Pool pro tip:

5 Steps to Remove Algae

Treating a pool for algae involves different Sanitation and Surface Cleaning processes depending on the type of algae and pool surface types. Warning: it is not fun!

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Green
Yellow
Black

Green Algae

This algae type is the most common type and its relatively simple to eliminate when it’s in its early stages.

Difficulty Level: low

REQUIRES DOUBLE DOSE OF SHOCK

Yellow Algae

This algae type is less common, but it is resistant to chlorine. Effective elimination demands vigorous brushing and a tripe dose of shock treatment. It may require repeating the entire process twice.

Difficulty Level: medium

REQUIRES TRIPLE DOSE OF SHOCK

Black Algae

This algae type is a stubborn organism, it embeds deeply into your pool’s surface making it extremely difficult to eradicate. Effectively eliminating demands extensive brushing and a potent quadruple dose of shock. This algae type may require several treatments to completely remove.

Difficulty level: high

REQUIRES QUADRUPLE DOSE OF SHOCK

Step 1: Shock Your Pool

Calcium Hypochlorite

In its granular form this pool shock is very effective at killing algae. Read label instructions to determine the right dosage for your pool size and then dissolve in a bucket of water (remember to always add chemicals to the water and not water to the chemicals), then broadcast around the pool perimeter. Your filter needs to be running for 8 hours after shocking and we recommend shocking your pool when the sun is down. Typically, you should notice the algae sink to the bottom of the pool within 24 to 48 hours. Then continue with the next step.

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Step 2: Vacuum

Once the dead algae sinks to the bottom of the pool manually vacuum using a side-suction or skimmer-suction. Ensure every area is thoroughly vacuumed to collect all dead algae which will then be sent to directly to your filter.

Step 3: Brush

You must rigorously brush walls, steps and all surfaces to ensure you loosen up any algae and don’t forget to brush crevices and corners because that’s where algae typically forms and hides in the first place.

Step 4: Filter Cleaning

After vacuuming and brushing your pool surfaces, it is crucial to deep clean your cartridge filters by soaking them in a degreaser or muriatic acid solution or if necessary depending on how dirty the filters are you may want to replace them altogether. For Sand Filters, backwash as needed to ensure a thorough filtration of dead algae remnants.

Step 5: Clarifier or Flocculant

To completely coagulate and sink any remaining dead algae floating in the water you need to use a water clarifier or flocculant depending on how cloudy the water is.

Repeat all steps as necessary

Vacuum

Manually vacuum your pool to ensure all areas are thoroughly clean and if you have a Sand or D.E. Filter, make sure to vacuum to waste.

Brush

For concrete pool surfaces, use a metal bristle brush to effectively loosen algae, while for pools with a liner or fiberglass surface, opt for a nylon brush to avoid potential damage.

Filter

Clean your Cartridge Filters to avoid circulating the dead algae back into your pool. For Sand Filters backwash and rinse as necessary.

Remember

Prevention is crucial, being proactive with water chemistry and regular pool maintenance can help avoid algae problems in the first place.

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