JeffPool

Never changed the sand. I thought I started the year with chlorine shock, like 6 lbs. I leave the tablet in the skimmer. The pump runs about half the day. When I used a floating thing for the tablets, it got nasty black algae on the sides, so I didn't want to risk this causing broader algae problems.

This is the fourth year with a pool and I'm having quite a few problems: Chlorine: Can't get it up. I've used many 5 lb granular chlorine additions, and use 3 tablets per week (last few years only did 2). pH: Can't keep it up. Keep adding pH increaser. Alkalinity: Can't keep it up. Brown stains: Lots of brown stains at the bottom of the pool, almost spreading. Had a little of this last year. I think its metal, not algae. Never had any problems with algae. I used Metal Free or some such, but it seems to have made it worse. Stablizer is OK. Water is crystal clear. Shock with 2 bags (more than typical because of the chlorine problem) chlorine free shock. Use algaecide. My pool is 12,500 gallons, vinyl, sand filter. Any help would be appreciated. Read on here about ascorbic acid but couldn't find it again after a search.

How long can I go before non-circulating water becomes an algae issue?

I had a couple of problems recently mentioned here: 1) Hayward Super Pump motor runs, but no suction whatsoever; and 2) leaking around the seal plate (another problem is air in the basket but I think that is just from #2). Before I found this site, I took it apart and was proud of myself for identifying two key parts that needed replacement: the seal assembly and the impeller. The impeller plastic thread looked stripped off and deformed, the apparent problem for #1 above, and confirmed in another post here. The seal assembly looked messed up. Here's the problem I now face and need advice on: when I put it back together pending finding the parts, I think I overtightened one bolt that attaches the plates to the pump housing. The bolts are screwed into the pump housing in embedded brass "nuts". I heard a loud crack and now it won't tighten, it just turns. I have a few of options and wanted expert opinion on: 1) Get a new pump (it's only three years old) 2) Replace the pump housing in addition to the parts above. That's likely $140 on top of $50 for parts. I'd probably have someone do this for labor of $75. Starting to get close to a new pump. 3) Someone tells me this is not an issue with the three other bolts sufficient (this fourth one does thread somewhat tight, just turns around as you get completely tight). I haven't tried to unscrew it yet, not sure if that is going to be a problem. An alternative here is to use epoxy to glue the brass "nut" back into the plastic housing. Thoughts? Thanks for the advice. Jeff