What You Need To Know About Algae…
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 post.
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.
Filed under: General Information, Swimming Pool Algae
What about algaecide? I read elsewhere on the ‘net to shock heavily and then when the chlorine level comes down to about 5.5 ppm to treat with algaecide. I also have a nearly maxed out cyanuric acid level, which was brought down some with the partial refill to bring the water level up from winterization. I believe this is why i have the awful algae problem, first time i have ever dealt with it and my CA level was borderline high al summer last year. I believe i have yellow algae??
Hi D,
Nothing wrong with that approach w/ chlorine, however, I would recommend using NoPhos instead of a traditional algaecide. I would have your CYN tested and make sure it’s between 30-50 PPM. Too high will cause similiar results to it being too low.
Yellow algae can be very stubborn - be sure to brush off, keep the free chlorine levels adequate.
Hi Sam,
Paypal has been acting up a bit lately - not sure why…
You can email me directly at support @ fireyourpoolguy.com and I’ll be happy to assit you.
All the best,
Terry
I have a chemical free pool, ecosmart system, thus no chlorine is used. I started covering pool with a solar blanket and within days started getting green algae. I was told to make sure phosphorous levels were in line and did so. Backwashing DE filiter several times a day requires addition of DE each time which doesn’t seem practical. I don’t see algae increasing but it is not going away, ie. it remains on the walls. Should it be dying off or do I have to scrub it off walls?
Hi Ray,
Always get the algae “in suspense” - brush it off the walls and let the ecosmart system do its thing. Remember, each time you backwash you’re “discharging” the DE, hence the reason it is in your best interest to replace it. Grids without DE aren’t that productive and lead to rapid staining and deterioration.
Hope this helps.
Terry
We’ve had some algae problems in the past but last season I got the worst case of “Lime Jello” ever experienced. After shocking the daylights out of it and constant filter/backwashing it, I added a product best described as an enzyme-based chemical that would remove phosphates and nitrates. These being purported as the “food” that algae requires to prosper.
We had no further algae problems for the rest of the season (in Michigan). I added a healthy dose at closing, so we’ll see if this helps at opening.
Do you have any opinion(s) on this treatment ?
Hi Jon,
Starving algae of its food source is the best remedy to eliminate the problem here.
I prefer NoPhos or Silvertrine, but there are numerous products on the market that are effective.
Well done - that’s exactly what you want to do. No food = no algae.
Terry
Whats your opinion on “The Circulator” to combat algae and distribute chemicals.
Is it worth the investment.
Also wondering if I need to point my returns downward toward the floor for more effective sweeping toward drain and dispersing of chlorine down towards floor where algae grows??. I had them pointed up towards surface so the automatic sweeps would come to the shallow end.
Good question Jolene.
On “The Circulator” I think it does improve water flow/movement - for $50 it’s tough to go wrong. Have personally, have only used it on 2 pools - so take it for what it’s worth.
Depends on what you’re looking for…ideally, you’d like them going in the same direction (directly right or left) to maximize “skimming” ability as well as water flow. If you point down or up, you’re reducing the flow of the water - likely, not something desired…at least during summer months.
Remember, flow and filtration are 2 key components to make your life easier.
Hope this helps.
Terry
is this for a upground pool
need to know the maintenance on a above ground pool please
Hi Yvonne,
I’ll be releasing content specifically catered for maintenance items for above ground pool owners over the next few weeks.
Stay tuned…
Terry
We bought a house with an inground pool last summer. We have not been able to kill all of the black algae that is in the pool, we have tried everything except acid washing. Just to keep the water clear we have to spend at least an hour a day scubbing the walls and bottom of the pool, and no matter what we do we can’t get it off the plaster. We have to shock and clarify at least once a week to try to keep it down.
We are acid washing this week.
In your opinion what would our best bet be to acid wash and convert to saline? Or to acid wash and continue to try to use regular chemicals?
Thank you.
Hi Tina,
Converting to a salt pool will not address the core of the issue - there’s an underlying problem here taking place.
Remember, with a salt system, you’re still using chlorine, but it’s “generating” it on site as it creates sodium chloride passing through the salt cell.
Before doing anything, would test for TDS and phosphates - think of your pool as a cup of tea…over years and years, you’re constantly adding chems to it. Overtime, the water becomes aggressive/nonreactive due to all the “stuff” in it. Hence the reason water should be drained every few years - this process can be made worse through metals (or well water).
Not sure where you’re located, but it’s too warm in the states right now to be draining pools. Would try to isolate the issue - if it is a TDS issue…wait for the off season to drain/refill pool.
Try taking a pumice stick or metal brush to get off the walls - then elevate chlorine levels and add Silvertrine or Algaedyne.
Hope this helps.
Terry