Need help w/test results

[aylad]

The algae is probably what broke the CYA down...that tends to happen when there is a bad outbreak. For now, get the chlorine up to 12-15, and keep it there by retesting and adding more 2-3 times daily until the water goes to blue/cloudy. While you're doing this, keep the pump running 24/7 and brush the pool at least daily. When the water goes to blue/cloudy, continue to run the pump to get the dead algae filtered out (this may take several days), but watch the pressure on your filter and rinse cartridges as needed. After the algae is cleared up, then add your CYA.

Janet

[The Mermaid]

OK, thank you very much. I thought that's what I should be doing, but have never had algae before (thanks to BBB) and just wanted to make sure.

[duraleigh]

Mermaid,

Simultaneously with Janet's advice, I would get your pH down around 7.2 - 7.5. You'll need muriatic acid to do that. Start with a quart and retest in an hour or so (pump running). You'll probably need a second quart.

[The Mermaid]

Duraleigh,

I've got some tri-chlor pucks dissolving in there now (for the stabilizer). I know it will take them a few days to completely break down, but they always lower my pH and raise cya. I was trying to avoid lowering pH now, then having to raise it again after the pucks dissolve. Do you think the pH is really that urgent right now? I honestly have no idea. What sort of bad stuff does high pH do? Does it happen quickly?

Melissa

[The Mermaid]

Oh and also.... I was trying not to add acid and chlorine at the same time b/c of poisoneous fumes. It seems I'm adding chlorine VERY frequently right now, so if you still recommend acid for pH, how much of a time lapse should there be in between chlorine dose and acid for safety purposes?

[duraleigh]

Adding acid and chlorine one right after the other will produce no adverse result.

Get your pH down now and your Cl will be noticeably more effective.

Do you think the pH is really that urgent right now?

Yes. Lowing pH with pucks is a little too slow for what you need to do. Leave the pucks in there if you like but you need to get your pH in a range you can test. You don't know how high it is.

[The Mermaid]

OK, thanks a bunch!!! I went ahead and added some acid last night and this morning pH tested at 7.2. I'm still maintaining FC at shock levels although the water is no longer green. It looks blue now but still a bit cloudy. I expect it will take a little time to filter out all the small stuff. I'm just going to continue to maintain FC and brush frequently and rinse out filter when pressure goes up a bit.

Do you think the pucks will eventually raise my cya up to an acceptable range? Or should I do something more aggressive? Is there a liquid stabilizer that I can add?