Throughout the progression of the 20th century, swimming pools have been associated with the American lifestyle and home culture dynamically.
Now imagine, one nice summer morning, you notice some other offensive shades other than gorgeous blue while looking at your very own swimming pool.
The fact is you don’t even have to, it is a very common problem in every pool owner’s life. And this disturbing phenomenon is caused by an organism widely known as “Algae”.
Types of Algae on Pool
Algae is a rapidly growing living entity that comes in several varieties and colors. Before learning how to say goodbye to these uninvited guests, we will learn about some of their varieties.
1. Green Algae
An aesthetically unpleasing green flicker lets you know you have green algae on your pool. They are the most common but also the least troublesome ones.
They are naturally born after heavy rainfall. Once this flicker gets to live long, they will come up with all kith and kin and soon your pool will turn into a swamp. If they reside long, bacteria infestation will be frightening. Not to mention, they are pretty expert at swimming across the ladder and go below feet.
2. Yellow Algae
Any chance you’ve ever observed a yellowish or yellow-green membrane, similar to pollen or sand in your pool? That’s yellow algae, also known as mustard algae which are also famous for being chlorine resistant.
Though this type does not scatter as fast as the green one, demolishing it is more difficult compared to green algae.
3. Black Algae
It is perhaps the nastiest and aggravating buddy of green algae. It has strong roots consolidated on the surface of your pool, not to mention, these roots can attack the tile too. It looks like black or dark blue/green spots and size differs from small to medium.
Besides everything, normal chlorine treatment or shock process Often doesn’t work.
4. Pink Algae
Pink slime being the alternative name, the Pink algae are the special type in the family. They are one kind of bacteria, effortlessly found in PVC pipes. Sometimes, they end up in your pool. You may frequently confuse it with green algae.
Though it is not harmful to humans, it is certainly highly unhygienic. And any kind of algae encourages bacterial colonies. It is as stubborn as black algae and requires high-level chlorine shock to be eliminated.
Why and how does a pool get algae?
To tell you the secret, a reasonable amount of algae is and will be often in your pool and floating around. When it gets the good circumstances to accumulate, it overgrows, becomes apparent, and causes troubles. Considerable reasons which are credible for happening these inside your pool include:
- Jammed filters.
- Low chlorine levels.
- High pH levels.
- High water temperature.
- Pumps are clogged or not working correctly.
- Warm weather.
- Poor circulation.
- Debris.
- Irregular brushing.
Usually, these offending particles are sent through the skimmer and then removed by the filter.
As we are done with the introduction and reasoning, let’s move on to the topic of how to fight them.
How to get rid of the algae in pool
No matter which type of algae has invaded the pool, the steps mentioned below should be followed thoroughly to get rid of them once and for all.
Step 1. Check out the water chemistry
- Examine your pool water to find out the PH level and run a Chlorine Test.
- You will find test strips, digital kits, or liquid kits to test those on amazon or nearby stores.
- If the PH level ranges from 7.2 to 7.8 it is perfect for a swimming pool. Algae attack usually lowers the level.
- For Chlorine, it is to be ensured that the level bounces within 1 to 1.2 ppm.
- Sprinkle some sodium bi-sulfate and that should balance the cases. After this task, wait 2 or 3 hours.
- As it will affect the PH level, rechecking water chemistry is recommended.
Step 2. Keep the pump busy
Stagnant as well as water encourages the growth of algae and other undesired microbes.
- You should circulate the water more often on normal days as a preventive measure.
- Run your pumps more like 22 hours a day during the cleaning procedure.
Constant circulation will not only hinder algae growth but also help the filtering procedure.
Step 3. Wipeout all the debris
This step involves the removal of dirt (visible and bigger) from the pool surface.
- First, take a leaf net or any other convenient tool and yield all those floating dirt like leaves, plastic toys, etc.
- Not to mention, algae stuck to that debris will also be eliminated.
- Don’t rush into draining them as these scraps are only good at clogging the drain.
Step 4. Brush the edges and bottom of the pool
To get rid of the algae and other debris stuck to pool sides and bottom, a brushing session is very effective.
- In the beginning, you have to choose the right brush for the pool according to its’ structure.
- A pool with concrete or plastered walls should be treated with tough stiff wired ones.
- Besides the side and bottom, any area or structure that stays underwater should be brushed accordingly.
Step 5. Time to bring out the Vacuum
Two types of vacuum cleaners can do the pool cleaning job these days.
1. The Robotic Vaccum Cleaner
- This is the most efficient as you just need to plug it in and lower it carefully in the pool.
- After a few minutes it will be done with tidying and you should switch off the power and empty its filter.
2. The Manual Vaccum Cleaner
- While working with this, you put yourself in the pool too and clean every inch of the pool floor.
Step 6. Tidy up the pool filters
As you have already brushed and vacuumed the pool thoroughly, your filters should be clogged up at this step. Therefore-
- Turn off the filter and use a brush to drive away all those.
- If they are in bulk amount, use a garden hose.
- If there are sand filters in the pool they must be back washed whereas cartridge filters are just to be emptied.
Step 7. Shock Treatment
Assuming you have completed all above’s tiring procedures, now to put those effective for the long term you should go for the shock treatment. Necessary equipment includes-
- An eyewear.
- A 5-gallon Bucket.
- Gloves.
- Calcium Hypochlorite Pool Shock at the instructed amount.
To finish up the shock process-
- Settle your bucket with water and mix one pound of shock product in it.
- Blend them well, apply them to the pool and circulate it continuously for least 12 hours keeping filters closed.
- At the end of this process, the remaining germs and algae should be gone but leaving the pool to be close.
- The filtration system should be run for 24 hours before anyone jumps to swim (Manual cleaning may still be necessary).
N.B: For a regular shock as a preventive measure, 1 pound of Calcium Hypochlorite will function with 10,000 gallons of water.
Step 8. Recheck the water chemistry
- To put a seal on the entire process chemical balance must be re-examined as a safety measure following step 1.
How to get algae out of pool without using a vacuum
A robotic pool vacuum reduces the difficulty of the job but it demands a massive expenditure. Whereas, manual vacuuming will pull out a load of sweat to finish up one entire pool floor.
So, it is a common query if there is any way to avoid this toiling chore and the answer is positive.
Procedure 1: A smart move with algaecides
This is both a preventive and attacking measure and also the quickest one to solve the problem. According to which algae (green, mustard, black, etc) has been making you suffer, you select your lethal weapon.
- Before putting the algaecide in the pool, you must run the pump.
- Grab 1 ounce of algaecide for a 10,000-gallon pool and pour it into the circulating water.
- Keep the filter procedure for 12-24 hours for the best outcome.
Procedure 2: Applying Shock Products
- You have to confirm first that the filter is perfectly clean and unclogged.
- If there is any oversized debris, a leaf net should be used then and there.
- After that follow Step 1 to Step 8 except for step 5 which is vacuuming.
- You may have to add some chlorine tablets in case there are algae on the floor.
- Rinse the pool a few times after all the steps have been performed.
To sum up the information and to draw a conclusion line, having a swimming pool is not only just play but also a lot of work. Though pool maintenance is a time-consuming process, it should be operated regularly.
And at this very moment as you know-how, let’s go for a check and clean up accordingly. What are you waiting for!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Can I swim with algae in my pool?
Ans. Yes, but it is unhygienic. Algae attract Bacteria and may encourage other diseases. It is better to remove the pool that pays the price with health.
- What is the best algae killer for pools?/ What kills pool algae fast?
Ans. Algaecides are the best in case you are looking for both an efficient killer and protector. To prevent your pool from getting algae in the first place, you should use them at regular intervals.
- Do I use algaecide or shock together?
Ans. Though both are effective to eliminate the intruder, together they render useless results. One should first shock the pool and wait till the chlorine falls below 5ppm to spread algaecide in the same place.
- Why is my pool still green after the shock and algaecide?
Ans. At times like this, you should check your pool’s PH level. Sometimes, unplanned usage of chemical use ruins the PH balance. Hence, the green pool appears again. You may need to add stabilizers or phosphate to solve the dilemma.
For more queries, comment below.