+ Home » + CHEMISTRY » + Pool Chemistry Problems » + Algae Questions   Previous Topic    Next Topic   advanced Posted:  10/25/2009 10:38 AM #24915 Sam247 Member       Total Posts:1 Last Post:10/25/2009 Member Since:10/25/2009 Subject: Algae Questions Hello, I currently have (I believe) yellow mustard algae in my pool. It has inspired me to do a little more research on the subject, and I was shocked to find how hard it is to find the actual species of the algae. I searched through numerous websites on Google and still, was unable to find the scientific name or species of yellow mustard algae. All I found was the common name(s), Yellow Mustard Algae, and Yellow Algae; also different algaecides the site had for sale. If anyone knows what are some common species of yellow mustard algae found in pools, it would be MUCH appreciated. THANKS,               Sam  Reply Posted:  10/25/2009 11:44 AM #24916 chem geek Member Total Posts:854 Last Post:10/25/2009 Member Since:12/12/2006 I don't believe the actual species is going to help you, but typical mustard algae is Pleurochloris pyrenoidasa Pascher. A specific black algae is Phormidium minnesotene (Tilden) Drouet, and a common green algae is Oocystis sp. Yellow/mustard algae is more resistant to chlorine, but it can be killed by chlorine alone. It requires raising the Free Chlorine (FC) level to around 60% of the Cyanuric Acid (CYA) level and maintaining that chlorine level for at least 2 if not 3 days. Also, put into the water any poles, nets or other equipment typically used in the water. Also, get behind night niches, under ladders, etc. as the algae prefers shade and will often hang out in area of poor water circulation. As for algaecides, the ones typically used for yellow/mustard algae have sodium bromide in them as they temporarily turn the pool into a bromine pool to get around high CYA levels since bromine does not bind to CYA so is not moderated in strength by the CYA. There are also some algaecides that use ammonia for similar reasons to intentionally produce monochloramine that also does not bind to CYA. Of course, if your CYA level is too high, the best thing to do is to dilute the water and don't use as much stabilized chlorine (Trichlor or Dichlor) to avoid having the CYA get so high in the first place. The chlorine/CYA relationship has been known since at least 1974 as described in this paper. I suggest you read Defeating Algae. Reply Jump to: CHEMISTRY: Pool Chemistry Problems EQUIPMENT: Pool Equipment Product Reviews EQUIPMENT: Swimming Pool Equipment Problems GENERAL: Fun Pool Stories GENERAL: General Pool Forum GENERAL: Indoor Pool Owners Forum GENERAL: Pool Pictures GENERAL: Tech Row STRUCTURE: Swimming Pool Structural Problems     Previous Topic    Next Topic