Results for "yellow algae"

Water Chemistry Easy 10 minutes 278 👍 0

How Long Do Pool Chemicals Last? Complete Shelf Life Guide

Somewhere in my garage I've got old pool chemicals from last season, but I can't afford to replace them all — is there a way to test if they're still good for under $20?

Specifically looking for technical specifications on how long liquid chlorine maintains potency versus granular forms, and whether chemicals like sodium bicarbonate and muriatic acid have definitive expiration parameters. Storage conditions are controlled temperature and humidity, so assuming optimal preservation environment.…more

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Algae Green Pool Medium 4-6 hours 258 👍 0

Can I Shock Pool After Adding Algaecide? Complete Guide

Spent all morning watching my pool turn green with algae patches and now I'm holding bottles of algaecide and shock with no clue which to use first. But I'm not sure about the timing - can I add both in the same day? Should I put the algaecide in first, or does it matter?

Also, if I can use both, how long should I wait between adding them? Don't want to mess up my water chemistry or waste expensive chemicals by doing this wrong!…more

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Filters Medium 2-3 hours for treatment process 186 👍 0

Can Pool Filter Sand Be Used in Garden? Complete Guide

I got stuck with 200 pounds of nasty used pool filter sand that the previous owner left behind when I moved in. Been in my filter for 3 years. Wondering if I can dump this in my vegetable garden or if the chlorine and other pool chemicals make it unsafe for plants. Anyone know if there's a way to clean it first or should I just toss it?…more

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Product Ranking 10 compared

Best Pool Water Test Kits

4.6 (45,200 reviews)

Filters Easy 15 minutes 137 👍 0

How Long Do Pool Cartridge Filters Last? Replacement Guide

Between my pool store saying 2-4 weeks and everything online claiming 2-4 months, I'm completely lost on when to actually replace my cartridge filter. How long between cleanings? When do I throw them out completely and buy new ones?

Running my pool daily during summer. Want to stay on top of maintenance but not waste money replacing too early.…more

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Algae Green Pool Medium 2-4 hours 133 👍 0

Does Cloudy Pool Water Mean Algae? Expert Diagnosis Guide

Walked out to my 20,000 gallon inground pool this morning and the crystal clear water from three days ago is now completely cloudy. They've been asking to use the pool, but I'm worried this cloudiness might mean we have an algae problem that could make them sick.

I'm not sure what's causing the cloudiness - could it be algae starting to grow, or might there be other reasons? How can I tell the difference between algae and other issues that cause cloudy water? I want to make sure I properly diagnose what's wrong before letting the kids back in the pool.…more

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Algae Green Pool Medium 1-3 days 133 👍 0

Can Pool Algae Kill You? Health Risks & Safety Guide

Turned on my pool lights last night and saw this green stuff floating around - total newbie here and honestly have no idea if this algae thing is dangerous. My pool has been fighting a losing battle against algae for weeks now, and it's gotten to the point where I'm genuinely worried about safety. The water is this nasty green mess, and I keep reading conflicting information online about whether algae can actually make you sick or worse.

I've got kids who are dying to swim, but I'm scared to let them anywhere near this swamp I used to call a pool. Is algae itself actually dangerous, or am I being overly paranoid? I know it makes everything slippery as hell, but are there real health risks I should be worried about? Just need to know if this is a "keep throwing chemicals at it" problem or a "nobody goes near the water" emergency.…more

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Filters Easy 15 minutes 132 👍 0

How to Tell If Your Pool Cartridge Filter Is Bad - 7 Signs

Nobody can explain why my test strips show perfect chemistry levels but my pool water looks like chocolate milk. Filter cartridge looks grayish and the pleats seem a bit beat up. Tried cleaning it but water quality isn't improving.

How do I know when it's actually time to replace the cartridge versus just needing a better cleaning? What should I be looking for?…more

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Filters Easy 45-90 minutes 131 👍 0

Can I Vacuum Pool on Waste? Complete Filter Setting Guide

Halfway through prepping for our pool party this Saturday, I realized I have no clue which filter setting to use when vacuuming all this debris. I've got some pretty heavy debris that's settled on the bottom of my pool after a storm, and I'm worried about clogging up my filter if I vacuum it all up normally.

The guy at the pool store mentioned something about using the "waste" setting when vacuuming, but I didn't really understand what he meant. Does this actually work, and when should I be using waste instead of the regular filter setting? I don't want to mess anything up since I'm still learning all this stuff.…more

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Cloudy Water Medium 2-5 days 126 👍 0

How to Clear Cloudy Pool Water: Complete Step-by-Step Guide

Pulled off a perfect shock treatment on my old above-ground pool for this exact cloudy water mess, but my new inground pool still looks like milk. I can barely see the bottom and it's honestly embarrassing with summer parties coming up.

I'm pretty sure I need to do something with the chemicals and maybe run the filter more, but I have no idea what the right steps are or how long this is going to take. Should I be testing the water first? Adding chlorine? Help me get my pool back to that beautiful clear blue!…more

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Algae Green Pool Medium 15 minutes reading, varies for application 124 👍 0

How Pool Algaecide Works: Complete Chemistry Guide 2024

I replaced three different algaecides in two months, my 20,000-gallon pool still gets green spots weekly, AND my perfect chlorine levels aren't preventing anything. I've tried copper-based and polyquat algaecides, but I'm curious about the actual chemistry behind how these products work to kill algae.

My current chlorine levels are around 2-3 ppm and pH is 7.4, but I still get green spots forming on the walls every few weeks. The pool guy says algaecides work differently than chlorine, but he couldn't explain exactly how. I'd love to understand the science behind what's happening at the cellular level when algaecide contacts algae, and whether I should be relying more on higher chlorine levels or these specialty chemicals for prevention and treatment.…more

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Algae Green Pool Medium 15 minutes reading 123 👍 0

How Does Pool Algae Form? Understanding the Science Behind It

Since my neighbor's pool sparkles like a resort while mine transforms into a green lagoon every month, what's their secret to preventing algae takeover? The staff always tries to sell me multiple expensive bottles of shock, algaecide, and clarifiers, claiming I need their whole treatment system. But I want to understand what's actually causing this algae to form in the first place so I can prevent it myself.

What are the root causes that allow algae to take hold and multiply in pool water? I'd rather tackle the problem at its source than keep throwing money at treatments that only seem to work temporarily.…more

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Product Ranking 8 compared

Best Variable Speed Pool Pumps

4.5 (12,400 reviews)

Algae Green Pool Medium 2-7 days treatment 121 👍 0

Can You Swim in a Pool with Algae? Safety Guide & Solutions

Somewhere between yesterday's crystal clear water and this morning's green algae nightmare coating my 20,000-gallon inground pool, my kids started their relentless begging to swim. What are the actual health risks? Should I keep everyone out until it's completely clear, or is a little algae not that big of a deal?

I've heard mixed things from neighbors - some say it's fine as long as you shower after, others say it's dangerous. Looking for the real facts on swimming with algae present.…more

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Above Ground Easy 30 minutes 118 👍 0

Do You Need to Shock Above Ground Pools? Complete Guide

I'm wondering if I'm about to waste my money on pool shock for my above ground pool since I keep getting mixed advice on whether it's even necessary. Some people tell me that above ground pools don't need to be shocked as often as inground pools, while others say they need the same treatment. My chlorine levels have been staying around 2-3 ppm with regular chlorine tablets, but I've noticed the water getting a bit hazy after heavy use on weekends.

I'm wondering if above ground pools have different shocking requirements compared to inground pools, or if the maintenance routine should be exactly the same? Should I be shocking weekly during swim season, or is there a different schedule I should follow for an above ground setup?…more

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Algae Green Pool Medium 3-5 days for complete algae elimination 113 👍 0

Can Pool Algae Cause UTI? Swimming Safety & Health Risks

My chlorine tests perfect at 3 ppm and pH at 7.2, but everything says that should kill algae—so why is my pool still green after three weeks? Finally getting it under control but wondering about health risks during this time.

Can swimming in algae-contaminated water actually cause urinary tract infections? Or is that just a myth? Need to know if I should keep the family out until it's completely clear.…more

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Water Chemistry Medium 45 minutes 113 👍 0

Pool Shock vs Chlorine: Do You Need Both? Complete Guide

Planning my spring pool opening, the same pushy sales pitch starts at the pool store — they insist I need chlorine tablets AND shock treatment AND algaecide. My pool maintenance costs are getting out of control.

Do I really need to buy separate shock products if I'm already using chlorine for regular sanitization? I'm starting to think they're just trying to squeeze more money out of me. Can't I just use one product that does both jobs? I'd rather go the DIY route and simplify my chemical routine if possible.…more

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