How long should it take to clear black algae

[PoolDoc]

-- Momentarily camping out in the cabin owner's office --

I did miss the liner bit; if it is black algae, you can eradicate it from a liner pool. But . . . you must get all of it, and you should try the "shmear' test Watermom described to verify that that's what you actually have. In liner pools, plasticizer bleeding can look like black algae, but algaecides won't help at all.

Ben

[joecus]

OK, I will do that. Any other suggestions, ph? Something is burning a lot of chlorine. What, other than algae, can do this? Should I switch back to tablets? Like I said, I'm using gallons and gallons of bleach. Thanks for your help.

[Watermom]

Don't switch back to tablets. They have CYA in them and you do not want that any higher. If you can find someplace that sells liquid chlorine at a higher concentration, that would be fewer jugs to contend with. (Some places sell 10 or 12.5% sodium hypochlorite. Bleach is 6% sodium hypochlorite.)

I'm not sure what your question is about pH. Yours is fine at 7.6.

Stay the course. Test and add bleach every few hours if you can. No such thing as too often when fighting algae. Report results from the "smear" test.

[joecus]

Thanks, I will continue to add the bleach. I am really at a loss. Is there anything other than an algae that could cause this?

[Watermom]

High ammonia from something that was added to the pool or from the biodegradation of CYA over the winter, neither of which apply to your situation. I know it is frustrating, but keep adding bleach.

[joecus]

Today, is sunny and I'm back to adding tons of bleach. My test kit is the Taylor one recommended here. I do want to switch to a higher bleach content. Is there any online store you use to order 10 or 12%? Also, please explain how much of the 32oz would = 128oz of the 5.5. It sounds like two quarts = 1 gallon but not sure. As far as the inconvenience 0f gallons, it's not a big deal. It's actually funny the comments I get from the cashier when they see me buying all their bleach. I pay $1.47 per gallon. How does compare to your price?

[Yeggim]

Today, is sunny and I'm back to adding tons of bleach. My test kit is the Taylor one recommended here. I do want to switch to a higher bleach content. Is there any online store you use to order 10 or 12%? Also, please explain how much of the 32oz would = 128oz of the 5.5. It sounds like two quarts = 1 gallon but not sure. As far as the inconvenience 0f gallons, it's not a big deal. It's actually funny the comments I get from the cashier when they see me buying all their bleach. I pay $1.47 per gallon. How does compare to your price?

Shipping costs would negate any savings over your current price, which is actually very good if it's 6%. A 5 gallon container of 12.5% weighs 40+ pounds. Is your bleach marked 5.5%? Even at 5.5%, a $1.47 a gallon is good. Are you sure it's a gallon? I don't see gallon jugs around here anymore. They're either 96 oz jugs or the 182 oz jugs.