Having algae in your pool is terrible. It looks gross and can make your pool slippery, causing safety concerns. Luckily, there are many methods on how to get rid of algae in pool environments. In this article, we’ll outline a step-by-step guide on how to eliminate algae.
How To Get Rid Of Algae In Pool
The reason for algae growing in your pool depends on many factors. These include your pool equipment schedule, climate and several other items. Therefore, knowing to get rid of algae in pool backyards can be done in many ways, too. Here are the 8 methods you should use to get rid of algae if you are not doing them already.
Pool Operation Basics
1. Run the pool filter and keep the water circulating. Algae thrives in a wet area with stagnant water. The easiest way to eliminate algae is to improve circulation in the pool. You may have algae because you’re not using your pool filter enough. If you’re running your pool filter frequently, skip this bullet and move forward.
2. Test and adjust the water chemistry. This includes the pH, alkalinity, calcium hardness and cyanuric acid levels in the pool water. Investing into an inexpensive chlorine and pH checker can save you a lot of time. You may discover that your pool chemistry is out of balance and this is giving algae the opportunity to grow.
3. Use a pool cleaner to vacuum the pool and brush the walls and floor. It is recommended to brush the walls of a pool once a week. This should be done in order to remove any dirt, algae, and other debris that may have accumulated on the walls. It is also important to brush the walls of a pool in order to prevent the build-up of any bacteria or other microorganisms that can be harmful to humans.
Pool Additives For Algae
4. Shock the pool with chlorine. Using pool shock is a quick and affordable way to get rid of algae. Yes, you will have to wait after shocking your pool before you can swim again. However, if you’re shocking the pool to combat algae, you probably aren’t swimming in the pool anyway.
5. Use an algaecide. Algaecide is a chemical used to kill and prevent algae growth in bodies of water such as pools, ponds, and aquariums. Algaecide works by killing the algae cells and preventing them from reproducing. It is usually applied directly to the water or as a spot treatment.
Pool Equipment Tactics
6. Replace the pool filter cartridge or backwash the filter. The frequency with which you should replace your pool filter cartridge depends on how often you use your pool and the size of the cartridge. Generally, for residential pools, it is recommended to replace your pool filter cartridge every two to three months.
7. Install a UV or ozone system. While this is an expensive measure, it’s almost always worth it. UV/ozone systems have plenty of benefits, including getting rid of algae. You’ll immediately notice better clarity in your pool’s water. Next, you’ll make back some of the investment by drawing back on the number of chemicals and maintenance efforts you need. Furthermore, UV/ozone systems have been known to extend your pool filter lifespan. Overall, these systems have many maintenance and swim quality perks.
8. Reduce the amount of nutrients in the pool water. To use an analogy, if you wanted to kill a plant, what would you do? Probably a combination of stopping water or sunlight exposure. Similarly, to get rid of algae, you should limit direct sunlight exposure by covering your pool when you aren’t using it.
Why Does Algae Grow In Pools?
Algae can grow in pools when the water is warm and stagnant. Depending on your pool chemistry, algae thrives when there’s an abundance of nutrients in the water, such as nitrogen and phosphorus. Direct sunlight is another large factor.The sun allows algae to grow by providing energy for the photosynthetic process. Algae prefers shallow water to grow. This is why you probably noticed algae growing near the entry steps of your pool. As noted via our circulation and water chemistry tips, poor filtration and inadequate sanitation also play a role.
How To Get Rid Of Algae In Pool Summary
Ultimately, if you have algae in your pool, don’t panic. Algae can be eliminated from a pool just as quick as it appeared. Using the 8 methods in this article will help you get rid of algae in pool and spas in your backyard. Make sure your pool equipment is functioning properly and use pool shock and algaecide substances to help further. If you have a pool, your environment is probably prone to algae growth if you’re not careful. Remember, that algae love shallow, warm water conditions.
