Like most problems in a pool, yellow algae can become really annoying if it's not taken care of quickly. Mustard or yellow algae appears as a yellowish-green color that can be easily brushed off the walls and floor of your swimming pool.
Using a shock treatment can eliminate it, but a more effective way to getting rid of yellow algae is to use a "yellow" product that is designed specifically to target this type of algae in conjunction with a shock treatment. These products usually contain sodium bromide that when used with a shock treatment create bromine. Bromine tends to be better suited for dealing with this type of algae.
If you're seeing mustard algae, your problem is two fold. If it is appearing it means that your sanitizer levels are not being kept at an adequate level. Generally you want a 1-3 PPM level of free chlorine (if that is your sanitizer) to make sure that things like mold, algae, and bacteria cannot survive in the pool water.
Remember while doing this process you'll want to keep your filter on at all times. During the shocking treatment raise the chlorine to 5-10 PPM, and let it sit at around 1-3 PPM overnight. Do this, and you will notice your algae problem disappear.
Black in Pool Water - What's it From and How Can I Get Rid of It?
Water colour dis-figurations are a common problem and headache for pool owners. Sometimes, we see that there's black in pool water, but have a difficult time tracking down information on what causes it and how we can clear it up. This is because it's not as common of a problem as say, green or cloudy water. However, that doesn't mean it's not as bad. We'd all like crystal clear water, so when it's colour looks a little off we have to worry about staining and so on.
Black in pool water is generally caused by a high level of manganese. Most pool colour dis-figurations are actually the result of oxidized metals in the water. These colour changes generally appear when the pool is initially filled or after a shock treatment. This is because if the pool contains metals all ready a shock treatment will oxidize them which makes them easier to see.
For black in pool water, here is the standard way of treating the problem.
First, you need to adjust the pH and alkalinity levels to what's within normal range for your pool.
Next, we need to add a sequestering agent. These are chemicals that combine with the metals in the pool, bringing them to the surface and not allowing the metals to fall to the bottom. This prevents staining during the treatment. Run your pool filter while adding the sequestering agent and leave it running.
Let the filter do its job for about 12 hours. At this point we'll want to shock treat the pool. After some more time has gone by, retest the pH and alkalinity levels. If the problem hasn't cleared up, try the procedures again. Sometimes it can be difficult to clear up right away especially if the problem has been around for awhile.
Preventative measures are always the best way when dealing with black in pool water or any other pool issues. This can be hard to do thanks to pool "experts" trying to get the most money out of you as they make you buy this product, or that chemical.
Black in pool water is generally caused by a high level of manganese. Most pool colour dis-figurations are actually the result of oxidized metals in the water. These colour changes generally appear when the pool is initially filled or after a shock treatment. This is because if the pool contains metals all ready a shock treatment will oxidize them which makes them easier to see.
For black in pool water, here is the standard way of treating the problem.
First, you need to adjust the pH and alkalinity levels to what's within normal range for your pool.
Next, we need to add a sequestering agent. These are chemicals that combine with the metals in the pool, bringing them to the surface and not allowing the metals to fall to the bottom. This prevents staining during the treatment. Run your pool filter while adding the sequestering agent and leave it running.
Let the filter do its job for about 12 hours. At this point we'll want to shock treat the pool. After some more time has gone by, retest the pH and alkalinity levels. If the problem hasn't cleared up, try the procedures again. Sometimes it can be difficult to clear up right away especially if the problem has been around for awhile.
Preventative measures are always the best way when dealing with black in pool water or any other pool issues. This can be hard to do thanks to pool "experts" trying to get the most money out of you as they make you buy this product, or that chemical.
Brown Pool Water - What's Causing it and How to Get it Under Control
Many pool owners will have to fight with brown pool water from time to time, and the best way to understand how to get rid of it is to understand what's causing it.
Chances are pretty good that if you have brown pool water you're using well based water to fill your swimming pool. This water usually contains a high level of metals, which is what is probably causing the water discoloration.
In this case, brown either represents too much iron corrosion, or maganese. After some time the water may turn green if metals begin to oxidize which might confuse you for an algae problem, which isn't the case. Keep your sanitizer levels normal, however, so that you don't have an algae problem in addition to a metal one.
Before you begin to fix the problem, you're going to need to buy a sequestering agent. Sequestering agents are chemicals that bind to metals and allow them to stay in solution. This makes it easier for your filter to get the metals out of the pool as well preventing staining if the metals become oxidized.
Here are some steps you can take to remove brown pool water:
1. Be sure that your alkalinity and pH levels are at their optimal ranges.
2. Next you will you need to add the sequestering agent and run your filter for 12 hours. I recommend doing this over night.
3. After the 12 hours is up, shock treat the pool.
Be sure to retest your pH and alkalinity levels and make sure that they're all back in normal range after a typical shock treatment.
Chances are pretty good that if you have brown pool water you're using well based water to fill your swimming pool. This water usually contains a high level of metals, which is what is probably causing the water discoloration.
In this case, brown either represents too much iron corrosion, or maganese. After some time the water may turn green if metals begin to oxidize which might confuse you for an algae problem, which isn't the case. Keep your sanitizer levels normal, however, so that you don't have an algae problem in addition to a metal one.
Before you begin to fix the problem, you're going to need to buy a sequestering agent. Sequestering agents are chemicals that bind to metals and allow them to stay in solution. This makes it easier for your filter to get the metals out of the pool as well preventing staining if the metals become oxidized.
Here are some steps you can take to remove brown pool water:
1. Be sure that your alkalinity and pH levels are at their optimal ranges.
2. Next you will you need to add the sequestering agent and run your filter for 12 hours. I recommend doing this over night.
3. After the 12 hours is up, shock treat the pool.
Be sure to retest your pH and alkalinity levels and make sure that they're all back in normal range after a typical shock treatment.
How to Remove Algae in Pool Water
Algae in pool water is a common problem and frustration for many pool owners. This is particularly true if your pool is surrounded by trees or is exposed to bad weather quite often. Here's what you can do to remove algae in pool water and get it sparkling clean and safe once again.
The best chemical for the job is a chlorine based shock. Shock is designed to raise the levels of chlorine in your swimming pool quickly, so that nothing organic can survive. The typical dose of shock needed is around 1 bag per 10,000 gallon of water in the swimming pool. If in doubt, consult the manufacturer for their suggested shock level.
Before adding any shock however, you'll want to manually brush as much algae as you can from the walls and bottom of your swimming pool. This will allow the anti-algae agents you'll be using in later steps, to clear up the problem far more quickly.
While adding shock, your pool pump should be running, and should stay running for all day and night, until the water is back to normal. Because you are effectively killing the algae in pool water, your filter needs to be monitored and cleaned fairly consistently. If the filter is not cleaned properly, the algae may return.
If the problem doesn't seem as though it is improving after 24 hours, add another dose of shock and repeat the process.
After your pool shows no more signs of green, thoroughly vacuum your pool to get rid of all the dead algae that has settled to the bottom of the water.
Algae in pool water doesn't need to be a problem if you keep an eye on your chemical levels. Always test your pool water regularly, even during off-season months, to avoid any unwanted growth or problems.
The best chemical for the job is a chlorine based shock. Shock is designed to raise the levels of chlorine in your swimming pool quickly, so that nothing organic can survive. The typical dose of shock needed is around 1 bag per 10,000 gallon of water in the swimming pool. If in doubt, consult the manufacturer for their suggested shock level.
Before adding any shock however, you'll want to manually brush as much algae as you can from the walls and bottom of your swimming pool. This will allow the anti-algae agents you'll be using in later steps, to clear up the problem far more quickly.
While adding shock, your pool pump should be running, and should stay running for all day and night, until the water is back to normal. Because you are effectively killing the algae in pool water, your filter needs to be monitored and cleaned fairly consistently. If the filter is not cleaned properly, the algae may return.
If the problem doesn't seem as though it is improving after 24 hours, add another dose of shock and repeat the process.
After your pool shows no more signs of green, thoroughly vacuum your pool to get rid of all the dead algae that has settled to the bottom of the water.
Algae in pool water doesn't need to be a problem if you keep an eye on your chemical levels. Always test your pool water regularly, even during off-season months, to avoid any unwanted growth or problems.
Swimming Pool PH - What is it and How to Keep it Balanced
Swimming pool pH is one of the most important aspects of maintaining a safe and healthy pool for your friends and family. What pH actually is, is a measurement of acid to alkaline ratio within the pool water. If the pH is above 7.0 the pool is alkaline. If lower it's acidic, and 7.0 is perfectly neutral.
It's important to test swimming pool pH at least once a week to keep it balanced and well maintain. The ideal range for a swimming pool is between 7.2 and 7.6.
Problems Associated With Low pH
If a pool is too acidic there are a few problems that come along with this.
Metal Corrosion:
Including equipment, pumps, pipes, and so on.
Staining:
Since metal is corroding it releases other chemicals into the pool, leaving really nasty stains that can be difficult to get rid of.
Chlorine:
Chlorine becomes ineffective when the pH is too low. So your pool isn't getting sanitized and really you're just wasting money adding more chlorine.
Swimming Environment:
Itchy eyes, burning nose, ruined swimwear, and so on, making swimming less than favourable.
Problems Associated With High pH
If a pool is too alkaline, your pool is susceptible to:
* Cloudy Water
* Scaling
* Damages to sand filters (thanks to some chemistry it can actually turn the
sand into cement!)
* Dry skin, burning nose and itchy eyes.
What can we do to control swimming pool pH?
In general, swimming pool pH will have a tendency to rise, mostly because of human waste, such as sweat. In this case, the pool should be treated with an acid. The most common forms of acid include muraitic acid and dry acid. Make sure your pump is on. You'll want to slowly add acid and begin to check the pH levels from time to time and stop once the pH has been lowered back to optimal levels. Be sure to pay attention to the instructions that come with whatever type of acid you choose to go with.
If, however, the pH is too low, take similar steps except instead of an acid you'll be using an alkali such as soda ash. Again, be sure to follow the instructions carefully
It's important to test swimming pool pH at least once a week to keep it balanced and well maintain. The ideal range for a swimming pool is between 7.2 and 7.6.
Problems Associated With Low pH
If a pool is too acidic there are a few problems that come along with this.
Metal Corrosion:
Including equipment, pumps, pipes, and so on.
Staining:
Since metal is corroding it releases other chemicals into the pool, leaving really nasty stains that can be difficult to get rid of.
Chlorine:
Chlorine becomes ineffective when the pH is too low. So your pool isn't getting sanitized and really you're just wasting money adding more chlorine.
Swimming Environment:
Itchy eyes, burning nose, ruined swimwear, and so on, making swimming less than favourable.
Problems Associated With High pH
If a pool is too alkaline, your pool is susceptible to:
* Cloudy Water
* Scaling
* Damages to sand filters (thanks to some chemistry it can actually turn the
sand into cement!)
* Dry skin, burning nose and itchy eyes.
What can we do to control swimming pool pH?
In general, swimming pool pH will have a tendency to rise, mostly because of human waste, such as sweat. In this case, the pool should be treated with an acid. The most common forms of acid include muraitic acid and dry acid. Make sure your pump is on. You'll want to slowly add acid and begin to check the pH levels from time to time and stop once the pH has been lowered back to optimal levels. Be sure to pay attention to the instructions that come with whatever type of acid you choose to go with.
If, however, the pH is too low, take similar steps except instead of an acid you'll be using an alkali such as soda ash. Again, be sure to follow the instructions carefully
Pool Bugs - What Are They and How to Get Rid of Them
Pool bugs are very annoying, and can make your pool unsafe to swim in, unless you like being covered from head to toe in tiny bug bites. Fortunately, learning just a little bit about them can help you not only get rid of them, but prevent them from returning.
The two most common pool bugs are Waterboatmen, and Backswimmers.
Waterboatmen have an oval shaped body. They don't bite, but can be a nuisance and dirty a swimming pool's water. They feed off of algae, and other forms of vegetation found under water. They also eat mosquito larvae which can be beneficial.
Backswimmers are a bit larger and carry a nasty bite that hurts about as much as a bee sting. Backswimmers feed off of other tiny pool bugs and water insects.
One thing to note about both these pesky pool bugs is that they lay their eggs in underwater vegetation. In the case of swimming pools this is algae.
The best way to get rid of these bugs is to eliminate their food source. First, we focus on getting rid of the waterboatmen because chances are pretty good that if you have backswimmers as well, they're feeding off of the waterboatmen.
Since waterboatmen feed off of the algae then the first thing you should be doing is getting rid of as much algae as possible by hand, then doing a full pool shock treatment, testing the waters regularly to make sure that the pH levels are getting back to normal (between 7.2-7.6 for best chlorine performance.). As always, vacuum and skim the dead algae, and now dead pool bugs, out of the pool.
This should effectively eliminate any algae in the pool, which will take away the waterboatmen problem since they have nothing to feed off of any more.
Not only that, but you should also notice a decline in backswimmers as well, since you've taken away their food source, the waterboatmen.
The two most common pool bugs are Waterboatmen, and Backswimmers.
Waterboatmen have an oval shaped body. They don't bite, but can be a nuisance and dirty a swimming pool's water. They feed off of algae, and other forms of vegetation found under water. They also eat mosquito larvae which can be beneficial.
Backswimmers are a bit larger and carry a nasty bite that hurts about as much as a bee sting. Backswimmers feed off of other tiny pool bugs and water insects.
One thing to note about both these pesky pool bugs is that they lay their eggs in underwater vegetation. In the case of swimming pools this is algae.
The best way to get rid of these bugs is to eliminate their food source. First, we focus on getting rid of the waterboatmen because chances are pretty good that if you have backswimmers as well, they're feeding off of the waterboatmen.
Since waterboatmen feed off of the algae then the first thing you should be doing is getting rid of as much algae as possible by hand, then doing a full pool shock treatment, testing the waters regularly to make sure that the pH levels are getting back to normal (between 7.2-7.6 for best chlorine performance.). As always, vacuum and skim the dead algae, and now dead pool bugs, out of the pool.
This should effectively eliminate any algae in the pool, which will take away the waterboatmen problem since they have nothing to feed off of any more.
Not only that, but you should also notice a decline in backswimmers as well, since you've taken away their food source, the waterboatmen.
Pool Alkalinity - Why It's Important and How to Get it to Normal
One of the most common topics discussed about swimming pools is pool alkalinity. In this article we'll be looking at just what exactly it is, why it's important and tips to deal with it if it's too high, or too low.
Pool alkalinity, also known as total alkalinity, is the measurement of how much alkaline substances are in the water. The normal range that we'd like to keep this at is 80 and 120 parts per million (ppm). This is because when it's in this range it stabilizes the pH levels of your pool water effectively preventing sudden pH changes.
Pool Alkalinity is Too Low:
If the range goes less than 80 ppm, we're going to be dealing with some troublesome problems if it's not corrected soon. At this level, staining, metal corrosion, burning eyes, and the water turning green are all common problems with a low level of alkaline.
To raise this level back to normal, we use sodium bicarbonate. Typically the amount we add is 1 kilogram per 50,000 gallons of water, and then only once every 4 days. This is the only chemical which will allow us to raise the TA without having too much of a pH change.
Pool Alkalinity is Too High:
When the alkaline level raises above 120 ppm we have an even different set of problems including: cloudy water, chlorine inefficiency and pH difficulties.
In order to effectively lower the TA back to a range that's desirable we need to take significantly more difficult steps than if the TA were too low.
First, our filter must off. Next, we begin to add either hydrochloric acid or dry acid at the deepest end of the pool. The amount needed depends on how much water is in the pool.
The best approach I've personally found with this is to first begin by adding enough acid to bring your pH balance down to 7.0. Then, let the pool sit for awhile until the pH climbs back up to around 7.2. Repeat this process until your pool alkalinity is within normal range.
Pool alkalinity, also known as total alkalinity, is the measurement of how much alkaline substances are in the water. The normal range that we'd like to keep this at is 80 and 120 parts per million (ppm). This is because when it's in this range it stabilizes the pH levels of your pool water effectively preventing sudden pH changes.
Pool Alkalinity is Too Low:
If the range goes less than 80 ppm, we're going to be dealing with some troublesome problems if it's not corrected soon. At this level, staining, metal corrosion, burning eyes, and the water turning green are all common problems with a low level of alkaline.
To raise this level back to normal, we use sodium bicarbonate. Typically the amount we add is 1 kilogram per 50,000 gallons of water, and then only once every 4 days. This is the only chemical which will allow us to raise the TA without having too much of a pH change.
Pool Alkalinity is Too High:
When the alkaline level raises above 120 ppm we have an even different set of problems including: cloudy water, chlorine inefficiency and pH difficulties.
In order to effectively lower the TA back to a range that's desirable we need to take significantly more difficult steps than if the TA were too low.
First, our filter must off. Next, we begin to add either hydrochloric acid or dry acid at the deepest end of the pool. The amount needed depends on how much water is in the pool.
The best approach I've personally found with this is to first begin by adding enough acid to bring your pH balance down to 7.0. Then, let the pool sit for awhile until the pH climbs back up to around 7.2. Repeat this process until your pool alkalinity is within normal range.
Cloudy Water - Swimming Pool Blues
Cloudy water is a common problem face by many pool owners. It can be a frustrating experience to try and figure out what the cause is! Unfortunately, there isn't just one definitive cause for cloudy water in swimming pools, but below are a few common reasons why you might be finding cloudy water.
-Poor Pool Circulation
-Ineffective Filter (Might be too small)
-Algae Starting Grow
-Unfilterable Wastes Brought In By Bathers (Make up, lotion, etc.)
-Pool Water Is Too Warm (This causes ineffective sanitization)
-Chlorine Issues
-High Calcium Concentration
The list actually is quite extensive, and this only tackles a small portion. The fix depends on what is causing the problem.
Generally, what I would start with is making sure that my pH levels are balanced. Testing the pool water every day, you want to make sure that the pH is around 7.2-7.6. Chlorine is most effective in this range.
If you've been able to maintain this balance consistently and there is still cloudy water, it's time to look at the pool pump and pool filter. How big is your swimming pool and how big is its filter? The filter may be too small and in this case, you need to replace it with a larger one.
What is the horse power on your pool pump? If it's too great, then pool circulation can actually be negatively affected.
Testing all things mechanical is a must. Make sure all components of your pool are working properly.
-Poor Pool Circulation
-Ineffective Filter (Might be too small)
-Algae Starting Grow
-Unfilterable Wastes Brought In By Bathers (Make up, lotion, etc.)
-Pool Water Is Too Warm (This causes ineffective sanitization)
-Chlorine Issues
-High Calcium Concentration
The list actually is quite extensive, and this only tackles a small portion. The fix depends on what is causing the problem.
Generally, what I would start with is making sure that my pH levels are balanced. Testing the pool water every day, you want to make sure that the pH is around 7.2-7.6. Chlorine is most effective in this range.
If you've been able to maintain this balance consistently and there is still cloudy water, it's time to look at the pool pump and pool filter. How big is your swimming pool and how big is its filter? The filter may be too small and in this case, you need to replace it with a larger one.
What is the horse power on your pool pump? If it's too great, then pool circulation can actually be negatively affected.
Testing all things mechanical is a must. Make sure all components of your pool are working properly.
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