In the past I have been a firm believer in the PoolForum, have used it often and have been a contributor. Previously I was using a BBB method and did not have problems. However, I have recently had a salt system installed as I was going to be away on vacation for some time and did not want my helpful neighbor to be in charge of adding bleach everyday.

Since the installation of the salt system, I have had a problem with keeping green algae out of my pool. The IntellChlor salt system is set at 40% and my chlorine levels maintain themselves at about 7.0. I have tried the next lower setting, i.e.. 20% and the chlorine levels drop to about 2.8. The other problem that I seem to be facing is that my pH often tends to go up faster than it once did. I have adjusted with muriatic acid based on the pool calculator website but it continues to trend up faster than I would think it should. Unfortunately, I do not have a test kit for how much salt is in the pool ..... all I know is that 13 bags were added for start up about 2 months ago.

My particulars are as follows:

I live in southwest Georgia
25,000 gal pool, vinyl liner
well water fed
reading as of today, pH 7.7, FC 7.0, ALK 80
salt system on 40%

My pool is located with several trees nearby, I continue to clean out leaves, sticks, bugs and frogs from my skimmer and the polaris bag at least once every 3 days or so.

When using the BBB method, I had no problems with algae unless I didn't tend to adding bleach regularly. I had thought the salt system would provide for that regular addition of chlorine without the work for me.

Does anyone have a suggestion on how to get this pool to maintain itself free of algae for at least a week without me having to watch it everyday.

Jim K.
Leesburg, GA