Help! 911 - algae showing up

[duraleigh]

I'd shock it. Cl up to around 17ppm in a vinyl pool...higher if your pool is plaster. Unusual that you have no CC's but seeing the algae would be good enough for me.

[sw_stupid]

What about the pH bouncing around? You think it contributed?

[duraleigh]

No. If I had to guess, I would surely guess there was a lack of Cl at some point that allowed it to start.

[sw_stupid]

I'll start shocking tomorrow. How low would you recommend it before I let the kids back in? Thanks again.

Dave to the rescue!!!

[Simmons99]

When the clorine is below 10ppm and the PH is within normal range.

[sw_stupid]

Okay, lost here. I started shocking. Checked it at lunch today using OTO test (in Ben's kit). It went dark yellow with one drop of reagent. So by the time I got the fifth drop in, it was YELLOW. So I diluted it with 4 parts tap water (checked it - no chlorine). Gonna multiply my result by five. Result barely changed from clear. So I did it again with 3 parts tap water. Exact same color. I don't want to have to use all my powder testing all day while I shock. So is there anyway to limit the number of drops it takes to perform the test? Example: put it one drop and then multiply result by five? Just a thought 'cause I'm at a loss here. Pool is still cloudy with no CC. (this is very depressing, just when I thought I was gettin it - guess the pool wanted to remind me how ignorant I am.)

[duraleigh]

You cannot test high Cl levels accurately with that OTO test. You need to get the FAS/DPD test out of your kit and use it. There is no other satisfactory way. The OTO is for testing levels of 5 or less and the dilution method is an inaccurate stop gap, at best. Also, if you are dosing accurately, you have no need to test more than once each day...simply testing for consumption...not to see if you put in enough Cl.