Tips to Remove Green Algae from your Pool

Posted on: June 24th, 2016 by

This summer feels hotter than ever, which means your pool has probably seen a lot of activity over the last few weeks. Your friends at Allen Pool Atlanta want to help you get on top of your swimming pool maintenance game with our quality services and also our monthly maintenance tips. This month we want to talk about the dreaded green algae and provide you some tips on how to remove green algae from your pool.

What is green algae?

There are several algae varieties, and green is the most common. They can float freely around in your pool or cling to the surfaces, and your pool can go from clear to green in a matter of hours. Luckily, green algae are easy to prevent and also easy to remove.

What causes green algae in my pool, and how can I prevent it?

There are a few causes of algae growth. One is an insufficient chlorine level in the pool. The combination of frequent swimming and rainfall can deplete the chlorine levels very quickly, so it is important to test levels every day and add chlorine as needed. Another is a pH level that is too high—if the pool is too acidic the chlorine will not be able to kill the algae. To prevent algae growth, you should have a pH level between 7.2 and 7.6. The third is one we are often guilty of as people with busy schedules and a lot on our plates: improper maintenance. If the pool is not cleaned and surfaces are not brushed regularly, algae can find a home in the water or can cling to the dirty surfaces. You should also make sure that your filter is clean and running well, as stagnant water is a perfect breeding ground for algae.

I found some! How do I remove green algae?

Don’t worry: it happens to the best of us! But, you can remove green algae pretty easily, especially if you catch it early. If you discover algae, first get out your gloves and your testing kit (available at any pool service or hardware store). Make sure your chlorine levels are adequate and that your pH level is between 7.2 and 7.6. Adjust chemicals as needed. Then add an algaecide to the pool according to the instructions on the bottle. If you need help picking out an algaecide, visit a hardware or pool supply store, and you will be able to find the best brand for your pool. We usually recommend a poly-quat that is 60% concentrated, but it never hurts to check with someone based on your specific situation. Let the algaecide work its magic overnight. The next day, get out those rubber gloves again and scrub your pool surfaces. Vacuum the pool as well. Clean your filter, and if backwashing is a part of your cleaning routine, go ahead and do that as well. After your pool is algae-free, test your chemicals again. If you have a particularly pesky batch of algae, you can repeat the algaecide treatment again.

How to Use This Information

Here at Allen Pool Atlanta, we want to help you have a fun, algae-free summer. Our maintenance services are top-of-the-line, as are our repair and renovation services. For more information please call Allen today at (770) 451-1621 or contact us online today!

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