Swimming Pools

[Celtoid]

Hi Everyone,

I put a 50,000L pool in, just over a year ago. It's pebblecrete and has an automatic acid and liquid chlorine injection system.

The system ran for months without incident...pretty fuss free.

Over winter, I incrementally reduced the pump cycle time and was advised to observe the stability as I went. Got it down to 4 hrs and had no issues with water tests.

By the end of winter a light brown mark started appearing on the pool floor. It apears that I have mustard algae....which I'm led to believe is an absolute bugger to get rid of.

I upped the pump cycle back to 8 hrs, kept the chlorine levels really high, added numerous doses of algaecide and scrubbed the absolute bejabers out of the whole thing....over and over again.

It's been weeks of high chlorine levels, and regular scrubbings......but to no avail. I've also cleaned the filter cartridges on three occasions.

Ideas anybody? I'm seriously over it!

Cheers,

Kev.

[sheerluck]

Kev,

That's not nice. I feel for you, as we had a major algae problem when we moved in to our place late last year (we ladled 3 wheelie bins full of algae out of the pool, it was seriously disgusting).

What we were told to do to get rid of the last of it, was


Brush like mad
Vacuum the bottom of the pool to waste
Dose weekly with algaecide
Up the pH a little until the last of it was gone

We also ended up replacing the sand filter. Once we did that, the water was crystal clear in a week, and has stayed that way since.

[mudmouse]

We had dramas too - I'm a bit new to running a pool, so took a litre of water to the pool shop. I'm pretty sure I helped pay off the pool blokes ute, but the chemicals and crap he sold me got things back in order. It's been fine for the last two months....

Ours is a salt/chlorine unit with a cartridge filter.

I'd go to the pool shop mate, saves the headaches.

Matt.

[John W]

Discovered that with a muck up with the timers our pool had been off most of the winter but came good with some shock treatment (s).

Found this site Mustard Algae • Pool School • Trouble Free Pool (http://www.troublefreepool.com/pool-school/mustard_algae)

[WhiteD3]

Kev, haven't had mustard but I have had and still got black spot which is impossible to get rid of. The lesson I've learnt is it's better to over chlorinate (salt pool, via the cell level) and run the filter for a few extra hours then let things slide.

.......and yes, pool shops are a rip off and you're better off working it out yourself.

[RR46]

Hi Kev

I have been building/maintaining pools for the last 13 years. Without seeing your problem it is hard to say what it is ie: metals staining, algae, steel penetration etc. If you like pm me and I will give you my number and should be able to help you out.

As far as mustard algae goes the best way to get rid of it is to lower your ph and then bomb the pool with liquid chlorine. One thing to note and a common mistake alot of people/pool shops make is that chlorine is at its most effective when the ph is low. So if you ph is high (7.8 or above) and you tip in say 15ltrs of liquid chlorine (that has a ph value of 13) then the 15ltrs you have just tipped in will not be as effective at killing algae/bacteria as it would if your ph was say 7.2. (note all chlorine forms have a ph value, some low some high)

Again pm me and I will be more than happy to help you out over the phone.

Cheers Gavin

[mick88]

After reading the "Derusting by Electrolysis" thread, there is an option
for you to make it into a large "Electrolysis Bath" for derusting items like chassis's, trailers etc. :confused:

Cheers, Mick

[CraigE]

You may have to do an acid treatment. That is what we do up here. Bring Chlorine levels down as low as possible. Usually 20 plus litres of acid, the filtration system must be blocked as does the chlorine dosing system. Pool shops usually have the gear for this. You usually leave it for a week maybe two and then scrub. Then set up the filtration system and filter, Then re adjust chlorine or salt levels.
Good for black spot to or just a good clean up. Should be done once a year, usually in winter.

[p38arover]

The lesson I've learnt is it's better to over chlorinate (salt pool, via the cell level) and run the filter for a few extra hours then let things slide.

"Then" or "than"? They mean entirely different things and, in this context, have significant ramifications.

I note a lot of people (especially Americans) use "then" where they should use "than".

[Bigbjorn]

Pool, a hole in the ground into which you pour money. Been there, done that, never again.

I have been looking at Sunshine Coast hinterland real estate for a while with the plan of relocating there. Land sharks ( so-called real estate persons) seem puzzled when I tell them that a pool automatically knocks $50,000 off my estimate of the property's worth. This is roughly what it will cost to remove the unwanted item and re-landscape the yard.

[rovercare]

"Then" or "than"? They mean entirely different things and, in this context, have significant ramifications.

I note a lot of people (especially Americans) use "then" where they should use "than".

Actually, given the context it was easy to determine when read in ones head, the joy of turning into a vocal means it can easily be determined, also, I bet you correctly adjusted accordingly, otherwise you wouldn't of mentioned it:p

I often wonder about putting a pool in when the kids are Older:confused:

[p38arover]

Actually, given the context it was easy to determine when read in ones head, the joy of turning into a vocal means it can easily be determined, also, I bet you correctly adjusted accordingly, otherwise you wouldn't of mentioned it:p


"have" not "of" :angel:

:wasntme:

[p38arover]

Pool, a hole in the ground into which you pour money. Been there, done that, never again.

I have been looking at Sunshine Coast hinterland real estate for a while with the plan of relocating there. Land sharks ( so-called real estate persons) seem puzzled when I tell them that a pool automatically knocks $50,000 off my estimate of the property's worth. This is roughly what it will cost to remove the unwanted item and re-landscape the yard.

Exactly! We've been the same when viewing properties. Ditto with new kitchens as they are almost invariably pine which we loathe and would want to rip out.

[Bigbjorn]

Exactly! We've been the same when viewing properties. Ditto with new kitchens as they are almost invariably pine which we loathe and would want to rip out.

I want a house with a proper kitchen, that is a separate room with space to eat in, not just an alcove at the end of the living room separated from it by a bench.

Seems houses are no longer built this way.

[DeeJay]

"Then" or "than"? They mean entirely different things and, in this context, have significant ramifications.

I note a lot of people (especially Americans) use "then" where they should use "than".


Also New Zealanders :D

[Celtoid]

Hi Kev

I have been building/maintaining pools for the last 13 years. Without seeing your problem it is hard to say what it is ie: metals staining, algae, steel penetration etc. If you like pm me and I will give you my number and should be able to help you out.

As far as mustard algae goes the best way to get rid of it is to lower your ph and then bomb the pool with liquid chlorine. One thing to note and a common mistake alot of people/pool shops make is that chlorine is at its most effective when the ph is low. So if you ph is high (7.8 or above) and you tip in say 15ltrs of liquid chlorine (that has a ph value of 13) then the 15ltrs you have just tipped in will not be as effective at killing algae/bacteria as it would if your ph was say 7.2. (note all chlorine forms have a ph value, some low some high)

Again pm me and I will be more than happy to help you out over the phone.

Cheers Gavin

Thanks everybody for your input, I'm going to PM Gavin to get some real time advice.

Cheers,

Kev.

[Celtoid]

Kev,

That's not nice. I feel for you, as we had a major algae problem when we moved in to our place late last year (we ladled 3 wheelie bins full of algae out of the pool, it was seriously disgusting).

What we were told to do to get rid of the last of it, was


Brush like mad
Vacuum the bottom of the pool to waste
Dose weekly with algaecide
Up the pH a little until the last of it was gone
We also ended up replacing the sand filter. Once we did that, the water was crystal clear in a week, and has stayed that way since.


Thanks Dave,

Fortunately my pool was not like that, water was/is crystal clear....if I had a slightly darker pebblecrete, I wouln't have noticed at all. Unfortunately, it's apparently seriously hard to get rid of Mustard algae....if that's what it is. Hoping a chat to Gavin will shed some light.

Cheers,

Kev.

[Celtoid]

We had dramas too - I'm a bit new to running a pool, so took a litre of water to the pool shop. I'm pretty sure I helped pay off the pool blokes ute, but the chemicals and crap he sold me got things back in order. It's been fine for the last two months....

Ours is a salt/chlorine unit with a cartridge filter.

I'd go to the pool shop mate, saves the headaches.

Matt.

Thanks Matt, talked to both the builder of the pool and the pool shop.....still got a headache....and a wallet ache.....LOL!!!!

Nobody has actually come out and looked but it appears to have signs of an algae....big cloud of something when you hit it with a wire brush and fades slightly when scrubbed hard, as well as high chlorine usage.

Hopefully it can be sorted.

Cheers,

Kev.

[Celtoid]

Kev, haven't had mustard but I have had and still got black spot which is impossible to get rid of. The lesson I've learnt is it's better to over chlorinate (salt pool, via the cell level) and run the filter for a few extra hours then let things slide.

.......and yes, pool shops are a rip off and you're better off working it out yourself.

Thanks Mate.

Hopefully Gavin will be able to help me work out if I do actually have an algae problem and how to deal with whatever it is.

New pool....not happy Jan......

I guess I can always drain it and take up skateboarding.....pity it has square sides.....:(

Cheers Kev.

[p38arover]

What happens if you drain the pool and let the sun and chlorine (or some other chemical, e.g., a mild acid) work on the dry algae for a while?

[adm333]

Have you tried adding "Starver" to the water.

It removes the phosphate from the water which the algae needs to live.

I put a strong dose in once or twice a year.

Dave

[crash]

If the pool shop does not want to come out and have a look change shops, If you are spending too much at the shops change shops.
When we first moved into our house it had a pool, it was my first time to experience pool ownership. The first couple of years I went to a particular pool shop and did not matter how often or little I wen to the shop I spent a min $100.00.
I eventually changed pool shops, and now my pool is in better condition and I spend way less on chemicals etc than before. When I had an algae problem (pump died) the pool shop gave me specific instructions as what to do, and if that did not help he said call and he would come out and investigate. I did not have to call him out.

[big guy]

Pool, a hole in the ground into which you pour money. Been there, done that, never again.

I have been looking at Sunshine Coast hinterland real estate for a while with the plan of relocating there. Land sharks ( so-called real estate persons) seem puzzled when I tell them that a pool automatically knocks $50,000 off my estimate of the property's worth. This is roughly what it will cost to remove the unwanted item and re-landscape the yard.


How funny is that!!!

Land sharks??? WTF. They are there to do a job, answer their phone during all hours and do all the searches and opens whilst we are out enjoying our weekends. Some may not sell a property for weeks, how stressful is that?

For some a 6 car garage may be the same as a pool, or a tennis court?

What if you have kids, a pool is great fun also if you are an active person and like to swim or exercise rather than just type crap on forums!

If you are not looking at a house with a pool, don't even go look at it and waste the agents time, likewise if you have a beautifully paved driveway and own a Landy, whats the point of the nice driveway if the landy drips oil everywhere. Ever had an agent say that to you.

No, because its rude and they have manners.

They are usually very professional and try and get the vendor the best price.

You will notice if/when you sell your place.

How rude.

[big guy]

Now, in regards to maintaining a pool, I get my pool guy to come by every 4 weeks during the swim season and 8 weeks during off season.

I calculated that into my running costs of the pool along with solar pump life, filter cartridge replacement and water etc.

Its all worth it in my experience.:D

[Bigbjorn]

How funny is that!!!

Land sharks??? WTF. They are there to do a job, answer their phone during all hours and do all the searches and opens whilst we are out enjoying our weekends. Some may not sell a property for weeks, how stressful is that?

For some a 6 car garage may be the same as a pool, or a tennis court?

What if you have kids, a pool is great fun also if you are an active person and like to swim or exercise rather than just type crap on forums!

If you are not looking at a house with a pool, don't even go look at it and waste the agents time, likewise if you have a beautifully paved driveway and own a Landy, whats the point of the nice driveway if the landy drips oil everywhere. Ever had an agent say that to you.

No, because its rude and they have manners.

They are usually very professional and try and get the vendor the best price.

You will notice if/when you sell your place.

How rude.

If you truly believe agents act for the vendor and try to get the vendor the best price, then you have a lot to learn. Have you heard of the process called vendor conditioning? This involves getting the vendor to accept a much reduced price by various stratagems. It usually starts within a few days of listing. The reason? It is easier and quicker to sell something under value than bust your ass trying to achieve the maximum, or, quelle horreur, what the vendor is asking.

I refuse to pay agents for a "marketing campaign". These advertise the agency rather more than your property. The agency is getting extraordinary commission for doing relatively little and can pay for their advertising out of their share.

I have bought and sold a number of houses and have never been completely happy with the agency. You give them their instructions about not submitting offers under $x and to simply tell the offerer "No, not enough" and not to bother me with low ball offers. What happens? Well, vendor conditioning for a start, submitting low ball offers to attempt to determine your bottom line.

I told one guy that he is paid commission to get someone to buy something they don't want at a higher price than they wanted to pay. If you are selling something at market value or less, then you don't need a sales rep in a $1,000 suit and a Mercedes. You need a cash register and a check out girl. Most real estate sales reps would not make a living in competitive high dollar industrial selling like construction and mining equipment.

As for being shown places with pools, I tell them what sort of place I am looking for, and get shown around anything but. "I thought you would like to see this one. It is a bit like what you are seeking". When I tell them no pool and not more than 3/4 acre of land and am contacted regularly with places that are not at all like my description then I can get a bit caustic.

I realise they can only show me their listings but they should take my instructions on board and save everybody's time.

[big guy]

I do have a lot to learn, I am learning every day bit like all of us.

In real estate however I am pretty good, I am a builder/project manager/engineer for a local small construction company.
I have won several MBA and UDIA awards both for medium density living and and market assessment etc.

We have our own real estate agent in our company and one of the directors is also a agent.
Do you still think I don't know what I am talking about? Do you?
I have build, bought and sold many of my own properties, not blowing much steam but my own portfolio is looking good also.

Find a good company and you will find a good agent, biggest problem is most vendors believe their property is worth more than it actually is and sits dead in the water for ages whilst the agent keeps trying to get the vendors dream price.
Well, times are tough and prices flat lined and it's a buyers market.

If you don't want a pool, its that easy, get a house with no pool.

Real estate.com is your best friend and to get a pool taken out and or filled in plus a bit of average landscaping is nothing near the price you quoted, even cheaper if it's fiberglass as most in Queensland are.

Happy house hunting.;)

[Scouse]

If you truly believe agents act for the vendor and try to get the vendor the best price, then you have a lot to learn. Have you heard of the process called vendor conditioning? This involves getting the vendor to accept a much reduced price by various stratagems. It usually starts within a few days of listing. The reason? It is easier and quicker to sell something under value than bust your ass trying to achieve the maximum, or, quelle horreur, what the vendor is asking.

After spending the last year looking at properties to buy & selling 2 in 6mths, I can assure you that the above is all completely true.

The swear filter here would have a heart attack if I wrote what I thought of real estate agents.

[Barney2803]

Pools are great IMHO. I put one in at my last place, first pool I've ever had anything to do with. Initially I was out cleaning it every Sunday and loved it. Over time I only tended to clean it every month and maybe twice over winter and really no problems. We even got so slack we measured ph and all the crap rarely because it was so stable. My pool guy was/is absolutely fantastically wonderful! I had a couple of issues when it wentgreen with algae and I called him and one of his boys dropped over after work and told me the deal to fix it and all fine, done and dusted. It was a composite pool, not quite the cheapest, by no way the most expensive but by far the easiest to maintain from all my research. Composite pools have a concrete surround and structure with a vinyl liner. We had no issues with the liner as others claim to have had, the solar heating was beaut too. We also had the boys start excavation on Monday and we were swimming in the brand new pool by Friday night.

Sent from my iPhone using Forum Runner

[Bigbjorn]

Find a good company and you will find a good agent, biggest problem is most vendors believe their property is worth more than it actually is and sits dead in the water for ages whilst the agent keeps trying to get the vendors dream price.
Well, times are tough and prices flat lined and it's a buyers market.

.;)

An ethical agent would not accept a listing far above a reasonably achievable selling price. They should say "no, that property can not be sold at your expected price and I can not accept the listing until you reduce your asking price to something achievable".

If the agent accepts the listing at too high a price then to my mind they are duty bound to work hard at achieving that price or near. The norm, unfortunately, seems to be to accept the listing at a high price to keep it out of the hands of other agents whilst they beat down the owner's expectations.

[85 county]

water, what i don't know about water, i was even state manager for one of those well known national pool company's.

the only thing i have read here so far that's really good, is do not tun down you pump during winter, the other problem is if you are using liquid chlorine which is on a good day only 13% active but more like 7% if its a month old. any way with liquid chlorine you are also actually adding algae food to your water as well.

but your problem is actually quite simple

Take a sample to a good pool shop, when that test they should rack up a bunch of test tubes etc not just a dip thing.

you want

TDS, alkalinity, PH, chlorine levels, phosphate, copper and calcium.

problems with killing mold is because alkalinity and or calcium are to high.

staver as already posted is a good product, IF that is your problem.

post the results and i will tell you what to do next.

do you have a pressure Gage on your sand filter and how old is the sand.

[big guy]

After spending the last year looking at properties to buy & selling 2 in 6mths, I can assure you that the above is all completely true.

The swear filter here would have a heart attack if I wrote what I thought of real estate agents.

I am very sorry you had such a bad experience, keep in mind what the market is doing!

We sold a house $150K under cost only 6 months ago, something is only worth what somebody wants to pay and market dictates price.

Most Land Rover owners typically think their cars are worth more than they actually are. Thats my experience so its relative if you get what I mean.

[Alessandro8100]

Owning a swimming pool is an investment in both time and money.And also a fun activity for every member of your family.But it is important to keep the water clean and safe for all swimmers. You must test your chemical levels regularly, flush your filter, clean out the skimmer basket and vacuum.
These chemicals are generally recommended only when you have the swimming pool near a garden or if the pool is in direct sunlight.

[Alessandro8100]

Owning a swimming pool is an investment in both time and money.And also a fun activity for every member of your family.But it is important to keep the water clean and safe for all swimmers. You must test your chemical levels regularly, flush your filter, clean out the skimmer basket and vacuum.
These chemicals are generally recommended only when you have the swimming pool near a garden or if the pool is in direct sunlight.
round above ground pools (http://www.thepoolfactory.com/swimming-pools/above-ground-pools)

[Pinelli]

Actually, given the context it was easy to determine when read in ones head, the joy of turning into a vocal means it can easily be determined, also, I bet you correctly adjusted accordingly, otherwise you wouldn't of mentioned it:p

I often wonder about putting a pool in when the kids are Older:confused:

How old are the kids?

Our kids are now 9, 8 and 5, and are in the pool daily or more often. Our little one has gone from being a water phobe to jumping in herself within a year (with lessons to help). Worth it just for that. We've had the pool for about 3 1/2 yrs, since we moved here.