Removing Algae in a Swimming Pool

In any type of swimming pool, whether it is vinyl, gunite or fiberglass, algae growth is a potential problem you may face. Algae is comprised of small aquatic plants that grow in sunlight and warm water. This problem may be especially prominent in non-circulated or shallow water. You can recognize algae if the water has a greenish or mustard-colored hue. There may also be spots on the pool's surfaces in various colors, such as green, yellow, brown and black. Clearly algae is an undesirable invader and preventative measures should be taken to inhibit algae growth. If algae does grow in your pool, it should be dealt with as soon as the problem becomes evident.

1. You can avoid algae problems altogether by sticking to a regular maintenance schedule. This should include constant circulation of the pool's water, monitoring and maintaining adequate chlorine levels, regular brushing of walls, and regular removal of debris. Also make sure to clean the components of your water filter well. If you are trying to kill off algae that are already present, you may need to clean the filter several times until the algae problem is solved as the dead algae will otherwise clog the filter.

2. If you already have an algae problem to resolve, your first action should be to give the pool a thorough cleaning to remove dirt and leaves which would otherwise absorb the sanitizers you need to add.

3. Next, adjust the pH level to between 72 and 7.4, then super-chlorinate.

4. Step three in algae removal is to sanitize by adding 1 gallon (4 liters) of liquid chlorine for every 3000 gallons (11,000 liters) of water. Ensure that the chlorine is evenly distributed and brush the entire pool thoroughly. For vinyl lined pools, remember never to use tricolor or other granular sanitizers at this concentration as they will weaken and stain the vinyl material.

5. Step four is to run the pool's water circulation for at least 72 hours and brush the pool at least once daily. By brushing you will kill microscopic algae before it grows while the circulation enables the chlorine to attack the algae at full strength.

6. Step four is to run the pool's water circulation for at least 72 hours and brush the pool at least once daily. By brushing you will kill microscopic algae before it grows while the circulation enables the chlorine to attack the algae at full strength.

7. Step four is to adjust the PH as necessary. Continue to add liquid chlorine and maintain a chlorine residual of at least 6 ppm.

8. If the above steps are unsuccessful in eliminating the algae problem, you may pour liquid chlorine directly on the algae or hang a nylon stocking filled with dry chlorine next to the algae. If the pool has grown black algae you should scrub away the protective waxy coating before trying either of these techniques. Remember that vinyl lined pools cannot tolerate these types of treatments as concentrated doses of chlorine will discolor vinyl and can weaken the lining. However, you can ask you pool supply store for new sanitizer designed for safe use on vinyl lined pools.

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