Getting Rid of Algae

Algae is a tricky thing. Typical sanitizer levels won't get rid of it, and when it's sunny out, slimy algae can photosynthesize and multiply very quickly. You may think a little bit of cloudiness or debris on your stairs is nothing to worry about. But if you let it build up, it will become a big problem in no time, and it becomes very hard to get rid of.

Before the situation gets out of control, do a deep clean on your pool. Here's how.

Types of Algae

There are all types of algae that could be lurking in your pool. Knowing which one you have will help you determine the best way to get rid of it.

Green: This is the most common kind and also the easiest to kill. It's green in color due to the chlorophyll contained in it. It floats in the water, giving it a cloudy, greenish tinge, and will also adhere to your walls and floor. If you neglect your filtration and sanitization practices, green algae growth will get out of control.
Yellow: Also known as brown or mustard algae, this rare and un-slimy type of algae is resistant to chlorine. Therefore, it's tough to treat.
Black: Not really a form of algae at all, this type multiplies quickly because it makes its own food. It can root itself to concrete surfaces, making it near impossible to kill it. Your treatment method has to be aggressive enough to get at the roots.

Quickly Getting Rid of Algae

1. Vacuum the Pool Manually

You'll have to haul out the manual vacuum for this task, sucking up the waste directly so it bypasses your filter and prevents recirculation of contaminated water.

2. Brush the Pool Walls and Floor

Put some elbow grease into it, scrubbing the algae from pool walls and letting your sanitizer do the rest. This brushing motion will loosen the sediment so it can be flushed out. Make sure to pay special attention to corners and shady areas where algae congregates most.

3. Test and Balance Water

Test and balance your water for alkalinity and pH once done, using a test strip, digital kit, or liquid kit.

4. Shock the Pool

We recommend using calcium hypochlorite shock for the best results, with extra doses as needed:

Green Algae: Shock x2
Yellow or Dark Green Algae: Shock x3
Black Algae: Shock x4

You should save this task for dusk or night. If shocking during the day, the sun will evaporate the chlorine before it can start working on the algae.

5. Run the Filter

Your water will now appear a cloudy blue. Run your filter for at least eight hours until the water is clear.

6. Test the Water Again

Don't get back in the pool until you balance your water chemistry and see that you have normal chlorine levels.

7. Clean the Filter

In order to prevent the algae from coming back, deep clean the filter by replacing it or soaking it in diluted muriatic acid.

Using Flocculant to Remove Algae

If you notice the algae early enough, you may be able to use flocculant so you don't have to work as hard. Floc will bond with floating algae particles so you can more easily vacuum it up. This process will only really work with a mild case of green algae.

Shut off the pump and turn your multiport value to Recirculate or Recycle.
Add liquid or powder flocculant.
Circulate the water for two hours; shut off the pump overnight. The mixture will settle on the floor.
In the morning, switch the multi-port valve to Waste so you don't encourage dirty water to go back into your pool via the return lines.
Connect the backwash hose to the Backwash/Waste port.
Vacuum the pool.
Add water because you will have removed a lot.
Double shock immediately to get rid of remaining algae, followed by a quick brushing of the walls and floor.
Run your filter until you see clear water.

Using Algaecide to Remove Algae

Algaecide is more effective as a preventive measure. First, clean and shock your pool, then wait till the chlorine falls below five parts per million. Add the algaecide and then brush your pool to loosen remaining bits. Now it can be filtered out.

Preventive Measures

Here's what you can do to ensure algae doesn't start in the first place.

Keep your pool chemistry balanced.
Run your pump 8 to 12 hours per day
Shock regularly.
Clean all pool equipment, floats, and toys with bleach to sanitize them before introducing them into the pool.
Wash swimwear before getting in the pool.
Resurface your concrete pool surface if it's etched or cracked, as these are ideal hiding spots for algae.

If you have a bad case of algae and don't know what to do about it, just call the technicians at Central Jersey Pools. We can come and get the job done for you so you can enjoy your pool!