*SIGH* Looks Like I Have da' Mustard

[PoolDoc]

You'll definitely want to use small doses of the PO4 remover each time you add water. It doesn't take much phosphate in the water to be 'enough' for the algae to live on. I suspect that the Kem-Tek product may be rather slower acting, which would explain why it doesn't cloud the water so badly.

Your pool is about 400 gallons per inch; a reasonable PO4 remover dose would be 2 tablespoons each time you add an inch of water.

Your calcium is fairly high; use borax rather if you need to raise the pH, to avoid adding carbonates.

And . . . tell me what the water looks like? And whether all traces of algae are gone.

One other thing -- lots of people end up asking about vacations 3 - 4 days before they go. Don't do that -- plan now. I'd recommend having 4 quarts of polyquat on hand. If you add a quart when you leave, and have a neighbor pour a quart in 1/2 way through AND you keep your phosphates low, you should have an excellent chance of returning to a clear pool.

[Tom.B]

Water looks fine with no signs of algae... now.

I know my CA is high, but my pH seems to stay pretty stable. I just used baking soda to raise my TA from 70 to 90 a few days ago. (thread in alk forum). I had to add another 500-600 gallons of municipal water today, so I will put some more Kem-Tek in now.

What is polyquat?

[Watermom]

60% Polyquat is the only algaecide we recommend. Most pools don't need it although sometimes we suggest using it for various reasons, one being if you are going to be gone for awhile and unable to attend the pool. It can't prevent algae, but it can help to make it less likely that if your chlorine dips a little low that algae will start. Some people add some upon closing the pool in the fall. I never use it but others do.

add link: http://pool9.net/polyquat/
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