Is it okay to add algeacide and metals out at same time?

[22wendylou]

I hope I'm not repeating a question that's already been answered...I've searched all over the sight but haven't found a question like this yet....

I have noticed a couple, and now a few nailhead/dime-sized yellowish-brown spots in the bottom of the deep-end (8 1/2ft) of my AG vinyl pool. I tried to scrub off as hard as I could when vacuuming yesterday and they didn't budge or lessen in color at all.....My first thought was maybe algae but after reading posts here, I'm wondering if it's metal staining especially because my chlorine levels are remaining consistent, which in the past (last summer), were consumed rapidly while struggling with a bout of mustard algae. (My thanks to Pooldoc for all his help clearing that up!) I have been adding hosewater almost daily due to lots of active swimming, lots of wave-making kids causing splash overs.

Ideally I would like to add algaecide and metal out at the same time to either start clearing up both problems if I have both, or to act as maintenance if I don't have one or the other. Before I just go ahead and do this I wanted to find out if the chemical makeup of these two items could cause an unwanted reaction or somehow work against eachother, etc?

Also, since opening, and to present day, I do see a slight greenish tint to the water, however my husband thinks I'm crazy and says the water looks fine...Okay, I'll admit I'm a little overcautious since dealing with mustard algae last summer! But, it does look a little greenish/not the sparkling blue I'm looking for...By the way, since opening the pool in May, I have only used bleach. I did not add any algaecide/metal out....

My readings this morning were: (using Pooldoc's test kit)

FC 3
ph 7.8 I added ph down to lower slightly (hopefully 7.4ish) this morning
Alk 120
CYA 30


If I could also ask....After adding these chemicals, how soon would it be safe to swim? I already have the nessecary supplies and none of them state how long to wait...

I would be thankful for any and all feedback/suggestions...

~Wendy

[waterbear]

try placing a vitamen c tablet on the stain. If it lightens it is metal, if it doesn't it is organic. Don't mix treatments at the same time. that is a good way to get into trouble. IF the stain is metal a seqesterant alone is not going to do the trick. YOu will need to use a stain remover (usually ascorbic acid) and a seqesterant.

[22wendylou]

Thanks for the great tip! I'll try that tomorrow as it's late here in Michigan. (Stanley Cup Finals )

You mention ascorbic acid as a stain remover. Does ph reducer rubbed on a metal stain work in the same way? A post I read while researching suggested this remedy and since I have that on hand, I wondered if that would work.

Once again, I offer thanks for the advice. We newbies find great solace in your knowledge!

~Wendy

[waterbear]

it does but for some reason vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is a better reducing agent.