"Steve B" writes:

"Jim T" wrote in message
net...
Last year I got hit with algae early so I got "phosfree" and it cleared it
up.

Went to a maintance dose of "pool perfect phosfree" earlier this year and
the algae came this year about two months ago.

Part of my problem (i think) is I'm getting my phoshates checked at the
pool supply and they have changed help numerous times. I need a good
regent test for phosphates and I've been told that here before. The guy
told me 300ppb yesterday (but I really doubt that number) Usually in the
low 100s.

My chlorine level is monitored closely. Yesterday it was 3ppm I just
tested PH and it was 7.4 in a quick test with a calibrated probe that's
pretty accurate. The store said I needed alkaline but only 3.5lbs which
sounds about right for this time of year.

What is your cyanuric acid level? That's the chlorine stabilizer. Without
it, the chlorine you dump in the pool dissipates into the air through the
surface of the water. Buy a stabilizer test kit. I had to adjust mine
every two years or so. You might be missing the easy answer.

Other than that, I NEVER did ph, phosphate, and all that stuff. Just made
sure there was enough stabilizer, and then checked the chlorine level.
Everything else just fell into line after that.

In order for algae to form and grab hold, there has to be a lack of
chlorine. Fergeddabout phosphates, ph, and all that other falderal.

Exactly my experience.

Pool stores will sell you every thing under the sun to get rid of
algae. But if they sell you something that works, you stop buying.

For 13K gallons, I add 5 gallons of liquid chlorine.
End of algae.

I use Algacide but when I want to get rid of algae,
chlorine is the weapon of choice.

--
Dan Espen