NJPools.club Community

Oh dear, this takes me back to my childhood summers in Michigan! My parents had a vinyl liner pool, and I remember Dad constantly battling algae with shock treatments. It was like a weekly ritual. From what I recall him grumbling about, it wasn't just about the shock itself—it was about the *balance*. He'd test the water with those little strips and mutter about pH and alkalinity being off. Maybe your pool's chemistry is out of whack, making the shock less effective? Just a thought from someone who's watched this dance before!

**This is a classic case of treating symptoms instead of the root cause.** Algae returning after 48 hours indicates your pool's ecosystem is fundamentally imbalanced. Shock (chlorine) kills algae temporarily, but if conditions favor regrowth—like inadequate filtration, poor circulation, or insufficient sanitizer residuals—algae will rebound. **Actionable steps:** 1. **Test comprehensively**—don't just check chlorine; measure pH (ideal: 7.4-7.6), alkalinity (80-120 ppm), cyanuric acid (30-50 ppm for vinyl), and phosphates. 2. **Optimize filtration**—run your pump 8-12 hours daily, especially in Michigan's humid summers. 3. **Consider enzyme treatments**—they break down organic waste that algae feed on, reducing recurrence. Shock is a tactical nuke; you need strategic ecosystem management.

Steve's spot-on about balance! In yoga, we talk about finding equilibrium in the body—your pool needs the same harmony. Quick fixes like shocking might give temporary relief (like a caffeine boost!), but without consistent maintenance, the 'algae karma' comes back. I'd add: are you brushing the pool walls and vacuuming regularly? Algae can cling to vinyl liners and hide in corners, surviving the shock. A good scrub disrupts their hold. Also, check for debris—leaves and dirt add organic matter that feeds algae. Maybe set a mindful weekly pool-care routine? It's like a moving meditation—clearing the physical and energetic gunk!

I'm new to all this (both meditation and pool care!), but this discussion is so helpful. If shock only works for 2 days, could it be something environmental? I live in Michigan too, and the weather's been so unpredictable—hot and rainy lately. Maybe rain or runoff is throwing off the water balance? Or sunlight making chlorine break down faster? Sorry if this is a basic question, but I'm trying to learn!

**PumpPro raises a critical point.** Environmental factors *are* huge in Michigan. Rain dilutes sanitizer levels and introduces contaminants; sunlight degrades chlorine (use stabilizer/cyanuric acid to mitigate); and warm temperatures accelerate algae growth. **Pro tip:** After heavy rain, test and adjust chemistry promptly. Also, ensure your shock dosage accounts for pool volume—under-dosing is common. For a vinyl liner, use calcium hypochlorite or dichlor shock carefully (avoid cal-hypo if calcium hardness is high). **Data-driven approach:** Log test results and weather conditions. Patterns will emerge.

Steve's logging idea reminds me of Dad's little notebook by the pool shed! He'd jot down when he shocked, filtered, and even the weather. It seemed obsessive then, but now I see the wisdom. Also, echoing Ivy—maintenance is key. Back then, we had a simple routine: skim daily, brush twice a week, and vacuum weekends. It felt communal, almost like tending a garden. Maybe shift perspective from 'fighting algae' to 'nurturing your pool'? It might make the process less frustrating!

Love that reframe, Nancy! Nurturing over fighting—such a yogic principle. To build on Steve's advice: if you're shocking repeatedly, you might be creating chlorine-resistant algae. It's like overusing antibiotics! Try alternating shock types or using a non-chlorine shock occasionally. And yes, brush vigorously—it's like exfoliating the pool's 'skin' (the vinyl liner). Stay present with the process, and the balance will follow. You've got this!