How To Remove Algae From Your Pool: A Guide

A pool in summer is all fun and pleasure till you spot some nasty algae growth in it. If not treated promptly, it can reproduce rapidly and ruin your summer pool party plans. Here is a guide to understanding algae growth and how to remove it.

Types of Algae

Algal growth in a pool can be due to black, mustard, or green algae. Black algae are the worst stain and are the hardest to fix in an affected pool. It requires the most effort as it grows deep roots within tile crevices in the pool wall. If any black algae stay behind, it will quickly reproduce again.

Thus, it should be carefully and completely removed. Mustard algae are comparatively easier to eradicate from a pool body. It can be removed from the pool floor and walls by scrubbing and water balancing.

However, this strain can cause immediate re-infection. It can stay on pool supplies and accessories and reproduce in large numbers. Therefore, you must make sure to clean all your pool items. Lastly, blue/green algae are the most common strain. It appears as a slimy film on the pool surface and may cling to its walls.

Removing algae growth

The most effective removal method is the use of chlorine. A strongly chlorinated solution for pools provides the common 'shock treatment'. These solutions contain sodium, calcium, or lithium-hypochlorite that can kill algal growth.

This shock treatment typically takes 1-3 days to restore a pool's health. Brushing or scrubbing a pool's floor or walls helps clear any adhesive algal growth. Pay attention to the pool supplies that you use for this purpose. A steel brush will work for concrete or plaster pool surfaces but will damage an acrylic, fibreglass, or vinyl floor. A nylon brush is recommended for the latter pool floors.

After this pool treatment procedure, measure your pool pH level. Adjusting this level to 7.2-7.6 is necessary. It makes the chlorine treatment more effective and reduces the risks of infestation. This pH measurement test can be done using test kits that use tablets or droppers.

Brushing and adjusting pH levels must be done routinely, and pool conditions monitored until sanitation recovers. After that, you can vacuum the pool or allow it to clean itself if you have a powerful filter.

If you're dealing with unexpected algal growth and need a quick, effective solution to get rid of it, you will need to contact the best pool contractors. If you're based in Sterling, you can consult professional pool designers at Perfect Pools. They provide construction and renovation services for backyard pools and landscape architecture. Contact them for further information about your pool health or outdoor living space.