Dealing with black algae (Part 1 of 2)

[chem geek]

I forgot to mention this earlier, but there is another option that may work for you regarding black algae (or any algae, for that matter) and that is to use a phosphate remover. It's a last resort, is expensive if you've got high phosphate levels or regularly introduced phosphates, but it does work. In some ways you can see this as an alternative to the weekly PolyQuat 60 (and the Borates, though those are just added once and inexpensively maintained), but could let you have lower chlorine levels. By the way, for the heck of it I bought a Taylor phosphate test kit and found that my fill water is more than 500 ppb in phosphates and my pool is well over 1000 -- I estimate between 2000 and 3000 ppb if not more. I'm able to maintain my pool with chlorine alone with no algae (except some green algae inside the skimmer above the water line, but never in the pool itself).

Richard

[smallpooldad]

Chem Geek,

You might be on to something here about "Phosphate Remover".

A little while ago I did add phosphate remover and as I still had such a large bottle of it left I have been using a small dose of it once a week. It seems to help the ORP stay higher and more consistent. Some say because it is dirtying the filter.

I did not want to add that to my post as many persons feel that it is a "Snake Oil" remedy, which indeed it might still be. I too am beginning, however, to have a sneaking suspicion that it might actually be helpful, even though my original levels were far lower than yours on the test being over 200 but under 500.

Maybe we could get on the front page of the "Phosphate Remover Monthly" as originally skeptical converts. I'll call my agent about royalties, 50-50 ok with you?

Seriously I think that maybe something in it is not liked by what little black algae remains secretly hiding out in my pool and that is why the ORP is better and more consistent, although I feel the HOCL above 0.075 is the most beneficial treatment.

Like you I have green algae at the skimmer above the waterline but it is not a problem. Maybe we could invent "Skimmer Algae Remover" and retire!

[CarlD]

SmallPoolDad:

Wonderful exposition! I learned a lot--and clearly your "Black Algae" is not the same species we see in the North Eastern states.

I learned:
1) Don't buy an old pool!
2) If you do, have wire brushes.
3) Don't keep a pool in Hawaii unless you want a lot of work--and if you do, make it vinyl!
4) Hawaiians are just like everyone else--they breed their share of bigots just like the rest of us.

[smallpooldad]

Carl D,

Firstly thank you.

In response by item:

1) True, but as they get older at $8,500 in Honolulu a resurface it is hard for retirees on a fixed income. If one does get it done in Honolulu hire a good concrete engineer ensuring he is on-site to make sure the prep-work is carried out properly, the Portland cement's slump is correct (not too much water), good synthetic additives are used including artificial fibers to strengthen the mix, and then cured properly. No marble chips here.

2) Yes wire brushes are second only to chop sticks. They are even more important than having a cute little Thai or Korean girlfriend for us PoolForum aficionados; well maybe!

3) True, I think that vinyl replacements if purchased locally will cost nearly as much. But buying them from the mainland now that's an idea worth reviewing.

4) Yup, but having lived all over the mainland I think that this is better here. It is good to be in the minority it gives one a better understanding of others plight. And where in the world can you find 300+ lb guys (and girls) with muscles the size of SUV tires, tattoos all over, opening doors for you and saying "No you go first, you only got a few items" That's why I love it here. It isn’t just the cute Thai and Korean girls that make it a pleasure to live here. I swear on my black algae.

Aloha