How to Remove Algae From Pools
Swimming pools are comfortable places to spend your free time… until they suddenly aren’t. This is because pools are, in most cases, difficult to maintain. If you don’t give your pool the constant attention it needs, there’s a chance that it will become a breeding ground for algae. Once this happens, it’s a sure bet that you won’t want to take a dip. This might make you curious about how to remove algae from pools. What’s the best way to do this work, and what challenges can you expect to face along the way?
We are Epic Home Pro, and we want to teach you more about pool algae and its removal! As your local pool maintenance company, you can rely on us. It’s always our pleasure to assist our neighbors in Hillsborough County.
Why Are Pools So Prone to Algae Growth?
So, why are swimming pools so vulnerable to algae growth anyway? The simple answer is that, in many cases, pools are the ideal environment for algae to thrive. They are warm, wet environments, and in the case of outdoor pools, they are directly beneath the sun. This gives algae the chance to proliferate at a shockingly fast rate. This is especially true when pool chemical levels are imbalanced. The incorrect amount of chlorine, or improperly adjusted pH and alkalinity, can all result in increased algae growth.
Keeping your pool free from algae, in short, is a balancing act. So, what should you do when your swimming pool has already been taken over? Continue reading to learn more about solving this problem and preventing it from happening again in the future.
Begin By Skimming and Brushing
So, you’re faced with your algae-infested pool. How should you begin to solve the problem? The first thing you should do is skim any large items floating on the pool’s surface. Sometimes, this includes algae, but you’ll find many other objects during this process, too. A few examples include leaves, dead insects, and garbage. Pool skimming is a great way to set the stage for successful pool cleaning and algae removal.
Next, use a pool brush to remove algae from the pool walls and floor. You’ll find algae caked all over these surfaces in many cases. Don’t be afraid to use a little elbow grease to break all this growth loose. Pool brushes are specially designed for this job and won’t scrape/scratch your pool’s surfaces. No need to worry about damage.
Test Pool Chemistry
Now, it’s time to check in on the pool’s chemistry. Why? Because improper chemistry will encourage algae to grow back sooner rather than later. If you’ve never tested your pool before, research test strips or liquid testing kits. (We recommend the latter.) The parameters you’ll want to meet include the following:
- pH: 7.2–7.6
- Alkalinity: 80–120 ppm
- Chlorine: 1–3 ppm
If your swimming pool’s chemistry doesn’t meet these standards, what should you do? To raise pH and alkalinity, add sodium carbonate; to lower them, add muriatic acid. You can increase chlorine levels by putting liquid chlorine or chlorine tablets to the pool. (When chlorine levels are too high, simply let sunlight break it down—but chances are, if your pool is filled with algae, you will need to add chlorine, not remove it.)
Shock Your Swimming Pool
No, shocking your swimming pool doesn’t have anything to do with electricity. It actually involves special algae-killing chemicals, such as calcium hypochlorite. Typically, one pound of pool shocking chemicals is enough to treat ten thousand gallons of water. So, you’ll be able to determine how much to purchase based on your pool’s unique size. Simply add the chemicals to the pool as evenly as possible. Then, turn on your pool’s filter if it isn’t already on. At this point, all you need to do is wait.
Over the course of the next few days, the recently shocked pool water will be thoroughly filtered. Dead algae will be eliminated, and the pool water will lose that hideous green color it had before. If all goes well, your pool will be clean again by the end of the week. Isn’t that exciting?
Preventing Algae From Returning
It’s rewarding to destroy an algae infestation and rescue your pool from muck. However, it’s even better to avoid having to do this work in the first place. Because of this, we highly recommend that you do your due diligence to keep your swimming pool in good condition in the future. How can you maintain its cleanliness? We’ve included some basic advice for you below:
- Skim and brush regularly. A cleaner pool is less likely to experience an algae bloom, so we suggest that you skim and brush your pool weekly. Besides, who wants debris floating around their pool anyway? Not you.
- Keep an eye on pool chemistry. At the very least, you should test your swimming pool chemistry weekly. By keeping an eye on chlorine, pH, and alkalinity levels, you can make adjustments where necessary, therefore preventing algae growth.
- Limit direct sunlight. Sunlight gives algae the energy it needs to live. Consider purchasing a pool cover so you can shield the pool from light when you’re not taking a swim. This effectively makes it so algae cannot survive.
Need Professional Pool Maintenance?
As you’ve discovered in this blog, it’s difficult to learn how to remove algae from pools. It requires the right tools, weekly maintenance, and your time and energy. Because of this, you might find yourself wondering if there’s another way—an easier way—to get algae out of your pool. Good news. By scheduling an appointment with Epic Home Pro, you’ll be able to eliminate algae from your swimming pool without even lifting a finger.
To get started, simply contact us online and let us know about your swimming pool’s algae problem. We’ll get back to you as soon as possible with a free cost estimate. Then, you can choose a time and date for your appointment.