Using Alum as a flocculant

 When a pool is really green and has so much algae that you can't even see the bottom, it is either time to drain and refill the entire pool or floc the pool and vacuum to waste. A flocculant drops everything to the bottom of the pool so that it can be vacuumed to waste. 

One of the best flocculants is Alum (i.e. Aluminum Sulfate). Alum is Al₂(SO₄)₃

Here is the reaction when added to water: 

Al₂(SO₄)₃ + 6H₂O ® 2Al³⁺ 3SO₄^2- + 6H⁺ + 6OH^- ® 2Al(OH)₃ + 3H₂SO₄

The resulting product is Al(OH)₃  which is an insoluble floc that will drop everything to the bottom of the pool where it can be vacuumed to waste. This including a good portion of cyanuric acid (stabilizer), carbonate alkalinity, and calcium hardness. (Adjust as needed after vacuuming and refilling.) 

Besides the floc, the remaining by-product is 3H₂SO₄ (Sulfuric acid) meaning that adding Alum will lower the pH. You can deal with this in one of two ways. You can raise the pH to a higher than normal level prior to adding Alum so that the pH doesn’t drop too low after adding it, however, the Alum will work better if you add the Alum when the pH is normal (near 7.2) and then raise back as needed after it drops. 

Temperature is also important as the water needs to be 70 degrees Fahrenheit or higher for a good chemical reaction to take place. 

Dosage isn't precise: dissolve and broadcast 2-6 lbs alum per 10k gallons.

Where to find it. Alum can be purchased from pool stores, but you will find better prices on larger quantities at garden centers as alum is also used in flower gardens.  

Silver Algaecide

 Silver algaecide has an oligodynamic effect on algae. It initially creates pores in the cell's membrane and then damages DND and m-RNA. It denatures its ribosomes, alters its energy drive, and damages the mitochondria causing cellular dismantling and oxidizing vital proteins. "Silver is badass; they use this stuff to kill werewolves." -- From "Mastering the Art of Green-to-Clean," by Rudy Stankowitz in Aqua, August 2023, p, 31. 

Copper Algaecides

It turns out that copper is vital to the survival of algae and photosynthetic bacteria (better known as black algae). So why do algaecides contain copper? 

A little is vital, too much is deadly. It is a bit of a Trojan Horse effect. The algae will readily take in copper, but if it takes in too much then the copper will interfere with the Calvin cycle (i.e. the photosynthesis process whereby carbon dioxide is converted to sugar.)  

First time iAqualink set up

 If I just installed an iAqualink wifi antenna for you, this is what you need to do to start using your phone to control your pool.

1. Make sure your phone is connected to the same wifi network that the iAqualink antenna is. 
• (This is for security purposes for the initial setup. Once you have added your system, you can control it from anywhere you have internet access.)
2. 
   Install the iAqualink app by Zodiac Pool Systems. 
   
• (Found on the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.)
3. Sign up for a new account. 
• Make sure your password meets the listed criteria.
4. Add your system. 
• Hit the plus sign in the top right corner. 
• Select the first line "AquaLink RS, PDA, Z4/TRi).
5. Enter your device number. 
• It is the 12 digit code printed on the back of the door hanger. It is also on a sticker on the bottom side of the iAqualink antenna. 
6. Give your system a name. 
• If you have only one system the name doesn't matter. It can be your last name, My Backyard Paradise, or anything you want. You will select this every time you log in. If you have two or more systems like for rental properties or vacation homes, then naming them becomes important. 
7. Wait for it to connect.
8. Using your system:
• Each time after logging in, select your system. This will take you to the home screen.
• The Home Screen lets you turn on the pool, the spa, the heater, and set the temperatures. It also displays the current temperature of whatever is on. 
• The Equipment Screen is where you turn on features like lights, waterfalls, etc.
• You can set up one-touch scenes if you like. These are macros so that one touch does several things at once. 
• The Web button allows access to a more complete, but slower, version of the control system. This is where you edit schedules and set up the system. 
9. Other people in  your household can also have their own account. Simply have them repeat all of the above steps. Alternatively, they can install the app and sign on with your user name and password.