Mustard algae or pollen?

[kul]

Hi friends, I read the mustard algae article and cannot seem to figure out if I have mustard algae or pollen. The pool looks generally clear and I feel I have been doing a good job, keeping it clean and tracking my levels. This morning when I was checking chlorine and pH, I noticed that there was a yellowish line along the tile line. When brushed it is moved easily and kinda looked like oil film. But dissipated while I brushed. I don’t know what I am dealing with but am terrified of algae. How much is a slam for mustard algae? I lowered my pH, added 2 gallons of chlorine, gave the pool a thorough brushing , and have the filter running at full speed to get a slam started. Am I overreacting? Pool log available.

 

[mknauss]

Is there pollen on other items, like outdoor furniture, cars, etc?

 

[kul]

There is pollen, I would not say a lot. But we do have a lot of trees in the neighborhood and a lot of wind.

 

[mknauss]

Likely pollen. MA is really rare. Shady areas. etc. Does not float around normally.

 

[kul]

The pool is in full sun so there are no shady areas. What is the mustard algae slam FC level? I can’t find it on the new updated CYA/FC tool.

 

[kul]

Also what can cause mustard algae? Does it come from a particular source?

 

[mknauss]

Mustard Algae

Today We are going to show you how you can get rid of mustard algae in your pool. By following the steps in this guide and with no expensive chemicals.

www.troublefreepool.com

 

[kul]

Mustard Algae

Today We are going to show you how you can get rid of mustard algae in your pool. By following the steps in this guide and with no expensive chemicals.

www.troublefreepool.com

Thanks I have reviewed this, but am not able to find the new way to find mustard algae FC slam level. Before it was on the CYA/FC chart

 

[mknauss]

Chlorine/CYA Chart

EDIT: You will find a simplified and standardized version of this chart at Pool School, Chlorine / CYA Chart. Chlorine/CYA Chart by Chemgeek FC = Free Chlorine in parts-per-million (ppm) CYA = Cyanuric Acid in parts-per-million (ppm) CYA ........... Min FC3 ..... Target FC ...... Yel/Mstrd...

www.troublefreepool.com

It is in the article, a link stated 'this post'.

 

[kul]

Thanks! I have added 3 gallons of chlorine to bring it up to level. Will continue to scrub and keep an eye out to see if pollen shows up while FC is at slam to (hopefully) rule out MA. If it is algae, it will know I mean business. If it’s not algae, good.

 

[Newdude]

The pollen likely isn't as heavy on everything else because it doesn't blow out of the pool once it's sucked up in there. If the wind blew left yesterday and right today, both stay in the pool. Over some days, that's a bug radius of schmutz.

I always Overnight Chlorine Loss Test to sleep better, needing a couple of them each spring to confirm its still pollen. Alot can happen on 2 weeks. Then I pour a beverage and chill while the filter and vac catch up.

 

[Newdude]

* unless you've reached your 3 turnovers for the day. Then the wind stops and the pollen takes a timeout until tomorrow.

** per the industry.

 

[mknauss]

LA is not known as a pollen capital like areas in the east. But this year, with abundant moisture, there likely can be more than normal.

 

[kul]

The pollen likely isn't as heavy on everything else because it doesn't blow out of the pool once it's sucked up in there. If the wind blew left yesterday and right today, both stay in the pool. Over some days, that's a bug radius of schmutz.

I always Overnight Chlorine Loss Test to sleep better, needing a couple of them each spring to confirm its still pollen. Alot can happen on 2 weeks. Then I pour a beverage and chill while the filter and vac catch up.

@Newdude With the OCLT and possible MA. If I pass the OCLT will that mean that the MA or any other algae is absent? If yes, why does MA sometimes return after FC levels return to normal?

@mknauss we do get a lot of pollen each year in LA because of our warmer climate and etc, though seemingly not as much as the east coast folks. In my neighborhood, there are so many trees in all backyards and along the streets and they are all in bloom. I certainly hope I’m dealing with pollen, because I’ll be super sad getting MA after having taken care of this pool so well with TFP.

 

[Newdude]

With the OCLT and possible MA. If I pass the OCLT will that mean that the MA or any other algae is absent? If yes, why does MA sometimes return after FC levels return to normal?

It's kinda like clearing the water with a SLAM, but missing a fouled up light niche. You got enough of it to pass the OCLT, but it starts being reintroduced immediately upon ending SLAM, and your back to square one a week or two later.

MA slam level for 24 hours after completing SLAM ensures you get it all because it's stubborn stuff. You've been doing great with maintaining above minimum AFAIK, so MA is an unlikely possibility. It's always possible, but not probable.

 

[kul]

Thanks for the support. I will let you know how it goes after OCLT tonight/tmr. I have been keeping FC in decent range IMO so

 

[kul]

I just realized I already messed up. Having never done a slam before, I increased my FC closer to MA level than the recommended FC=16. Does this mean that if I pass my OCLT, I should just bring the FC to 24 as recommended post slam for MA? Gosh. I am a fool.

 

[mknauss]

With a very high FC, you likely will not pass the OCLT. Wait until the FC is around 10 ppm to do an OCLT.

 

[kul]

With a very high FC, you likely will not pass the OCLT. Wait until the FC is around 10 ppm to do an OCLT.

Oh I did not know about this. Why does that happen? The target for slam is FC=16. If someone is slamming, how would they know to stop slam if they can’t do a OCLT until FC reaches 10? Today is an overcast day with light sun if that makes any difference.

So is the recommendation I should test FC tmr but hold off on OCLT test until FC=10?

 

[mknauss]

The test accuracy gets difficult at higher FC levels. If you are doing a SLAM, and your water is crystal clear with no debris, and you have no CC, and you are seeing 1 or 1.5 ppm FC loss overnight, we routinely suggest you let the FC come down some to do an OCLT.