re: Algae in pool

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Do you have a proper test kit? (one that can do fas-dpd titration style chlorine testing) What's your CYA (stabilizer) at? How are you determining what a "massive amount of chlorine" is? Shock is a verb, not a noun. What kind of filter do you have? Do you have vacuum capability? You can vacuum to waste, then continue the shock process. Read this

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Only person worth listening to on the first page. Probably going to need to drain and fill a bunch, then SLAM to hell and back

I've had to maintain a pool for 35 years. (yes, I'm old!)

Anyway, there's alot of truth in this thread but alot of BS too. Long story short, chlorine is not the best at killing algae. Chlorine is an oxidation agent and is great for killing germs, oxidizing oils from skin and suntan lotion, etc. In high concentrations, it can kill algae but you'll need to keep sweeping the pool for it to be effective.

A couple of things: MOST IMPORTANT: Put a good copper algaecide in the pool asap. Copper is very effective at killing and preventing algae. Use it as per the instructions because if you put too much, it will stain your fittings, etc. But, I guarantee this will kill the algae and if you keep putting maintenance doses, your pool will be easy to maintain.

Second, make sure you are using the right kind of chlorine. Regular chlorine (a.k.a. "shock") is great for quick doses to help kill chlorine (again, make sure you sweep) but it will not last. The sun will burn it off quickly.

For maintenance, use stabilized chlorine. This is slightly less effective and not very good for shocking the pool. (you may be using this, which would explain why it isn't working well). Stabilized chlorine has cyanuric acid which surrounds the chlorine and prevents the sun from breaking it down. This makes it last longer but less effective for algae.

So, if I were in your shoes, I'd put in the initial dose of copper algaecide. Wait at least 4-5 hours, then shock the hell out of the pool with shock chlorine, and sweep it. You may need to sweep it a few times to keep the sediments in the water so the main filter can catch it. In any case, THIS WILL WORK and should only take a day or so if you keep your pump running.

Once clear, start using the stabilized chlorine and maintenance doses of copper algaecide. Good luck!

Filter Filter Filter

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Bro, you have been maintaining your pool wrong for 35 years.

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can we just come out and say this?

I tried so hard to be diplomatic....notice the fillion gif...thought it was appropriate

but yeeeaaahh....that advice, ummmmmmm no.

You are putting a whole lot of shite in your pool though. Liquid chlorine and muriatic acid only for me. I spend just as little time on my pool as you do yours, but my treatment methods cost a whole lot less, and I am not swimming in a chemical cocktail like you are

Yep, pretty much....the op is the one that needs help...

but brother, if you happy with your pool....I'm happy for ya

have a good swim season!

My parents have a pool, so I have limited pool care knowledge, but it is also important to periodically use algaecide to keep algae away. While it can kill algae, it's primary purpose is as a preventative.

Just something to keep note of in keeping algae away in the future.

Only algaecide I'd consider using would be:

Poly[oxyethylene(dimethyliminio)ethylene(dimethyliminio) ethylene dichloride], aka Polyquat 60%.

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Depending on his CYA levels, all it should take to kill the algae is about a 7-10 day treatment using only liquid chlorine.

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yup