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CU Medallion [55433]
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For you guys that have an inground pool,
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Jun 15, 2023, 12:38 PM
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Have any of you ever had what is called a Mustard Algae. !5 years of having my pool, this is the first visible Algae that I've ever had and no that it was Algae bc my pool water has always been crystal clear year round bc I run the pump year round, but I was a little late this year of changing the cycle timer from winter use to summer time use causing the water to get to warm inviting a algae to come on in as it did.
Now I'm needing a little information on how I should deal with the mustard algae myself without having to involve one of those pool companies to come and do what I can do myself if any of you know what should be done and share that with me. Thanks a Ton to whoever has some good advice on how I should deal with a mustard algae if you've ever had the same algae....
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110%er [9611]
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Re: For you guys that have an inground pool,
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Jun 15, 2023, 12:43 PM
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Test the water: Start by testing your pool water to check the chlorine and pH levels. Mustard algae can thrive in pools with low chlorine levels or imbalanced pH. Ensure that your chlorine level is within the recommended range (1-3 ppm) and the pH is between 7.2 and 7.6.
Brush the affected areas: Use a pool brush to vigorously scrub the affected areas, including pool walls, floors, and any other surfaces where mustard algae is present. This helps to break up the algae and expose it to treatment.
Shock the pool: Mustard algae requires a strong shock treatment to eliminate it effectively. Choose a chlorine-based pool shock product specifically designed for treating algae. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for dosage based on your pool size. It's important to use a shock treatment that contains a high concentration of chlorine.
Maintain high chlorine levels: After shocking the pool, maintain a higher chlorine level than usual for a few days to ensure that all algae is killed. Aim for a chlorine level of 10 ppm or slightly higher during this period.
Filtration and circulation: Run your pool's filtration system continuously until the algae problem is resolved. Proper filtration helps remove dead algae and prevent their reestablishment. Additionally, ensure good water circulation by running the pool pump for an adequate amount of time each day.
Clean or backwash the filter: As the pool filter captures the dead algae, it may become clogged and less effective. Clean or backwash the filter regularly to maintain its efficiency and prevent recontamination.
Vacuum the pool: After treating the mustard algae, vacuum the pool thoroughly to remove any remaining debris, dead algae, or particles that may contribute to further algae growth.
Brush and monitor: Continue brushing the pool surfaces regularly, especially in areas prone to algae growth. Monitor your pool's chlorine and pH levels regularly to prevent future algae outbreaks.
Algaecide treatment: Consider using a specific algaecide designed to target mustard algae. Follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer for dosage and application.
Prevention measures: To prevent mustard algae from returning, ensure proper pool maintenance. Maintain appropriate chlorine and pH levels, regularly brush the pool surfaces, and clean or backwash the filter as needed. Additionally, ensure good pool hygiene by regularly removing debris, leaves, and other organic matter that can contribute to algae growth.
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CU Medallion [55433]
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Re: For you guys that have an inground pool,
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Jun 15, 2023, 12:53 PM
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Thanks, I give it a try bc it sounds like you have delt with this type algae. And yes, I do keep up with what's going on with the water all year, but like I said, I was really late changing from winter time cycle to summer time cycle, and I guess I invited the algae to get in, but once I kill it, I won't have to worry about letting that happen again. Usually I'm running the pump on summer time cycle by middle of March, it was the end of May, first of June before changing the cycle this year, that want ever happen again. Thank You!!!!
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110%er [6905]
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CU Medallion [64593]
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Pools with a salt system are virtually maintenance free***
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Jun 16, 2023, 8:26 AM
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110%er [7219]
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Re: Pools with a salt system are virtually maintenance free***
Jun 20, 2023, 9:20 PM
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I do not have a salt water pool. I drop about 80-120lbs of pool salt into my 25,000gal freshwater pool every spring at startup, and have been doing so for several years. The salinity is mild, nowhere near a salt water pool.
Before doing this I fought algae all summer and was constantly cleaning the pool. I haven;t had to lift a pool brush in 3 years since I started doing this. Make of it what you will.
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Orange Blooded [3141]
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110%er [6099]
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110%er [6905]
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Agree!!***
Jun 15, 2023, 4:10 PM
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All-TigerNet [13959]
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Re: For you guys that have an inground pool,
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Jun 15, 2023, 12:52 PM
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1. get your total alkalinity in range and ph balance
2. triple the amount of Calcium/sodium chloride you'd normally shock the pool
3. brush it well.... better to use a brush/vacuum and pull out of the pool.... not recirculate through the filter.
4. you may have to repeat if a lot of water is added back to pool
Hint: consider getting a salt system. It made my pool mx a lot easier as I just run the pool year round and never cover it.
Message was edited by: tigerpaw®
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CU Medallion [55433]
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Re: For you guys that have an inground pool,
Jun 15, 2023, 1:04 PM
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What I done, I set the waste water to suck out from bottom drains only and brushed the algae to the drain, and I saw the yellowish water coming out the drain water pipe. I'll brush once more doing same thing, load it up with a chlorine based shock, and change my sand filter once I'm sure I killed it bc, my sand filter holds 4 or 5 40lb bags of that filter sand. But I do thank you guys bc my pool has never been sick until now in the 15 years since I had it put in....
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CU Medallion [64593]
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Agreed!
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5
Jun 15, 2023, 1:28 PM
[ in reply to Re: For you guys that have an inground pool, ] |
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The only real issue I ever had with my salt pool was occasionally having to add Low N' Slo to lower the pH and alkalinity.
A couple of bags of salt in the early spring and a couple more late in the summer (especially if we had a lot of rain) was pretty much the only other thing I had to do to it.
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Orange Blooded [3977]
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Re: Agreed!
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Jun 15, 2023, 1:53 PM
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Same here, so much easier having a salt system. Its expensive, but after awhile it pretty much pays for itself without having to buy all the other extra supplies.
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All-American [556]
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Oculus Spirit [79260]
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You have to test it. If it tastes good on a hot dog, but
Jun 15, 2023, 12:57 PM
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not on fries. Then bottle it up and sell it as regular yellow mustard. If it tastes good on chicken, bottle it up and sell it as honey mustard.
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All-In [26036]
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Re: You have to test it. If it tastes good on a hot dog, but
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Jun 15, 2023, 1:26 PM
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I would hire Colt to fix the problem. Sounds very adept at it.
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CU Medallion [64593]
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Had a pool for over 20 years...
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Jun 15, 2023, 1:24 PM
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and never had mustard algae. However, my neighbor did. He was a new pool owner and here is what I learned helping him get rid of it.
Mustard algae tends to be chlorine-resistant so even super chlorinating won't get rid of it. You can brush it and vacuum it out, but it will come back.
Shock the pool first. Then apply a good algaecide. BioGard makes a product called Algae Complete. An initial application followed by a weekly maintenance dose for a few weeks will work. Brush the pool really well and make certain the pool is circulating and filtering properly. Lastly, if you haven't done so recently (or ever), replace the sand in the filer. You can clean the sand but that doesn't work as well.
Is this a chlorine pool or a salt pool?
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Standout [303]
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Agreed on Algae Complete…
Jun 15, 2023, 3:04 PM
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Have had a pool for 36 years and always managed to get mustard once a year. Started using Algae Complete when it came out and haven’t had mustard or any other algae problems since. Best new pool product in many years.
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CU Medallion [55433]
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Re: Had a pool for over 20 years...
Jun 16, 2023, 5:02 PM
[ in reply to Had a pool for over 20 years... ] |
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chlorine pool, and I seem to have it so far. I used a full bottle HTH shock guard ultra, and I haven't seen any of the yellow return so far....
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All-TigerNet [11061]
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Re: For you guys that have an inground pool,
Jun 15, 2023, 1:29 PM
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Sometimes you just have to drain it, clean it, and start over.
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CU Medallion [64593]
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That's true...
Jun 15, 2023, 1:32 PM
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especially if you shut it completely down and winterize during the colder months.
I put a variable speed pump on mine and finally just let it run all year.
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All-In [36410]
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Has Francis Been Swimming in your pool?***
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Jun 15, 2023, 1:35 PM
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110%er [7971]
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If your pool is fiberglass, stay away from mustard algaecide
Jun 15, 2023, 1:46 PM
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containing copper. It will stain your pool (stains are removeable, but a headache).
You can usually add a product like yellow out or yellow quell followed by a shock treatment with a cal-hypo shock to activate it. It's been very affective for me.
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CU Medallion [64593]
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Use a Magic Eraser. Takes those stains right off.***
Jun 15, 2023, 2:06 PM
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Orange Blooded [3977]
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Re: For you guys that have an inground pool,
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Jun 15, 2023, 1:51 PM
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I've kept mine clear in the 3 years i've had mine, but having a salt system generator helps alot and easier to maintain.
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CU Guru [1025]
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Re: For you guys that have an inground pool,
Jun 15, 2023, 2:23 PM
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I’ve had good luck using a product called Phos-Free to remove phosphates, which are the food source for the algae. Follow directions for initial treatment, then add a maintenance dose as directed to prevent a return. That initial “kill” usually requires a flocculent and a vacuuming to get rid of the dead stuff - too fine to get with the pool cleaner.
Question for you salt system guys: have you had to replace the generator cell? I’ve shied away so far because it looks as if the cell is a consumable and seems to cost a significant percentage of the initial cost to replace. Your experiences?
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CU Medallion [64593]
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Absolutely...
Jun 15, 2023, 2:41 PM
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Had to replace the turbo cell (or T-Cell) two or three times and the mother board on the controller at least twice.
If you have a home warranty, the mother board is covered but the T-Cell is not. They view it like brake pads on you car. It is a "wear and tear" part.
I had a Hayward system made by AquaRite and, depending upon how many gallons of water the pool holds, those replacement cells run between $350 and $1,200. There are less expensive generic replacements available but using them could void your warranty.
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All-TigerNet [10963]
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Re: For you guys that have an inground pool,
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Jun 15, 2023, 2:41 PM
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I had it 2 years ago. It's expensive, but get some burnout 73 shock. The quantity will depend on your pool size. My pool is gunnite and is basically 20 x 40. I used 6 bags of the shock for this process.
Get your pH as close as good as possible, brush the sides and bottom of the pool, spread out 3 bags of the burnout 73 in your pool, let it run for 24 hours and backwash. Add a 1 qt bottle of good (60+%) algaecide and let it run for another 24 hours, vacuum and backwash as needed.
The chlorine should be high but keep up your normal maintenance (chlorinator or whatever you use for chlorine). Wait a week or two before starting round two which is the same as above.
It seems like it is harder to get rid of in a pool with a liner. I would use at least one more bag of burnout 73 if it has a liner.
It is probably wise to pour a couple bags of the shock in once a month and add at least 6 - 8 ounces of algaecide per week until you're sure it is gone.
It seemed like the hardest algae, to make stay away as I have battled.
BTW, I tried other shock in a liner pool and it cost me more, because in the end, I ended up using burnout 73 to clear it up.
Good luck!
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CU Medallion [64593]
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If you have a pool with a vinyl liner...
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Jun 15, 2023, 2:44 PM
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you shouldn't leave the shock laying on the bottom of the pool for an extended period of time. It will bleach the liner. Pour it directly in the skimmer and let it circulate.
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All-TigerNet [10963]
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Re: If you have a pool with a vinyl liner...
Jun 15, 2023, 4:12 PM
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you shouldn't leave the shock laying on the bottom of the pool for an extended period of time. It will bleach the liner. Pour it directly in the skimmer and let it circulate.
I agree. For the liner pool, I mixed the shock with water in a bucket, then poured it in the pool. Any shock that doesn't break down, pour it in the skimmer.
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Orange Blooded [4685]
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Re: For you guys that have an inground pool,
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Jun 15, 2023, 2:43 PM
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A good Mustard algae is preferable to Vinegar algae.
On a serious note, best of luck with eradicating everything.
Message was edited by: DownhillDefender®
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CU Guru [1345]
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Re: For you guys that have an inground pool,
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Jun 15, 2023, 3:14 PM
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I had it almost every year. Two years ago I switched to a salt system and haven’t had it since.
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Orange Blooded [3047]
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Re: For you guys that have an inground pool,
Jun 15, 2023, 3:27 PM
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With me it was the pH was too high, too alkaline. I could sprinkle pH decrease and it would immediately clear where it landed.
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All-TigerNet [10906]
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Don't worry about it...algae is really high in Omega-3 fatty acids! :)
Jun 16, 2023, 10:29 AM
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Letterman [299]
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Re: For you guys that have an inground pool,
Jun 16, 2023, 10:50 AM
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Yellow Stop. Kills it dead. After you apply it wait a day or two and add 2 gal chlorine. All gone
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All-TigerNet [10640]
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Re: For you guys that have an inground pool,
Jun 16, 2023, 11:36 AM
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All of this sounds like work to me. I covered my pool with a tarp five years ago and am now thinking about filling it in. I don't miss cleaning it once a week, taking snakes and frogs out of the skimmer baskets, and applying chemicals ...... just so maybe I could go in it a couple of times during the summer. Cheaper, by far, to join a neighborhood pool.
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110%er [5014]
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No. My salt pool is crazy good stable!***
Jun 16, 2023, 12:33 PM
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MVP [530]
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CU Medallion [55433]
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Re: For you guys that have an inground pool,
Jun 16, 2023, 4:57 PM
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Thank you to everyone that had something positive to say or add!!!
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null [null]
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Re: For you guys that have an inground pool,
Jun 20, 2023, 9:09 PM
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Search for SLAM on the Trouble Free Pool site. It’s the only way to actually get rid of mustard algae for good. You’re going to need a s-load of liquid chlorine and be ready to do some regular brushing for at least a couple of days (maybe a week). It’s a lot of work, but your pool will actually be clean when you’re done and not just masking all of the nastiness in it. Everything else is just lipstick on the pig and it will come back.
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110%er [7219]
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Letterman [283]
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Re: For you guys that have an inground pool,
Jun 20, 2023, 9:31 PM
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They sell at pool stores an algaecide for mustard algae . Just pour in pool with filter running. We tended to get it when family or friends would come from the lake and get into our pool without washing their swim wear or floats .
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Orange Blooded [2877]
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Re: For you guys that have an inground pool,
Jun 20, 2023, 10:33 PM
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Pool ownership might be only legit reason for college courses in chemistry and biology for anyone not getting a degree in either of those areas of science.
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All-American [560]
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Just more indirect fallout from:
Jun 20, 2023, 9:37 PM
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Project Blue Beam—but(inground,20x40,3ft-9ft,vinyl liner)fwiw, after regular shock treatments, etc in early spring when getting the pool ready for summer,we always liked to toss in 20-25 gallons of Hydrochloric Acid just for good measure—
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Associate AD [846]
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Re: For you guys that have an inground pool,
Jun 21, 2023, 8:33 AM
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Flocculant and vacuum out
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Replies: 44
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