NJPools.club Community

Hey there! First off, welcome to pool ownership in Texas - it's a whole new world of maintenance! 😊 As a yoga instructor, I approach pool care like I do my practice: with patience and attention to detail. Those black dots you're seeing in the grout lines are most likely **black algae**. From my experience with my own pool here in Austin, black algae has these root-like structures that embed themselves deep into porous surfaces like grout. That's why brushing doesn't remove it - you're just scratching the surface (literally!). What worked for me: - **Shock treatment** with chlorine (lots of it!) - **Scrubbing with a stainless steel brush** (not just any brush) - **Algaecide specifically for black algae** - **Consistent maintenance** afterward Think of it like holding a difficult yoga pose - you need the right technique and persistence!

Ivy's right about it probably being black algae, but let me give you the fitness pro perspective! 💪 In fitness, we talk about prevention being better than cure, and that applies to pools too. **First, confirm what you're dealing with:** 1. Take a coin and try to scrape a spot 2. If it flakes off easily - could be dirt or debris 3. If it's gritty and hard to remove - that's black algae **My maintenance routine (think of it like a workout regimen for your pool):** - **Weekly brushing** with proper technique (not just going through motions) - **Balanced chemicals** (pH 7.4-7.6, alkalinity 80-120) - **Regular shocking** (like interval training for your pool) - **Good circulation** (pump running 8-12 hours daily) If it's definitely black algae, you'll need the nuclear option: triple-shocking and aggressive brushing. Don't half-a** it like a bad workout - go hard or go home!

Marathon runner chiming in! 🏃‍♀️ Just like training for 26.2 miles, pool maintenance is about endurance and the right tools. I had this EXACT problem last summer here in Houston. Those black dots drove me crazy for weeks! Here's what I learned through trial and error (and lots of research): **It's almost certainly black algae**, and here's why brushing doesn't work: - The algae has **phycocyanin** pigments that protect it - It forms **protective layers** that resist normal chlorine - The roots penetrate **deep into porous surfaces** **My successful attack plan (took 3 days, like a training cycle):** **Day 1:** Super-chlorinate (shock to 30+ ppm) **Day 2:** Brush aggressively with stainless steel brush (multiple times) **Day 3:** Apply black algae specific algaecide **Pro tip from my running experience:** Get a **pool water test kit** (not strips) and test daily during treatment. Track your progress like you'd track mile times! P.S. - Once cleared, maintain higher chlorine levels (3-4 ppm) to prevent recurrence. Consistency is key, just like showing up for training runs!