Stubborn algae and Frustrated Pool Owner

[PoolDoc]

You are wasting your time adding chemicals until you've removed the leaf and algae piles!

1. Adjust the pH to between 7 & 8 to stop any ongoing damage the pool.
2. Remove ALL of the piles and leaves.
3. Complete the Pool Chart (link below)
4. Test the water properly (kit links below)
5. Do NOT try to mess with chemistry EXCEPT pH till the goop is gone.

Good luck!

Ben

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+ It's much easier to answer your questions, when we have the details about your pool in one place. We often 'waste' the first few posts back and forth collecting information. So, please complete our new Pool Chart form -- it takes about 30 seconds, but will save much more than that.

Pool Chart Entry Form

+ Here are links to the kits we recommend (you can check local availability on the HTH kit, using the Walmart link):

HTH 6-Way Test Kit @ Walmart
Taylor K2006A (3/4 oz bottles) @ Amazon
Taylor K2006C (2 oz bottles) @ Amazon

[Watermom]

And, you are right about the needed P.O.P.P.! (For anyone reading who doesn't know what that means --- Pool Owner Patience and Persistence!

[Thomaso]

Thanks; I have continued to pull debris and vac to waste. I believe I have reached the point of diminishing returns as I can't find "rich" deposits of this stuff anymore. Vac to waste yields little in the skimmer basket. I have ordered the test kit and will provide details of pump and filter ASAP. Back soon.

[PoolDoc]

With a sand filter, using a clarifier can help. Polyquat (info page at PoolSolutions) is BOTH an algaecide and a very effective clarifier, that doesn't have some of the overdosing problems some clarifier only products have. Use it, if you can.

Otherwise, you can buy a clarifier locally; it won't hurt, and it may help. BUT there's a great BIG caution here:
1. Do NOT exceed the recommended dose or frequency . . . EVER.
2. Do NOT use a clarifier if you are thinking about using a flocculant. One or the other; not both.

Some standard clarifiers will actually work in reverse, if you overdose!

[Thomaso]

Thanks; will explore clarifier but I just added flocculant today to see if I could sink some stuff.

I posted my pool details (pump and filter type, etc) to the google docs pool chart. I added an 'n' to my user name by mistake. Hence, you should have a prior entry from thomaso and an entry today from thomason.

[PoolDoc]

I just added flocculant today to see if I could sink some stuff.

No clarifier for you, then, for at least a week.

[Thomaso]

Thank you. What do I do to get bumped to full membership permissions?