How To Get Algae Out Of Pool

Balance Your Pool Water

If you find that there are problems with the chemical levels in your pool water, fix them right away. It may be tempting to let minor issues go, but this may lead to bigger problems. The time to fix problems with the pH, chlorine levels, and other parameters of your pool water is as soon as you notice the issue.

Questions? Shoot me and message and Ill be glad to help out.

How To Prevent Pool Algae

Unless the next summer blockbuster you plan to see is Algae 2: Slime Harder,routine pool cleaning, maintenance, and monitoring are essential. Setting up a maintenance schedule with an experienced pool services professional for regular cleanings is a great way to stay on top of your pools water quality.

In addition to maintaining proper levels of chemicals, effective algae prevention requires pool owners to keep their pool filtration system in good working condition and ensure that the pool has good circulation.

Its also important to properly close your pool in the fall or winter and open it again in the spring. It would be a shame to pull back your pool cover as the weather warms to find something more akin to a bog than a swimming pool.

Our Companies Are Backed by the Best Pick Guarantee.

Check The Pool Chemistry Before Swimming

Allow time for the excess chlorine solution to dissolve before swimming. Once the chlorine has returned to a level of 1 to 3 ppm, your pool is ready to use.

It is much easier to prevent algae infestations by checking your pool chemistry often and changing it as needed. Green algae may need several rounds of chlorine-based shock using the above instructions. Algae is persistent, but this short is effective for eliminating green algae.

Also Check: Mandalay Bay Las Vegas Pool Hours

How To Modify The Mesh Bag To Pick Up The Algae

I’ve discovered two different workaround fixes for this problem. Both fixes involve modifying the mesh bag so that it collects the small debris that usually escapes it. These solutions work well with the Intex above-ground pools, for example.

• Cotton ball method: Fill the mesh bag with cotton balls and then make sure you pull the bag up to the end of the vacuum opening so that there are no loose cotton balls in the bag. Once you do this, the cotton balls will actually pick up most of the dirt, sand, and algae that otherwise would have slipped back into the pool through the mesh.
• Microfiber mitt method: Take a microfiber glove mitt , turn it inside-out, place on the outside of the mesh bag, and secure it to the vacuum with something like a shoestring. The microfiber mitt will pick up a whole lot of that junk that the regular mesh bag misses. The mitt must be turned inside out when you put it over the mesh bag so that the algae and sand stick to it when all of that debris is sucked up through the vacuum.

Shocking The Swimming Pool

Once algae sets in, keeping your pH steady is not going to help you get rid of it. The very first thing you should do is to âshockâ your pool by introducing roughly 5 to 10 times the standard amount of chlorine to the pool water.

It is important that neither you nor anyone else will swim in the pool until the chlorine levels stabilize. Do not be alarmed if your swimming pool looks even cloudier after shocking. This is normal and indicates that the treatment was done properly. You may opt to backwash the pool filter after shocking the swimming pool.

Also Check: How To Remove Iron From Pool Water

Pool Stain Removal 101

Want to make pool stain removal easier?

The secret is all in the technique. Keep reading to learn how to remove organic, metal, rust, mineral, and other stains from your pool, the right way.

Just like ketchup splotches and oil droplets seem to find their way on to every white T-shirt you own, pool stains follow a similar path. At one point or another, no matter how careful you are, odds are youre going to find one somewhere in your pool maybe along the walls or spread across the shallow end stairs.

And if youre reading this article, then you probably found a stain and want to remove it. If so, youre on the right track.

Pool stains are common and appear for a number of reasons. So they arent necessarily a sign of bad maintenance. Everything from leaves and dirt, to minerals and bodily oils, can cause pool staining.

And when stains appear, they range in color, from bright green, red, and blue smears, to dark brown and red blobs.

But luckily, removing pool stains is simple when you know what youre looking for. When you can identify a pool stain, removing it becomes much easier.

And thats what this post is all about.

So if youre ready to learn how to remove pool stains and prevent them from ever coming back again, keep reading. This post is for you.

Dont Miss: How To Contract Your Own Pool

Swimming Pool Algae Types

The exact tint of your water might not be so obvious, plus itll be cloudy, so it may be difficult to tell which kind of algae has take up residence in your pool.

To be sure which type of algae is in your poolwhich will determine how you get rid of ittake a close look at any spots where algae is starting to grow.

• Green algae: The most common and easiest algae problem to kill is chlorophyta, which gets its color from chlorophyll. Green algae floats in the water, making it cloudy and giving it a greenish tinge. Slimy green algae also attaches itself to your pool walls and floor. Poor filtration and lack of proper sanitization boost green algae growth. It can be introduced to your pool by swimwear and toys that have been used in natural bodies of water that contain algae.
• Yellow algae: If you see what looks like pollen or sand in a shady corner of your pool, you probably have yellow algae. Its also sometimes called brown or mustard algae. Its rare, and not slimy like green algae. Its also chlorine-resistant, which makes it tough to treat, whatever name you call iteven the four-letter names.
• Black algae: Technically a cyanobacterianot algae at allthis nasty offender makes its own food, so it grows and grows. Not only that, its roots dig into concrete surfaces, making it tough to kill black algae in your pool. Itll grow back quickly if your treatment isnt aggressive enough to ensure none of the roots hang around.

Read Also: Can You Heat An Above Ground Pool

How Does Algae Form In A Pool

The main cause of algae growth is through algae spores. These are usually blown in with the wind. They can also travel through swimsuits or swimming gear.

Maybe you wore your swimsuit and swam inside another pool recently. Your clothing might catch on these algae spores.

If you didnt wash your swimsuit after returning from another pool, then the spores can very easily travel to your pool once you take a dip in it.

Other than this, pool cleaning equipment can also cause the transfer of these algae spores.

Algae need a certain environment to grow rapidly, and this includes:

• Excessive sunlight
• Presence of certain compounds inside the water

Apart from these, lack of filtration and sanitation in your pool can also make it a breeding ground for algae.

If your pool is used by numerous people, then the algae has a higher chance of growth. It feeds off the bacteria and contaminants that travel with the peoples bodies.

Whats worse is that algae are present at nearly every swimming pool. Since theyre really small at the beginning, this makes them hard to detect.

All algae needs are the right conditions to grow.

Prevention Is Always Easier Than Treatment

Regularly checking and maintaining your pool chemistry is the number one way to prevent algae from taking root in your pool. The second-best prevention method is to reduce the chances of outside contaminants invading your pool water.

That means if youve recently been in the ocean, natural lakes, or natural rivers, you absolutely, positively need to throw your swimsuits in the washing machine for a good cleaning.

And if you brought your usual pool toys along, they also need to be sanitized before you put them back in the pool. That means using a bleach solution or bleach-based cleaner to ensure no errant algae is transferred to your pool.

If you live near a natural body of water where you regularly swim, it might not hurt to use algaecide in your pool as an additional precautionary measure. If its a particularly sunny dayalgae loves sunlightadding a preventive dose in the morning might reduce your risk of an algae bloom. Some algaecide manufacturers list prevention instructions first on their packaging, since it could be an effective use of the product.

Read Also: How Do You Get Iron Out Of Pool Water

The Only Algae You Really Need To Worry About

The most common types of pool algae youll see and hear about are:

• Green algae: By far, the most common, especially if you forget to wash your swimsuit after a dip in a lake.
• Yellow or mustard algae: Much rarer, but its a persistent and particularly annoying uninvited pool guest.
• Black algae: The toughest type of algae to get rid of.
• Pink algae or pink slime: Technically bacteria, but is often mistaken for algae thanks to its slimy appearance.

Clean Your Pool Filter

Your filter just processed a lot of contaminated water. And the last thing you want is your dirty filter slowly adding microscopic algae spores back into your pool. Deep clean your filter cartridges by soaking them in diluted muriatic acid, or by replacing them entirely. If you have a sand or D.E. filter, now’s the time to backwash.

Want to stop your pool from ever turning green again? Check out our pool care video course. You’ll learn how to keep your pool chemistry in check so you never have to deal with algae outbreaks in the future.

Also Check: How To Polish Pool Tile

Cleaning Sanitizing And Other Preventive Measures

Keeping up with the basics will also go a long way toward preventing algae.

• Maintain balanced pool chemistry, run your pump 8 to 12 hours per day, and shock regularly.
• Before allowing pool equipment, floats, and toys into your pool, make sure youve thoroughly cleaned them. A cleaner with bleach or a solution of one tablespoon of bleach per gallon of water will not only clean but sanitize them.
• Just as pool accessories can introduce algae, so can swimsuitsespecially if theyve been worn in the ocean. Be sure to washnot just rinseyour swimwear before wearing it into your pool.
• If your older concrete pool surface needs resurfacing, dont wait. Etched, cracked surfaces make perfect hiding places for algae. Theyre shady and almost impossible to clean. Resurfacing cures this issue.

How To Get Rid Of Algae Dust In Your Pool Quickly

Moving further, we would be discussing the cost-effective ways that you can apply to your pool in order to get rid of algae.

Needless to say, in spite of taking all the preventive measures, sometimes algae do blossom and youre not left with any option but to kill them, isnt it?

There could be numerous reasons for the growth of algae in your pool including malfunctioning of filter, pH imbalance, alkalinity issues, etc.

Whatever might be the reason for the algae growth but now rather than breaking your mind about the cause, its time to kill it so that the pool can be clear and safe for swimming.

Though you need not be highly qualified to deal with your pool algae problem still knowing about the algae ecosystem is important for a quick and effective solution.

If youre willing to spend some time and effort then I can affirm that within an epigrammatic span of time, youll become algae killing expert.

Im attaching a self-explanatory video for your perusal.

Pool Water Chemistry Testing And Balancing

First and foremost, you need to test the pool water chemistry.

You need to be very careful while expediting the testing process because to achieve an optimum result, you would be needing an error-free test reading.

If youve got a better option then I would suggest you should refrain from using test strips as the reading might not be as accurate as you would be wanting it to be.

The free chlorine and pH levels in your pool should fall well within the prescribed range.

Vacuum

Don’t Miss: How To Hide Pool Equipment

Lower You Waters Chlorine Levels

While effective at removing algae, chlorine can add to your stain problems. Since chlorine oxidizes areas of your pool, like the bottom, you should lower chlorine levels down to 0 parts per million. You can do this by partially draining the pool and filling it with fresh water. You can also purchase a chlorine neutralizer to quickly bring down the chlorine levels.

Does Shock Kill Algae In Pools

Yes, shock is the key ingredient to killing algae in pools. Shock raises the free chlorine levels in your pool water to the point where contaminants like algae die off. Depending on the severity of your algae growth, you’ll need to add 2-4 doses of shock. And it’s normal to see cloudy water after killing algae with shock. The water should clear up after you run your filter. Just be sure to vacuum and brush your pool before using shock. This helps remove and loosen up large amounts of algae.

Here’s the type of shock we recommend:

Our Top Pick

Calcium Hypochlorite Shock

Use the entire contents of the bag when opened. If any granules settle to the bottom of the pool use brush to disperse. Add the right dosage of this product during evening hours while the filter pump is running.

Buy Now On Amazon Buy on InTheSwim.com

If you click this link and make a purchase, we earn a commission at no additional cost to you.

Read Also: Signs Of A Bad Pool Pump Capacitor

Use Of Both The Above Treatment Methods

Now, this is one of the effective methods of getting rid of algae from your swimming pool. To ensure that you first use algaecide and after that shock the pool, or else you might not get good results. When the algae are ending, you can clean them from your pool as it is quite easy to remove dead algae from a pool because they become fluffy and soft. Ensure that you wash your pool filters so that you can get rid of massive algae. If you do not clean the algae entirely from the filters, the algae might begin to bloom once again. Finally, you need to test the chemical levels of the pool with the use of home test strips to make sure that they are suitable for your pool.

Shock Your Swimming Pool

More resistant types of algae require more aggressive treatment, so if the infection is heavy, youll need more shock.

Even if you dont normally use chlorine shock, for this purpose, its best to use calcium hypochlorite shockand lots of it. Follow the package instructions to determine the dose for your pool size, then multiply that by two, three, or four depending on which type of algae youve got.

• Green Algae: Shock x2

Dont use stabilized chlorine to shock your pool. Youll end up with too much cyanuric acid, which inhibits sanitizer, and can lead you right back to algae in your pool, or other, worse problems.

Remember to shock your pool at dusk or night. If you shock during the day, the sun will eat up most of the chlorine before it has a chance to kill the algae. And put your cleaning equipment in the shallow end while you shock your pool so your tools will also be sanitized.

You May Like: Super Chlorinate Pool Calculator

What Causes Algae In A Pool

The answer to what causes algae in a pool isnt an easy one as it can be caused by a number of different factors. Most soil and plant debris contain algae, and these algae spores can travel from your yard into your pool. Algae can also be caused by wind, rain or contaminated pool tools.

Ongoing pool maintenance is important as pool algae can result from poor water circulation, sanitation or balance, and inadequate water filtration

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.

Recommended Reading: Murray Rec Center Indoor Pool