Algae is a nasty, yet common thing that constantly troubles many swimming pool owners.
If you’re battling algae, have in the past or you just want to make sure that you know what to do if it ever invades your swimming pool – be sure to read this short entry.
The most common cause of algae growth (whether it be yellow, black, pink, etc) is a lack of free chlorine. It can also take place in areas of the pool that has poor or no circulation.
Here’s what I’ve found to be the most effective and efficient way of treating algae once you see it taking place – and always try to treat it as quickly as possible. Without treatment, it will ‘fester’ and multiply pretty rapidly.
Here’s a quick line of action to take if your pool goes green or gets invaded with algae:
1. Shock the water immediately. I recommend using a good HTH Super Shock (although there are several good shock products available on the market place). You can’t over shock a swimming pool.
2. Make sure that the equipment is running 24/7 during this process. Yes, you’ll spend a few bucks in extra power, but circulation is key during this process. It’s a must.
3. Backwash the filter frequently. You cannot over backwash your filter! If you have a sand or D.E. filter, be sure to backwash 5-7 times per day – ore more. There is no downside to excessive backwashing. The cleaner your filter is the better filtration will be. If you have a cartridge filter be sure to hose down the element at least a few times per day during this process.
4. Within just a few hours of shocking your water should turn to a cloudy blue (not clear). When this happens you can speed up the process to get clear water by adding a good water clarifier. I recommend adding this twice a day. Once in the morning and again in the evening – each time after a good backwash.
There you have it. The quickest way to turn around a green pool.
Remember that shock is the only way to kill off bacteria and algae.
Also, be sure to test your conditioner level. This is also known as cyaneric acid. This is what protects the chlorine from the sun – and is VERY important.
I truly hope you’ve enjoyed this little tidbit on algae and how to effectively get rid of it – once and for all.
All the best,
Terry
{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
I have a 16×32 inground pool with vinyl liner. Pool water green and cloudy. I live in Indiana, weather still in the 50/60s. Should I open pool and get cirulation started and add chemicals or wait?
Hi Mark,
Good question…as long as it’s not freezing in the evenings you can open. No real rush though unless you’re lookin’ to get ahead of things.
Nothing wrong with starting a little soon to clear things up.
Terry
Hi,
I just bought an Intex 16′ X 36″ Easy Set Pool. We’re in WI and it’s 90 degrees.
We filled the pool yesterday. However, my husband got impatient with the house hose and instead pumped it from our lake runoff ditch. As I’m sure you can imagine, it is quite yellow/green. It’s actually clearer than I had anticipated, though. Can we clear up this water or should we drain and start over? Thanks so much.
Hi Amy,
I’d be concerned w/ bacteria, pathogens and possible metal issues – would test for these before taking action. The only major concern is the possible metal detection – other components can be treated with a good shock treatment.
All the best,
Terry
this procedure will not work if you have an ecosmarte pool system but a similar procedure is ok. ecosmarte does not use chlorine but uses copper instead and algae growth can be cause by poor circulation or filtration as well or even bad water parameters. for ecosmarte the pH should be at 6.8 and the copper level at 0.7. the quick way to turn around an algae bloom with this system is to use a nonmetallic algaecide, followed by a potassium based non-chlorine shock. you may or may not need a 2nd non chlorine shock 24 hours later. you can visit http://www.ecosmarte.com for questions on acceptable chemicals to use.
Well said Mike – thank you for the clarification.
Big fan of Ecosmarte products too.
Terry