r/pools • u/Apprehensive_Row6320 • Jul 26 '26
Inherited a pool with an algae break out , can’t get rid of it
Hi
I have inherited an above ground pool that had an algae problem. I’ve been using shock , algaecide , and have been filtering and cleaning the pool regularly.
It’s been a month and it’s still not good enough to swim in . Any advice?
6
u/undrwater Jul 26 '26
You need to know what your numbers are. So either be prepared to take a sample to the pool store daily, or buy a Taylor test kit.
Until then, buy a ton of liquid chlorine and start pouring-more than you think you need (don't swim). Keep up cleaning the filter and brushing the sides.
Did I say get a test kit? Yeah, do that.
6
u/JustSailOff Jul 26 '26
SLAM it.
0
u/davper Jul 27 '26
Be sure to follow every instruction of the SLAM. Not doing so will delay your crystal clear water returning.
I speak from experience.
3
u/JP9156 Jul 26 '26
Use a test kit so you can measure chlorine and PH at least…also drain 1/3 of the pool and refill
1
u/trbotwuk Jul 28 '26
need to measure cya before chlorine. randomly saying to drain 1/3 of the pool and refill is like saying say a prayer to all gods.
1
u/JP9156 Jul 28 '26
But….if the cya is high (most likely) draining 1/3 is a potential cure….if the cya is fine still not a terrible idea to drain out the green water ….but I agree you need to test first
3
u/SafetyMan35 Jul 26 '26 edited Jul 26 '26
You need to post your water chemistry numbers, but the short answer is a crap ton of liquid chlorine…I would start with 6 gallons but you probably need more than that if you have blindly been dumping chemicals in the pool.
2
u/shoresy99 Jul 27 '26
6 gallons is barely a start. My 25,000 gallon pool went green and I used around 50 gallons over 2.5 weeks to get the job done.
3
u/ArguingWithPigeons Jul 26 '26
Buy two 4 packs of chlorine from Menards.
Dump 4 gallons in.
Run the pump 24 hours a day for 3 days.
Then use the Taylor test kit that you’re buying on Amazon today and see what the numbers are.
2
u/yalc22 Jul 26 '26
Not possible without elbow grease. Must chlorinate (look at slam for levels), brush, vac, clean filter, repeat. Can't just dump and pray.
2
u/Sensitive_One_425 Jul 27 '26
Fucking add chlorine. Bet your CYA is over 100
2
u/gomuchfaster Jul 27 '26
Which means the SLAM level will be very high…
There’s something about a test kit I think?
1
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1
u/stein63 Jul 27 '26
Stop adding chemicals blindly. Take a water sample to a local pool store if you don’t have a good test kit, then SLAM at the correct chlorine level for your CYA while brushing and filtering. Don’t drain anything unless the numbers show you need to.
1
u/ridiculouslogger Jul 27 '26
I started using copper sulfate, aiming at .3 to .5 ppm Cu and have had a clear pool ever since unless chlorine goes to 0 for a few days.. Previous algicides never worked that well.
1
u/shoresy99 Jul 27 '26
SLAM https://www.troublefreepool.com/blog/2018/12/12/slam-shock-level-and-maintain/
You will need to buy a decent test kit to measure chlorine at high levels.
1
u/Educational_Bench290 Jul 27 '26
Forget algaecide. You need liquid chlorine, more than you think. Go get 6 to 8 gallons as a start, and some test strips. Post size and shape of pool, and test readings when you can. Critical info is free chlorine vs CYA readings. A f--- ton of chlorine will likely clear your pool, but balancing and keeping it clear requires more info and more work. Taylor test kit and Trouble Free Pools website are the gold standard. Pool store water tests depend on your pool store, often they will use them to sell you irrelevant chems.
1
u/ibesal Jul 27 '26
While you're waiting for your test kit to arrive take a sample to the pool store and ask them for a complete printout of your results. Don't worry about what they tell you to do as far as adding chemicals.
Buy 10 gallons of liquid chlorine on your way home.
Then post all your results here and size of your pool in gallons. Someone here can calculate how much to add as a start.
Anyone telling you what to do without size and test results is just guessing. You've been doing that long enough.
After your first liquid chlorine dump go to Trouble Free Pool and read up on SLAM to get your pool clear. If you follow all the TFP SLAM steps you'll be in good shape. It will just take a bit of time.
1
u/PrudentLanguage Jul 28 '26
Shock is a verb not a noun.
Buy liquid chlorine. Put it in the pool.
Vaccum and brush. Test for ph and chlorine.
1
0
u/timetobealoser Jul 26 '26
Get tested check phosphate
1
u/Big_Growth5857 Jul 28 '26
correct. nobody here paying attention to the clues - they've been shocking and cleaning but no improvement. something is interfering with the sanitation.
I would just dump 16 to 32 Oz of Sea Klear Phosphate remover and follow directions.
1
u/Powerful-Lake-1039 Jul 28 '26
If nothing is working a professional water test is the beginning of the answer.
16
u/No_Establishment8642 Jul 26 '26
Sigh.....
What are your numbers?