Shock That Algae Away
If this is your first time with algae, youve probably never used pool shock quite like this before. Depending on the type algae youre dealing with, youll need to shock twice or four times as much as the average dose. Make sure you use conveniently-packaged one pound bags to make sure youre using the right amount for your pool.
For green algae, double the average dose. For yellow algae, youll need three times as much. And for black algae, youll need four. Extreme circumstances call for extreme measures.
Just remember, as always, to shock your pool at dusk or night. You dont want the sun burning down your pool shocks ability to work when you need it the most. Also, dont swim for at least eight hourscertainly not while your pool is still cloudy with shock. Yikes.
Which Method Is Best
We would choose Method #1: Getting Rid Of Pool Algae By Shocking every day of the week. By using this method, you’re keeping it simple by focusing on chlorine and acid, while using your filtration system to bring it back to life. It tends to be a bit of a work-in-progress and can take 1, 2 or even 3 weeks, depending on the state of your pool, but it’s definitely the easiest.
We also personally like to recommend keeping an algaecide on-hand year round for monthly dosage. If your pool is clear and balanced, an algaecide will do its part in keeping any green, black or mustard algae bay during a chlorine or pH fluctuation.
Do you have any questions about this topic or the featured products? No worries, we’re here to help! Head over to our Contact Us page and drop our friendly team of pool pro’s a line.;
Happy swimming 🙂
Please note: This blog is a rough indication of advice for an average sized pool and average dosing recommendations. Mr Pool Man always recommends getting your water tested by a pool professional before adding any type of chemicals for your own safety, or giving us a call on 1300 511 901 or contacting us if you are unsure. Mr Pool Man does not take any responsibility for incorrect dosages or harm caused by adding chemicals. Please practice common sense to add chemicals safely to your pool.
Do you have any questions about this topic or the featured products? No worries, we’re here to help! Drop us a question down below and we’ll get back to you ASAP.
When Bad Algae Happens To Good Pools
Even if youre on top of your pool water chemistry and regular maintenance, you may still wind up with algae. High humidity and wind are just two examples of contributing factors you couldnt control even if you tried. But its important to act as soon as you notice algae in the pool because it can grow rapidly, becoming tougher to eradicate with each day it goes unaddressed.
If you leave behind even a small number of algae spores after cleaning and shocking, it wont be long before they bloom again. So act quickly and aggressively to get rid of algae, then make algaecide application a part of your regular water care routine to keep the algae away for good.
Happy Swimming!
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How To Get Dead Algae Off The Bottom Of A Pool
One of the best methods to get rid of algae from your pool bottom is to use a vacuum with a multiport system, such as a pressure-side pool vacuum. This type of vacuum will completely drain the wastewater from your pool, leaving it much cleaner.
You can also use a vacuum without a multiport system. This method, however, will cause damage to your filter, as this is the route it takes to eliminate waste.
Check Your Pool’s Chemistry
By now, you probably have a good pool-testing kit, but its important you put it to use and check your pool chemistry.
Many new pool-owners dont realize how quickly algae can take over until its overtaken and requiring major cleaning.
Your pools chlorine level should stay between 2.0 and 4.0 ppm to keep bacteria and algae to a minimum.
Algae spores will obviously still enter your pool from time to time, but a healthy level of chlorine will kill them off before they have a chance to bloom.
Likewise, checking and regulating your pools pH levels will help keep spores from blooming.
Algae thrives in a high pH level. The guideline for a pools level is between 7.2 and 7.6, 7.4 being ideal.
This is the same pH level in mucous membranes and human eyes, also making it a safe environment for humans.
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What Causes Algae Problems
Algae spores constantly enter the pool, brought in by wind, rain or even contaminated swimsuits or pool cleaning tools. When conditions are right, an algae bloom can occur in a matter of hours. These conditions include out of balance water, warm temperatures, sunlight and presence of nitrates, phosphates and/or carbon dioxide. A lack of good circulation, filtration and sanitation is usually a contributing or the primary cause of pool algae.
Algae are a living aquatic creature that multiplies rapidly on warm, sunny days. Containing chlorophyll, algae utilizes photosynthesis to grow. That is, they take in carbon dioxide and expend oxygen as a byproduct. Algae can grow in the shade or sun, but most pool algae strains need some light to grow.
Algae need food to survive, and in a swimming pool there is no shortage of tasty food for algae. Nearly every contaminant or windblown speck of dust can feed pool algae. In pools with high bather count, or pools with high levels of debris or dissolved solids, algae has a smorgasbord of nutritious food. Even the dead cellular remains of previous algae blooms provide sustenance to future generations of pool algae.
Algae are always present in swimming pools, even clean and blue pools, at a microscopic size. It waits patiently for the opportunity to bloom â when the chlorine level dips and the pH rises or the pump or filter is not operating effectively.
Shock Your Salt Water Pool
First, you need to test your water yourself with test strips or take a water sample to your nearest pool supply store, if you think you do not understand the checking method. Ensure the levels of your pH and alkalinity of your pool are correct. You would want your pH to be around 7.4 to 7.6 and the alkalinity to be between 120 and 150 ppm .
Hint: The shock will work more efficiently if your pool water is properly balanced.
Before shocking, the best preparation is brushing the walls and floors of your pool by the pool brush. There are cases that algae will cling to the surfaces of your pool, but by scrubbing the bottom and the sides, if you break it up first, then the chlorine shock will have a better chance to kill it. You need to pay particular attention to some hard-to-clean spots such as crevices, behind ladders, creases, ;and pool steps.
Then, you need to determine the colour of the pool by the algae. If your saltwater pool is light green or teal, then you should double shock your pool by using standard calcium hypochlorite shock.
10,000 gallons of water would cost you one pound or bag of shock to treat up. Therefore, if your pool is about 10,000 gallons or less, you would need two pounds of shock to your water. It would be more effective in adding shock only at night. In addition, keep your pool running for at least 8 hours to allow the shock to circulate throughout the water and kill the algae.
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Get Algae Out Of Pool Without A Vacuum
If you dont have a vacuum for your pool, dont worry. It takes a little extra effort, but removing algae from pool bottom without a vacuum is possible.
If your pool has a filtration system, the filter should be able to take care of a swimming pool with algae after scrubbing it off the sides and bottom of the pool.
After scrubbing with your pool brush, agitate the water with your hands or a garden hose with a pressure attachment to lift algae on bottom of pool, so it gets picked up by the filter.
Large clumps of algae may clog your pool filter, so it might be necessary to rinse it part-way through cleaning up your algae bloom.
If your pool doesnt have a filtration system, use a pool brush or regular broom to gather the sediment and dead algae on bottom of pool to one corner.
Its critical to move slowly so the debris doesnt spread too far in the water. Once youve made a pile in a corner, use a skimmer, net, or dustpan to collect the algae and sediment and gently lift it out of the pool.
If you discover your pool has gone from crystal clear to murky and green, dont panic. While prevention is the best cure for an algae problem, eliminating an algae bloom is usually straightforward.
In addition to your regular pool cleaner products, youll need pool shock, flocculant or clarifier, an abrasive brush that wont damage your pools surface, and a pool vacuum or skimmer. With a bit of effort, youll have your swimming pool looking like new in no time.
How To Treat Algae In A Swimming Pool
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Algae are tiny plants that thrive in wet environments, including swimming pools. There are a few different types of algae that are commonly found in pools, including green, mustard, and black. The method for getting rid of algae in swimming pools depends on the type you’re dealing with. Green algae are green, they float around in the water, and they can be brushed off the walls easily. Mustard algae are yellow-green or brown, they look like sand or dirt, and they stick to the floor and walls of the pool. Black algae are also found on the sides and bottom of the pool, and will look like black spots on the surface.
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Maintenance Steps To Keep Your Pool Water Healthy
- Test, test, test. The best algae prevention method is to test your pool water regularly for pH and chemical levels.
- Scrub your walls often with a proper brush, and make sure the brush is cleaned properly between uses.
- Shock your pool on the regular.
- Invest in a vacuum to remove debris.
- Check your pump and filter to ensure good water circulation.
Is It Safe To Swim In Green Pool Water
If you find yourself asking yourself, Can this green pool water make me sick? Please know that the answer is yes. Algae in a pool is a much higher health risk than algae in natural bodies of water. In a pool, algae can also indicate the existence of dangerous bacteria. You need to make sure that your pool gets back to a stable chlorine level before even thinking about getting in. Below we will walk you through the steps to make your pool swimmable again.
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Vacuum Green Algae Through Your Filter
If you have to vacuum through your filter, ideally you will want to use an old cartridge that you can dispose of when you have completed the process.
Begin vacuuming as you normally would, and if you see dirt or dead algae is bypassing your filter and blowing back into the pool, your filter needs attention before you can proceed.; Try cleaning the cartridge . If the debris is still bypassing the filter and blowing back into the pool you need a repair to the filter itself by a service professional.
After you have successfully vacuumed your pool and replenished the water to the right level its time to get the system restarted.; On a pool with a multiport valve, its important to restart the system in stages so you dont pump dirty algae fill water back into your beautiful pool.
First, backwash and rinse the filter very well.; We recommend running it through this cycle at least 3 times, or more if needed. Use your sight glass and look at the discharging water.
If your DE filter has sat for a while you should get a pool professional to do its annual dissemble and clean.; The same goes for sand filters that have not been fluffed and rejuvenated within a year or two.
Once the filter is cleaned and DE has been re-added to DE filters, set the system to run for 12 hours.; If you have any questions on bleeding the air safely off your system refer to the owners manual of your pool filter.
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Remove Debris And Brush The Pool
Depending on how long the pool has been stagnant, there may be a lot of debris that needs to be removed before any other steps can be taken. Leaving debris in the pool can mess up your chemical testing and make the shock process less effective. Make sure to also brush as much debris and algae buildup as you can off the pool sides before starting.
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How To Get Algae Out Of Pool Without A Vacuum
In comparison to dirt and dust, algae are worst. Wherever there is unclean water, algae grows. And in no time, it spreads all over your pool affecting the entire water along with the surroundings. And if you are a clean-freak, you will surely want to see clean water when you visit the pool. The best way to keep it clean is to use a vacuum cleaner for the pool.
However, vacuum cleaners are expensive. On the other hand, vacuum cleaners usually clean the pool in a random motion. So, to keep every inch free for algae, you can also try some other products that can keep your pool hygienic.
Here, we have come up with the two best ideas on how to get algae out of a pool without a vacuum. All you need to do is check that out.
Signs Of Algae Attack In The Pool:
Technically speaking, algae float in the tank water almost always, whether or not you observe it. Sometimes, it remains in such a small amount that it gets invisible. However, things can become problematic when the algae spread quickly in the pool water and making it dirty.
There are two symptoms of algae invasion in a pool:
- When algae presence is too much in the pool, you will notice a discoloration in the pool water. Also, the pool water will turn dull and murky with the presence of algae and other dirt particles.
- You will see bluish to greenish color in the stairs and walls. Algae grow best around the pool wall and pump area.
When you notice these scenes, you should be itching to know, How do I get algae off the bottom of my pool without a vacuum? So, lets start the journey to beat the algae attack in the pool.
Tips 1: Take care of the pool filter
If you have a filter in the pool, you are lucky. A filter goes a long way to remove most of the dirt from a pool and keep it clean. When you have a pool filter, things can get easier even without a pool vacuum. All you need to do is to clean the filter regularly.
Before you clean the filter, please turn it off and follow the manufacturers instructions to rinse off the pool filter. However, if the dirt is too much, you can use a garden hose as a siphon to remove all types of debris and dirt from the filter.
Once the filter is cleaned correctly, it will automatically lower the algae in the pool water.
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Test & Balance The Water Chemistry
In prevention and treatment, water chemistry is one of the most important steps to getting and keeping your pool algae-free.
You need to test your chlorine and pH levels with a good test kit , and bring your pH level to about 7.8 by adding sodium carbonate to increase it or sodium bisulfate will also need to make sure the chlorine is at least above 1 ppm.
Causes Of Algae In Pools
Why is algae in the pool or what causes algae to grow? Cyanobacteria algae occurs naturally, and is contained in nearly all soil and plant debris. Algae spores can also blow into the pool, or can even be introduced by contaminated ocean swimwear. In short, algae are always in the pool, and can bloom into a visible colony when conditions are right:
- Poor water circulation; low flow or dead spots in the pool
- Poor water balance; pH, Alkalinity, Calcium and Cyanuric levels
- Poor water sanitation; low or inconsistent chlorine levels
- Poor water filtration; short filter run times or an ineffective filter
Any combination of the above factors can allow algae to take a foothold, sometimes in just a few hours on a warm summer day. Using a high quality pool algaecide regularly can provide insurance against those inevitable problems that cause circulation, filtration or sanitation to drop below critical levels.
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