envy what you do here at all (understatement!) but I really do appreciate that you do it. I believe this site is a GREAT source of information, thanks to people like you.

[Watermom]

Thanks!

Hope we are able to help you get things straightened out. I think you are on the right track. Let us know if you have further questions and we'll be happy to try and help.

[TCP007]

I'm glad I checked into this site, and I do think I'm on the right track. Thank you!

I have been buying product from In The Swim. If we aren't supposed to post pool vendors' names/stores, please delete and accept my apology.

I buy granular chlorine from them (di-chlor) and 1" tabs for my floater (tri-chlor), as well as opening and closing kits. I'm looking at their stabilizer/conditioner right now. If you have a different recommendation for conditioner, please let me know? Thanks!

[BigDave]

Have I offended you? I didn't mean to and am sorry if I have. Maybe I'm having a grumpy day. I promise you I don't have all the answers, sorry for sounding that way.

I don't really feel that this site is a "Mecca" but I do know the information presented here is carefully considered and reviewed. We occasionally see posts that are technically wrong but they are almost always challenged. That's kinda what my response to your muriatic acid post was. I wanted to help you get it straight but also set the conversation right in the thread for someone who reads it in the future.

Please do ask questions. We want you to learn to keep your pool clean and safe with the least time and expense.

[TCP007]

I think my dilemma now is trying to figure out what my FC level should be, while I attempt to raise my CYA levels.

I just found a chart that has recommendations (originally from Ben Powell, no less!). For a CYA of 20 the target FC is 3. My CYA is most-likely lower than 20 and my FC was 12.5 as of last night, so I think I'll follow WM's and Dave's advice and hold off on the Di-Chlor (for now) and buy conditioner. With some luck, maybe my FC will start to drop in conjunction with my CYA improving.

I'm going to continue testing the TA levels, but plan to worry less about that as Watermom has suggested. (at least until I get CYA figured out)

My in-ground, gunite pool has direct sunshine practically all day long, so what is a good target CYA? I'm going to target at least 40 unless someone here advises differently. According to the chart, I'll try to maintain my FC between 3 and 5.

That's my plan going forward, pending moderation from the pro's here.

[CarlD]

Maybe it will help to think of those FC levels as minimums for the CYA levels. With a vinyl pool, going significantly past the shocking level MAY. bleach your liner some, but won't harm a hard-sided pool at all.

[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!