I'm in big trouble - I turned water green

[joecus]

Good morning all, well I kept the filter running all night. The pool water is clear but a green residue has settled on the bottom, mostly in the corners. It's coming up when I vacuum at a unsustainable slow pace. If I move at a normal pace, the dirt (or algae) floats up and clouds that area. I do have the Phantom, but that will kick everything up. Maybe that's the way to go? Any idea what could have happened? Yesterday, all the levels were in the "ok" range, including CL. It looks like plain green algae that settled in the corners. Would that make sense, algae in just the corners? Maybe the sheer amount of Borax, that's when the cloudiness started? Thanks for your help.

[CarlD]

Algae starts first in corners and angles between the walls and the floor--any place where the water doesn't circulate as well (inside drop-in steps is another incubator for algae).

[joecus]

OK, then it's algae. Best way to solve? All my chemicals are in normal range. Should I over shock it? I'm using bleach, is that ok? I will keep filter running of course.

[Watermom]

You should probably go ahead and post current water testing results.

[joecus]

Finally, the pool is clear and the chemicals are stable. I opened the filter and totally cleaned it out and ran the filter. Backwashed about 10 times before I got it clear. I noticed the earth in the filter had a light blue color. I've never had this. Is it related to the copper? I used "copper magnet" which is supposed to make it stable and protect equipment.

[PoolDoc]

Yep, blue is one of copper's colors.

PoolDoc

[Watermom]

Now, time to go swimming and start enjoying the pool instead of only fighting with the pool. (But, YOU won!) Have fun!