Frequent Filter Clogging with Algae

[BrianFey]

Issue/Question: My pool is staying nice and clear, but I am having to clean the filter from the caked on algae every 24-36hrs in order to maintain water flow. Is this normal - or is it a result of the current chemical composition? Note: The chlorine has been running a little on the low side even with salt system. Part of the reason is the salt-system self shut down when the water flow gets too restricted due to the algae build-up in the cartridge filter.

Status

Chlorine: 1.5 (Current Reading taken after hard rain)
PH: 7.8

Recent Chemical Usage: Oasis Algaecide and Oasis Metal-out (due to well-water source)

[chem geek]

The Free Chlorine (FC) number by itself is completely meaningless without also knowing the Cyanuric Acid (CYA) number since the FC/CYA ratio is proportional to the active chlorine (hypochlorous acid) level that kills algae. It sounds like it's too low. For a saltwater chlorine generator pool, the FC needs to be a minimum of 5% of the CYA level (absolute minimum of 4.5% of the CYA level). Read the Pool School for more info on how to properly maintain your pool. Start off by getting yourself a proper test kit -- the Taylor K-2006.

[BrianFey]

Excellent - will do on the test kit. Thanks!