Green Algae in IG Pool

[Watermom]

Without any cya in there, your cl level is going to fall back down pretty quickly anyways. Go ahead and add some tomorrow. Add it to the skimmer while the pump is running and then wait a week or so to allow it plenty of time to dissolve in the filter before you retest for it, add more or backwash. Shoot for a reading of about 30. 30-40 is a good level for most people. For the next few days until your cya starts showing up in the water, you'll have to watch your cl level pretty closely to make sure you keep a cl reading. Don't want green water again.

Watermom

[Blackston]

Ok...I have had a pool for 3 years now. Basically been on my own on learning how to regulate it. I have been told that a saltwater system is so easy, yet each year I have algae. This year is no different. Uncovered the pool and there is the nice green color of the pool. What should my next step be? Should I get the chemicals set at the correct setting or just backwash and suck the crap out for the next couple of days? Currently I have the system set on super chlorinate in an attempt to kill the algae. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[PatL34]

Ok...I have had a pool for 3 years now. Basically been on my own on learning how to regulate it. I have been told that a saltwater system is so easy, yet each year I have algae. This year is no different. Uncovered the pool and there is the nice green color of the pool. What should my next step be? Should I get the chemicals set at the correct setting or just backwash and suck the crap out for the next couple of days? Currently I have the system set on super chlorinate in an attempt to kill the algae. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Welcome to the forum.

First of all you need to remove all debris, leaves, etc. from the pool manually before you start circulation.

Empty your pool pump basket, and reseal the O-ring with Magic-Lube.

Start the circulation using the skimmers only. You need to shut down the SWG as you are wasting cell life trying to clean up your algae.

Start vacuuming to waste the stuff at the bottom of the pool. Refill with softened water if possible. You will have to shut down frequently to clean the pump basket, and probably backwash the filter.

Start adding regular bleach to bring up the chlorine level up to 15 ppm, and maintain it until the algae has diminished and the chlorine level starts to rise. With a vinyl liner don't go higher than 15 ppm or you can start to bleach the liner. You will have to vacuum as well, as the dead algae settles on the bottom.

If the water is cloudy, shut the circulation off, but continue to add chlorine round the edges. This should help the dead algae to settle making it easier to vacuum.

Back off on the bleach, start adding CYA, Muriatic acid, Baking Soda, and Borax as necessary to bring the pool chemistry in line.

Once the chemitry is in line, backwash the filter once more, and then start the SWG at the setting you normally use and monitor the system daily for a week.

Post your Water analysis so we can be more definitive in our advice.

Hope this helps.

Pat