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Question:
Help!!!! I can not get rid of the green stuff.  I have shocked the pool three times
now and I still have a light green look to the pool.  I have a 20X40 inground liner
pool and the ph is between 7.2 and 7.8 and 120 and the chlorine level is off the
charts.  I clean the filter regularly 2-3 times per day and the green look just won't
go.  What should I do?  Should I get an algaecide?  What would you recommend
as a program to get rid of it and then maintain it properly?

Response:
To be on the safe side, I would first recommend that you have the water checked
for heavy metals, copper in particular.  Oxidized copper will turn the water a light,
clear green.  Treat with BioGuard Pool Magnet - 1 qt. / 10,000 gallons / 1.0 ppm
metals present. 

I would definitely treat with a good algaecide (BioGuard Back Up or Algae All 60 
are both good products) if you haven't already done so.  Algicide should be added 
at start up, then weekly for the remainder of the season.

If you really want to keep algae at bay, BioGuard Optimizer Plus is a great algae 
preventative.  When used properly, Optimizer Plus prevents algae from 
photosynthesizing & growing.  As a bonus, you'll notice better balanced water 
& a soft feel.  Most customers find a significant decrease in the amount of sanitizer 
used (works with any pool sanitizer) - up to 25% to 30% less.  Now that I've 
said that, I hope you don't live in California where it's not available for use.

Follow a good maintenance program of weekly shocking, algaecide & good chlorine 
levels plus good water balance.  You may find that BioGuard products are a little 
more expensive, but they just work better, so they end up being less expensive 
in the long run.

Question:
We have an above ground vinyl liner swimming pool.  We live in the country on a
farm and every year I have to replace the liner due to the fact that I keep getting
what I believe is some type of algae that I can not scrub off to save my soul.  It
seems as if it welds itself onto the liner.  Also, it feels like sand paper and will
make your feet and hands very tender.

Response:
It almost sounds as if you may have some kind of ground fungus that's getting
through the liner.  You may have to use a ground cloth first then put the liner on
top of it.  Check with a local nursery or landscaper to see if they can recommend
any kind of fungicide that can be put down as well.  Purchasing a good quality
liner will also make a difference.  Cheap liners are not treated as well to guard
against fungus & mildew.
 

Question:
I just cannot get rid of the green algae in my pool.  

There is not much clinging to the walls.  Tuesday and Wednesday I put 40 lbs. of
chlorine in the water.  I added a good algaecide and some clarifier.  The filter is
relatively new (3 yrs); cartridge (2nd set).  Pump is brand new.  The filter has been
running non-stop for a week. 

Response:
You're doing all the right things.  Keep the chlorine high, maintain pH at 7.4 - 7.6,
TA at about 120.  Only clean the cartridges when they become really clogged &
there's no pressure returning back to the pool.  40 lbs may sound like a lot, but
in a 20,000 gallon pool, that's not a lot especially with a bad algae problem. 
Remember, it took several MONTHS to get into this condition; it's not going to clear
in a matter of days.  It will be a slow process.  Keep brushing & the filter running
24/7 until clear.

More Algae Q & A here (page 4)