What to Do About Algae in My Swimming Pool

Next time you decide to go for a swim and you find green algae along your pool walls and floor, don’t panic. Finding algae in your swimming pool can indicate various problems, most of which are easily resolved.

Here, we can help you understand where algae comes from, how you can remove it and how you can prevent it from coming back in the future.

Why Does My Pool Keep Getting Algae?

Algae spores are found in the air around us and will more than likely naturally end up in your pool. Due to the contaminants and dust in the water, spores feed on the nitrates and phosphates present and continue to grow. In the perfect circumstances, algae can multiply rapidly, turning your pool water green and potentially increasing your risk of health problems caused by bacteria in the water.

During the warmer summer months, you are more likely to notice that algae forms more quickly in the pool. More sunlight from longer, sunnier days initiates photosynthesis, and warmer temperatures accelerates the growth rate of the algae while also increasing the rate which chlorine breaks down in the water. Together with increased pool use introducing more contaminants into the water from body oils, sunscreen and debris, it’s the perfect growing environment for the bacteria to thrive.

Your pool’s filtration system is designed to remove algae spores and other contaminants within the water that algae feeds on. Your filtration system will not kill algae but if it is underperforming or malfunctioning, algae will grow more quickly and the filters can easily become clogged with excess algae during the summer months.

Chlorine is responsible for sanitising your swimming pool. You can either add chlorine directly to your pool or fit a salt chlorinator which creates chlorine by the addition of salt to the water. Chlorine destroys the cell walls of the algae itself but if there is an imbalance in chlorine levels, this means it is not effectively cleaning the water and inhibiting algae growth.

Now you know why your pool keeps getting algae, here’s how to remove it.

How to Remove Excess Algae in My Swimming Pool

For some of these remedies, you will need to determine your pool’s pH levels. You can do this by using test strips, dipping them into the water and waiting approximately 15-20 seconds or by using test tablets, waiting a few seconds for them to completely dissolve.

Manually Clean Your Pool

It is best to brush all surfaces to break up algae blooms before treating. Corners and areas around steps and ladders are particularly susceptible to algae as the dead zones with poor circulation allow the perfect growing environment for the algae to thrive.

A manual vacuum is also the perfect way to remove algae and debris from the bottom of the pool.

Algaecide

Algaecide is a biocide that has been designed to kill and prevent the growth of algae by disrupting their cellular processes without causing harm to swimming pool users. You are able to purchase this online and it’s important to follow the specific manufacturers recommendations for use.

Typically, adding algaecide to your swimming pool requires a pH value between 7.0 – 7.4. It is recommended to include this in your regular maintenance routine, after heavy rain or wind occurs, when you first open your pool and before you close it during the winter season.

Shock Chlorination

Shock chlorination involves mixing sodium hypochlorite, also known as chlorine bleach, into the pool water to raise the level of chloramines. This is also available to purchase online and will include specific instructions on how to use it. Once you have done this, you should wait around 6 hours before swimming as the level of chlorine in shock chlorination is much higher than you would use during normal treatment.

Again, the pH value should be between 7.0 – 7.4 so you may need to use a pH-reducer or pH-raiser depending on the current level.

Filter Continuously

Run your filter continuously until the water clears, making sure to clean or replace any filter cartridges as needed.

How to Prevent Algae in My Swimming Pool

While you cannot ever stop algae from entering your pool, there are a number of ways you can prevent algae buildup in your swimming pool.

Regular Cleaning

As mentioned above, regular and effective cleaning is essential for preventing algae growth. This includes running your filter pump 6-8 hours every day, brushing the pools surfaces, and using a pool net or vacuum to remove debris. This will make sure that the algae are deprived of food and that your filtration systems are working efficiently. Remember to clean the filters regularly too!

Keep It Covered

As mentioned above, algae love the sunlight and the warm temperatures that come with it. UV rays can actually break down the chlorine that helps to keep algae at bay too, so keeping your swimming pool covered will prevent it from growing. By blocking out the sun, it will keep the water cooler and increase the speed and efficiency of the chlorine.

Maintain Chlorine Levels

Speaking of chlorine, maintaining your chlorine levels plays an important role in preventing algae. Regularly testing your chlorine levels and adjusting them, when necessary, can ensure the concentration is correct in order to tackle algae buildup. Typically, it should fall between 0.3-0.6 mg per litre.

Salt chlorination is an excellent way to keep on top of chlorine production without purchasing expensive chlorine products. A salt chlorinator can be retrofitted to your swimming pool and works by providing a never ending supply of hypochlorous acid into the water by the use of electrodes.

The beauty of salt chlorinators is that you don’t have worry about adding chlorine to your pool as it automatically does it for you, as long as you keep it running. All you need to do is add pool salt and have some to hand to top it up!

If you want to keep on top of your swimming pool maintenance and prevent algae buildup in the future, then a salt chlorinator is a fantastic solution. At PureSalt, we supply the specialist pool salt you need to make sure it is always topped up and performing efficiently. Shop today!