Pollen or Mustard Algae?

[4KidsSwim]

Thanks - I'll try that while I'm waiting for my order to arrive.

Because I had .5+ CC last evening, I put in bleach to what should have brought it up to 15 (although I didn't go out later and check it). But I started at 8 and added about 2 3/4 gallons for a 23,500 pool.

This morning I have:

10.5 FC
1 CC.
Ph 8 (climbing because so much aerating going on?)
Didn't check Alk but I'm sure its still 150+

I added some muriatic acid - Obviously, I'm not in much danger of my Alk getting too low!

I also put in bleach to bring FC up to 15ppm again - I'll test it at about 2 hours to make sure I made it.

The pool still has layers of very yellow (which is obviously pollent), and more silty brown like it had yesterday. Brushed the pool again.

If this does turn out to be mustard algae (and really - I don't know how to tell) I plan to order Polyquat 60 (I order either from intheswim or waterwarehouse - depending on who has the deal at the time.) I thought I'd start adding a maintenance dose to as a deterrent from this happening again.

Am I on the right track?

[aylad]

It's really hard to tell the difference between the pollen and mustard algae....after pollen has been in the pool for awhile it tends to turn brownish, so what you have in the second layer may just be pollen that's been there a few days. The best way to tell if your chlorine is holding is to measure your chlorine in the evening after the sun is off the pool, then measure it again in the morning before the sun hits it--that way any chlorine loss is due to organics and not sun exposure.

the pollen around here is horrific this year, too--increased filter time will help.

Janet

[4KidsSwim]

Thanks -

I'm losing almost 5ppm FC overnight, redosed this morning, and I lost 6ppm during the day (I was gone) so I have to assume mustard algae. I added more bleach tonight and will check in two hours to make sure it is up to over 15 before I go to bed. I'm finally getting a CC reading <.5, which is some indication of success I suppose.

Since my CYA is around 25, I'll keep my FC at 15 until it holds on its own. I really want to up my stabilizer to 40 to combat our hot sunny summer days here, but I won't until I get this taken care of.

I guess I'll just keep doing the "Pool Forum Algae Removal Formula"...

but first I think I'll buy stock in the manufacturer of WalMart bleach.

Lisa

[shadowman]

As a fellow northwesterner, I sympathize with anyone who gets mustard algae. Our seasons are short enough without dealing with that. Last year was the first time I had to deal with it and it was murder. Because my CYA was so high from using trichlor (no more), I had to shock at very high levels to get rid of it. I was taught, on this forum, that the only way to get rid of it was super-shocking. Polyquat is a good preventative but nothing kills it but chlorine.

Watemom, I have ignored this forum all winter (shame on me) so I just learned of your struggles. Please add my thoughts and prayers to the many that have been offered. You will beat this!!!!