How long should it take to clear black algae

[joecus]

Yes it is 1 gallon. It's a store brand (pathmark). It does not give the % on the label. I've tried to look up the % on the web without any luck. The directions match Clorox so I'm assuming it's 5.5. I've just ordered an ammonia test kit to see it that's my problem. Just a long shot chance. Last year I did have a major issue with one of the algaecide. The product name was United Chemicals Black Treat 3. It was a very weird problem, after adding this product, whenever I added chlorine, it would turn the water light green. By morning it was back to crystal clear. The water tested positive for metal. I bought a magnet/powder from my local pool store and mixed it with the earth. I did this along with few partial refills and the problem went a way. I'm thinking this may be some sort of residual from that problem. Any thoughts on partial doing partial refills. I have not been able to confirm the algae (smear test) due to me scrubbing it away on Saturday. I cannot see an algae present right now. One thing I have not been doing is running the filter 24/7. I reread the article Watermom put up and they suggested running 24.7 I am going to start doing this today.

[joecus]

I have a new development. I can't believe what going on. As I told you, my kit ran out of r0013. My last reading, two weeks ago, was 70. Last week I was using the strips and it dropped to normal on the strips 30-50. Today, I used the strip and it's showing zero. Now, I really need help. Please let me know what you think. Thanks very much.

[Yeggim]

Stick with the reading you got with the R0013 reagent with the black dot tube. Did you order more R0013 reagent?

[joecus]

Yes I did, today. I also went to Petsmart and bought an ammonia kit, pool measured zero. Here are my latest numbers.
CL = 9
PH = 7.2
I'm going to test first thing in morning. I will re-post then.

[joecus]

Yeggim - The water is crystal clear. I have very good news. My CL levels held very steady over night. Last night, CL=9. This morning it looks like 8 or 9. I feel much better than yesterday with regards to the pool. I was very worried the pool had an ammonia problem. As I said, that test came back negative. My CYA - is unknown due to the fact that I ran out of r0013. The strips have been showing a wide range so I'm sticking with my last "known" CYA of 70. So what is my target now with regards to the CL levels? Thank you for your help. One more thing, I would like to make a donation to the site. How can I do this?

[Watermom]

Thank you, Yeggim for supplying the needed links for this member.

Joecus --- thank you for your interest in making a donation to the Forum. It will be most appreciated!

Glad to hear of the overnight results. That is good news!

[joecus]

Hello all, I'm not sure if this is normal so here is my question. I am no longer using chlorine at night, very steady. During the day, my CL goes from 10 down to .5 or 0. Any thoughts why?

Also, how long do you guys run your filter under normal conditions? Just let me know how many times water should filter and I will do the calculation based on my filter. I appreciate your time, Thank you.

Watermom, My spa is 540 gallons and has a bromine cartridge. Your point still applies. The bromine cartridge are very expensive but I guess I will stick with this system. It works pretty good but I was thinking about saving a few bucks. I've read that you can easily change from CL to BR without any issues, but cannot do BR to CL. I don't understand why, but that seems to be the consensus. So, I'm going to get the ph up to normal levels, stabilizer up to 10, then switch to the bromine. I know this is not your area of expertise but please let me know if my plan sounds plausible.