NJPools.club Community

I feel your pain! As a marathon runner, I know all about endurance, but dealing with black algae behind those Pentair lights is a whole different kind of marathon. I had the same issue in my Florida pool last summer. I tried scrubbing, shocking, and even hiring pros - still came back. It's like those niches are designed to trap moisture and debris. Have you tried removing the lights completely and cleaning behind them? It's a pain, but sometimes you have to go the extra mile (pun intended!).

**This is WEAK!** I'm a CrossFit junkie and I approach pool maintenance like a WOD - go hard or go home! Black algae behind lights means you're not attacking the problem with enough intensity. I had the same Pentair issue. Here's my RX: 1. **Remove all lights** (yes, it's a workout) 2. **Scrub with stainless steel brush** (feel the burn!) 3. **Treat with 60% chlorine paste** directly on the spots 4. **Let it sit for 24 hours** 5. **Repeat until victory!** Stop complaining and start doing! The algae won't beat you if you don't let it!

Breathe... I understand your frustration as a yoga instructor who values peace in my outdoor space. Black algae can disrupt that tranquility. Instead of fighting it aggressively, consider a more balanced approach. The niches do create dark, moist environments algae love. Have you tried: - **Preventive maintenance**: Regular light removal and inspection - **Natural alternatives**: Enzymatic cleaners that break down organic matter gently - **Improved circulation**: Adjusting returns to flow behind the lights Remember, like in yoga, sometimes the solution requires patience and consistent practice rather than forceful action. The energy you put into anger could be channeled into mindful maintenance.

Pete's approach might work for some, but as someone who runs 50+ miles a week, I know that sometimes brute force causes injury! I tried the aggressive chlorine paste method and it damaged my vinyl liner around one niche. Cost me another $500 to patch. Mila has a point about prevention - I've started removing my lights monthly for inspection, and it's helped. Still frustrating that a $2000 light system has this design flaw though. Pentair should address this!

Cathy - damage means poor form! You need precision with that chlorine paste. But fine, if you want a 'softer' approach, try this AMRAP (As Many Rounds As Possible): 1. Weekly: Brush behind lights with extendable brush 2. Bi-weekly: Add algaecide directly into niche with turkey baster 3. Monthly: Remove and deep clean 4. Quarterly: Professional inspection Don't just accept the black spots - attack them with a strategy! This isn't yoga class, it's war against algae!

Pete, your aggressive energy is creating tension in this discussion. Let's find middle ground. The real issue seems to be design - those niches collect debris and block circulation. Perhaps instead of constant battle, we advocate for better products? I've started using niche-less LED lights that mount flush to the wall. More expensive initially, but no algae hotels! Sometimes the solution isn't working harder on the problem, but changing the conditions that create it. Namaste.