Salt Water Pool Water Smells Like Must

[AnnaK]

Well yah, especially in NJ where the "beach" can smell like just about anything

[Watermom]

Well yah, especially in NJ where the "beach" can smell like just about anything

WOW! That sure sounds appealing! Anna, I'm guessing you don't work at the department of tourism for NJ!

[AnnaK]

No ma'm, I don't, but I have written them a letter or two about the interesting variety of items and their associated aromas found on NJ beaches. Because this is a polite and civilized family-oriented forum I won't enumerate. A musty smell is the very least of it.

[waterbear]

am I the only one that noticed a FC of 14 ppm and a CC of .5 ppm? I question the 110 CYA reading. How was this obtained? The CYA test only goes oup to 100 ppm and above that it's not very precise. There is a good possibility that the CYA is actually MUCH higher than this and the smell is because of something growing in the water.

[Poolsean]

Evan, you've been retired TOOO Long. Post #2...I noticed it. = )

[waterbear]

Sean,
I saw your post. My point is that the CYA is most likely higher than 110 ppm and that, even with the FC at 14 ppm there is still CC. Therefore, the CC could very well be happening because the pool is overstabiliized for the FC level. The other possibility, as you mentioned, is that the high FC level is forming disinfection byproducts by reacting with proteins in the skin and that is what is being smelled. Showering will not remove them. You can recreate this effect by dipping your hand in bleach for a few seconds and then trying to wash off the chloramine smell. (although if the FC is at the proper lever for the CYA then most of the chlorine would be in the form of chlorinated cyanurates and would not be available to form disinfection byproducts).
And the plus side to being retired from the industry is that I finally have the time to care for my own pool! Although, if there was an opening with Team Horner I might consider going back into the industry I DO love my AquaCal!

[CarlD]

Well yah, especially in NJ where the "beach" can smell like just about anything

All those comedians out of work and you're cracking wise? No wonder the state troopers WATCH for PA plates!

Actually, from TV you'd think our beaches were infested with Snooki, whatever that is, and the rest of the state with The Sopranos.

The South shore beaches, near Delaware are much nicer than the Northern ones. However, I haven't been the JERSEY shore in years. In fact, I haven't been on an Atlantic beach north of Florida in years--and the beaches down there smell of brine, too.

Carl

[waterbear]

Actually, from TV you'd think our beaches were infested with Snooki, whatever that is, and the rest of the state with The Sopranos.


Carl

Nah, the Sopranos are just in Short Hills! (Glad that is no longer part of my hometown Millburn!)

[CarlD]

Nah, the Sopranos are just in Short Hills! (Glad that is no longer part of my hometown Millburn!)

Actually the Sopranos are supposedly based on the family of Richie "The Boot" Boiardo, here in Livingston. The Boiardo "Stone Lions Gate" is right around the corner from me. His grandchildren went "legit" many years ago and one is a respected orthopedic surgeon. Short Hills and Millburn are not far from here.

[desherer]

Well it looks like this post has created some input - some on the subject some not. I have been deluting my water and I currently have my chlorine down to 5. My ph is 7.2 as I am in the process of trying to get the alk down below 100. My method of measuring the cya is Ben's old kit of which you look down at the dot and wait for it to disappear. I have found that this method usually reads high (wrong or right) compared to the pool store measurements. I just got out of the water (cold 78) and the smell I have tried to explain is not the water - it is the musty smell of our skin when we get out. It's hard to explain but everyones skin smells like sweat/must. The water itself smells great and is severe clear. I will continue to get my numbers correct and will keep you posted of the results. I am surprised that more people have not had this problem.

Thanks for all your input!

Devon