algae or sand ?

[minermom]

I wanted to post a picture, but I'm not sure how...
Anyway, does anyone have any ideas on whether what I have is sand or algae.
It appears overnight, even a few hours after vaccumming. It is brown in color and could be sand, but it seems disapate if you touch it. I have added polyquat, so would it still be algae? My chlorine levels are good also.
Thanks
Kerrie

[aylad]

Could be either one, need more information. Is it gritty or slimy to feel? When you rub it between your fingers does it smear? Have you had a recent algae bloom? What is your CYA level and your chlorine level? Is it on the sides or just the bottom of the pool? Do you have a sand filter? Is there any other way that sand or dirt would have been introduced into the pool? Have you tried shocking the pool to see if it makes any difference?

Janet