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How to Get Rid of Algae in a Pool? — Effective Ways for a Safe & Clean Swimming Experience (2021)

Getting rid of algae in pool can be challenging. It's tiring and laborious!

But that's why we've done all the work for you and share all our learned tips throughout the years.

Today, we'll help you get rid of the nasty and slippery algae in pool. You'll have a spotless pool in no time.

How to Get Rid of Algae in a Pool? 

No matter how you try to eliminate algae in a pool, you won't be successful if you're not doing it right.

No matter how spotless you think you've left your pool, there are just some spores that manage to get back to your pool.

Don't worry because removing these nasty spores and algae is pretty easy. All it takes is for you to trust in the process of science and biology.

What is Pool Algae? 

Pool algae are no different from other forms of algae [1]. They grow in swimming pools and come in different forms and types. Having them on water isn't a good thing.

You might already be familiar with how it looks, and even with how it feels like. Your pool water looks murky and green, and it feels disgustingly slimy and slippery. Yikes!

Types of Algae 

Different types of algae may infect your pool. You'd be surprised by how many types there are!

Black Algae

Their blue-green appearance characterizes black algae. It's darker than green algae. You won't mistake the two.

Despite being called algae, black algae aren't algae at all. What you have is worse, which is a bacteria that tends to grow in a large mass. Yikes!

Removing black algae is very hard. It gets incredibly annoying if the bacteria manage to creep into the crevices and cracks of your tiles. When this happens, you've got yourself a problematic bacteria to remove.

blue and white ball floating on pool

If you think that's terrible news, there's more. This bacteria even has a protective layer that makes it resistant to almost any chemicals. Now that's a big problem.

That said, expect the removal process to be lengthy. You'll have to drain the water and wash your pool; make sure you thoroughly get rid of them.

Green Algae

The most common type of algae. Its green shade easily distinguishes it that clouds your water.

It grows on the bottom of your pool tiles, slowly making its way to the sides. Eventually, you might even spot the algae floating on the pool surface. Yikes!

Of all the algae spores out there, green algae have to be the easiest type to remove. With the help of some pool algaecide and the right chlorine level, you can say goodbye to green algae in no time.

Make sure to treat it well to prevent algae from growing again.

In case there is an algae build up into your pool, here's how you can clean a green pool properly

Mustard Algae

As its name suggests, mustard algae have a yellow-ish color. It's not nearly as common as green algae, nor is it easy to remove.

At a glance, you might not be able to tell that the yellow speck you're looking at is already an algae. Most of the time, people mistake yellow algae for pollen floating on the pool surface.

In that sense, it's a little hard to keep this type of algae away from your pool. Some might say that you'll need a trained eye to see this.

One of the main reasons you'd never want mustard algae on the water is that they're tough to clean and highly resistant to chlorine.

blurry photo of pool and stairs

If that's the case, how do you remove them? The answer is basic, but demanding.

You'll need to get down on your knees and start to work on brushing, scrubbing, and shocking your tiles until it's free of algae. And in doing so, be meticulous with the process.

Don't leave a spot behind because it can be the source of algae to grow on your pools.

Pink Algae

Like black algae, pink algae is also a bacteria that grows on the cracks and crevices of your pool.

Catch them fast enough; consider yourself lucky. Otherwise, you've got yourself a big problem because it grows and spreads fast.

Unfortunately, this quick-spreading bacteria is resistant to chlorine. If you apply a large number of chlorine levels, you might find your luck getting rid of this bacteria.

To eliminate this bacteria for good, you'll have to brush and shock your pool surface thoroughly. Take your time and be meticulous.

How to Get Rid of Algae in a Pool?

Getting rid of algae in pool is a tough job, but it's doable. And there's a lot of things you can work with to remove these nasty slippery, and slimy things like using topnotch above ground robotic pool cleaner available in the market.

Test Pool Level 

Prevention is better than cure. This is why you should test your pool level - a crucial step that many pool owners fail to do.

With the use of a simple test kit, you can already identify the water balance and chemistry of your pool water. Plus, you'll know how to respond and what cleaning tools to use to help prevent algae growth.

When figuring out your test kit results, you'd want to come out with good chlorine and pH levels.

Vacuum Pool

Vacuuming the surface of your pool might sound laborious and tiring. But best believe it's one of the best ways to remove swimming pool algae. However, you should know how to vacuum an above ground pool for better cleaning and algae removal. 

Thoroughly vacuum the entire surface of your pool. Not just in places where there are algae. Vacuum everything!

Algae start small, so you can never be too sure what that speck of dust on your pool water is. It might be pool algae, and you never know.

Make sure to vacuum your pool walls, the bottom of the pool, among others. Get into the nooks and crannies to keep your pool surfaces for an algae-free pool.

Brush Pool 

Believe it or not, the most basic solution to eliminate algae is if you brush the pool thoroughly. Yes, it's tiring and hard to do compared to using an Aquabot Breeze XLS cleaner, but it can do wonders.

Unfortunately, many pool owners seem to forget this simple and basic solution. And the results prove to be detrimental to the outcome of the water and looks of their pool.

Whether you have a reason to brush the pool or not, stay on the safe side and brush it anyways.

Shock Method 

The pool shock treatment, like its name suggests, lets you shock the water of your pool. All you'll need is a calcium hypochlorite shock to get started.

It can remove any calcium hardness and nasty algae.

In essence, you are over chlorinating your water to eliminate everything that shouldn't be there. It's an excellent method to use chlorine, though it can get costly.

However, the amount of chlorine you use varies on your algae problem. If you have black algae on your hands, you'll need to undergo pool shocking more than once and a ton of chlorine prepared.

And when you get the process right, you've got yourself a pool full of dead algae.

Shock your pool at least once a week. This helps eliminate algae and makes for a good pool maintenance procedure.

Flocculant

Any more algae and spores which the previous methods haven't gotten rid of can be solved by a flocculent. It can eliminate what pool shock hasn't killed yet, and more.

That said, never underestimate the power of having a suitable pool flocculant. It is a perfect solution not only for removing algae but solving cloudy poor water, as well. Most products have label directions on how much flocculant to pour on your pool.

After pouring the flocculent, keep your pump running for at least four hours. Let the solution rest for 24 hours, and you'll find all the dead algae and sediments on the bottom of your pool.

Algaecide

Now that you've gotten rid of all the pool algae, it's time to learn how to prevent them from coming back to your swimming pool.

You can do this by using an algaecide. It helps remove the algae and serves as a great pool algae prevention solution. No more algae outbreaks to worry about in the future.

Do note that you need to read the label directions of your algaecide before using it. If you want to use an algaecide, know how to use it first and never skip reading the label directions.

Other Methods 

Maintaining the cleanliness of your pool is the number one key to getting rid of algae. There are top-tier Aquabot pool cleaner available to regularly clean your pool. 

That being said, always free the water of your pool from any debris, leaves, and more. You never know what kind of bacteria or organism is growing on those, some of which could affect your pool's water chemistry.

Effects of Algae in Swimming Pool

The presence of algae has severe effects on you and your pool. Let's name a few of the common effects of algae growth.

Clogged Pool Filter System

Algae tend to stick to each other, form a clump, reproduce, and make more clumps. And when this happens, you've got yourself free-floating algae on your pool.

Your pool filter system will be rendered useless as the clump's size is too big for the filter. When it manages to find its way to the filter, best believe it will clog it.

Even if you clean your cartridge filter a couple of times, you still won't get rid of the algae problem.

The clumps will make it hard for your filter to sift through all the other debris on your pool surface and end with poor water circulation.

Poor Pool Water Balance

The presence of algae affects the water balance of your pool. You can end up with high/low chlorine levels, pH levels, and more. It can also cause calcium hardness and deposits to build up.

And when this happens, you'll see a massive change in how your pool looks. You'll see a significant change in the color of your tiles. Some have discolored, while others look badly stained.

Slippery Surface

As we all know, algae make one slimy and slippery mess. It's one significant safety hazard, especially if you slip.

Be cautious wherever you're stepping when you make your way into your pool, especially when there's algae growth.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get rid of algae in my pool fast? 

There's no fast and easy method to eliminate algae.

You'll need to dedicate several hours a day throughout the process to make sure they never grow back. Sometimes, you even have to wait for 24 hours to complete the whole step before moving on to the next.

But among all, the fastest and best way is by shocking your pool. It may take several tries and attempts until algae's presence is gone, but it's a reliable solution you can do.

Leave the chlorine for 24 hours and more, and come back with a pool full of dead algae.

Does chlorine kill algae in a pool?

Yes, but it depends on what kind of algae you're trying to remove.

Black algae, for example, is resistant to chlorine. While pink algae, with large quantities of chlorine, manages to get the job done.

Is it safe to swim in a pool with algae? 

It is never safe to swim in a pool full of algae. Just imagine all the bacterias and germs on the water that could penetrate your skin.

Plus, think about the safety hazard the presence of algae presents. Yikes!

Conclusion

No one wants algae in their pool’s water. As long as you know how to remove and prevent them from coming back to your pool water, you should be safe.

Did that solve your algae problems? Just remember that while algae can be common, you now have the tools to rid those nasties. Shocking, flocculant, algaecide, or brushing!

If you do not have a pool vacuum, here's how you can clean the bottom of a pool without a vacuum. Read next! 


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