So, how to get rid of algae dust in the pool?
Well, in this post, I would be walking you through the nuts and bolts of pool algae in order to make you well-informed about the various solutions that you can implement to get rid of algae quickly.
Moreover, I would also be responding to queries related to pool algae.
So, without any further ado, let’s begin…
The newbie-friendly comprehensive guide will throw light on questions such as what is algae, why it grows in your pool, how to prevent algae from growing in your pool, and effective ways to kill them.
In short, once you’re done reading this post, you would be well-informed to make decisions related to algae problems.
So, please stay with us till the end to reap the maximum benefit of this piece of information.
How To Get Rid Of Algae Dust In Pool | Buyer’s Guide
Well, irrespective of whether you’re a newbie or a seasoned professional, this comprehensive guide is bundled with information in order to help you get rid of algae dust in the pool.
Sounds, good?
How to get rid of algae dust in your pool quickly?
Moving further, we would be discussing the cost-effective ways that you can apply to your pool in order to get rid of algae.
Needless to say, in spite of taking all the preventive measures, sometimes algae do blossom and you’re not left with any option but to kill them, isn’t it?
There could be numerous reasons for the growth of algae in your pool including malfunctioning of filter, pH imbalance, alkalinity issues, etc.
Whatever might be the reason for the algae growth but now rather than breaking your mind about the cause, it’s time to kill it so that the pool can be clear and safe for swimming.
Though you need not be highly qualified to deal with your pool algae problem still knowing about the algae ecosystem is important for a quick and effective solution.
If you’re willing to spend some time and effort then I can affirm that within an epigrammatic span of time, you’ll become algae killing expert.
How many of you know that the alarming growth of algae can lead to a green pool?
I’m attaching a self-explanatory video for your perusal.
Pool Water Chemistry Testing And Balancing
First and foremost, you need to test the pool water chemistry.
By doing so, you would be able to figure out whether all the chemicals are fully balanced or NOT.
You need to be very careful while expediting the testing process because to achieve an optimum result, you would be needing an error-free test reading.
If you’ve got a better option then I would suggest you should refrain from using test strips as the reading might not be as accurate as you would be wanting it to be.
The free chlorine and pH levels in your pool should fall well within the prescribed range.
Moreover, a fluctuation in pH level can adversely impact the chlorine performance in your pool.
For the optimum result, pH MUST fall in the range of 7.2 and 7.8.
If you’re able to achieve a pH level of 7.4 then nothing could be better than that.
However, if the pH level is less than the prescribed range then you can add sodium carbonate to surge the level.
On the other hand, sodium bisulfate would do the trick for you in case, you want to lower the pH level in your pool water.
Also, ensure that the chlorine is present as free chlorine in an adequate amount, and if needed you can add a pool stabilizer as well.
Turn On Pump
While you’re treating your pool, it is important that you turn on the pump and run it continuously until and unless the chemicals have been circulated homogenously into the pool water.
Moreover, it is equally important to ensure that your pool pump is working properly.
Debris Removal
Do whatever it takes to remove as much debris as possible.
For the floating debris, you can use a pool net that would capture both algae and leaves.
Brush Your Pool
There are different types of pool brushes available on the market, and the type of brush you choose depends to a large extent on the type of pool surface that you’ve.
Let’s understand it with an example.
If you own a pool that comprises plaster or concrete then you should use a wire or a stiff brush pool.
For the optimum result, you need to take out some time from your busy schedule and scrub down all the surfaces of your pool including corners, pool walls, and under ladders.
Feel free to reach out to us in case of any doubt or confusion.
Vacuum Your Pool
Once you’re done with the scrubbing, the next thing that you can do is to vacuum your pool so that the loose debris and algae are tackled in an effective way.
For the best result, you can try a robotic pool cleaner.
Filter Cleaning
As the name suggests, the filter system plays a crucial role in cleaning algae and debris, so make sure that the system is working fine.
So, all you need to do is to clean the filter, rinse them off, and in the case of D.E. filters and sand filters, you need to backwash them.
The below-mentioned steps would help you in backwashing your filter in an effective way.
- First and foremost, you need to turn the multiport valve handle to backwash or slide a push-pull valve
- Once done, in the next step, you need to turn the pump back on
- Now, run the pump for at least a couple of minutes so that the water start running clearly
- Shut the pump off and move the valve back to filter
- Lastly, turn the filter back on
Shock Your Pool
This is one of the most crucial steps and you need to expedite it with utter care and patience.
Shock your pool with the help of calcium hypochlorite to achieve an optimum result.
I always suggest my clientele shock the pool at least once a week.
However, a sudden algae growth needs immediate attention and thus, you need to shock your pool as soon as possible.
In case, you’re new to pool management and hearing the word “shock your pool” for the very first time, then please allow me to explain it to you.
Shocking a pool is nothing but super-chlorinating it in order to kill anything and everything that could be a threat to your pool.
The amount of chlorine that you need to use depends to a large extent on the severity of the problem and the type of algae.
In case, if your pool is flooded with black algae then you’ll have to shock your pool multiple times so that not only do you get rid of the algae but also keep it from returning.
Whether you’re going for a liquid shock or a powdered shock, you need to be very careful while expediting the shock.
The best practices include covering your entire body, and the use of goggles, gloves, and face masks.
In case, you’re using powdered shock then make sure that the shock is added to a large bucket in an adequate amount along with water to make an effective solution.
For making the solution, you don’t need to do anything special.
Just stir the water and the powdered shock for some time, and the shock solution would be prepared.
However, I would request you to follow the manufacturer’s instructions on the best practices.
On the other hand, liquid shock can be directly poured into your pool.
No need to dilute liquid shock with water.
As per my knowledge and experience, I can affirm that the best time to shock your pool is in the absence of sunlight so that the pool chemistry is balanced and doesn’t get impacted by environmental factors including UV rays.
Even though your pool water becomes cloudy after the treatment, you don’t need to worry at all as the pool filter would clear the water in a day or two.
All you need to do is to refrain anyone from entering the pool until the water becomes clear and safe for swimming.
Also, ensure that the chlorine, pH, and alkalinity levels are balanced.
Moreover, refrain from using CYA as it might lead to chlorine lock.
Brush Your Pool AGAIN…
Yes, you heard it, RIGHT!
Brush your pool with an effective scrubbing pool once again in order to remove the residual algae.
Highly recommend the step, and please don’t skip it to achieve an optimum result.
Floc Your Pool
A pool flocculent can act as an additional layer of security against the algae blossom.
Trust me, it does a fantastic job as it would remove any small spores or particles that weren’t eradicated in the shocking process.
I highly recommend pool flocculent in case your pool is overloaded with either black or mustard algae.
In case, you’re a newbie and not aware of the steps that need to be performed in order to floc your pool then stay with us as we would be discussing each and everything from scratch.
- Test the pH level and make sure that the pH level falls in the range of 7.2 and 7.6
- In case, the pH level is less than 7.0 then you need to raise the pH level by adding sodium sulfate and if the pH level is higher than 8.0 you need to lower the pH level by adding sodium bicarbonate
- Moving further, you need to follow the manufacturer instructions for diluting the flocculent and then pour it around the edge of the water and peripheral of your pool
- Run the pump for at least a couple of hours and then turn it off for the next 6 to 8 hours so that the debris and algae gets collected at the bottom of the pool
Vacuum
All you need to do is to vacuum the loose debris and algae residual present at the bottom of your pool so that nothing is left behind and pool water once again becomes crystal clear and safe for swimming.
Clear Your Filter Again
After the aforementioned step, you might find more algae and debris in your filter.
So, it becomes really important that you clean the filter in the best possible manner so that the recirculation of the algae residual in the pool water can be prevented.
If needed, backwash your pool filter.
Add Algaecide
Adding algaecide would further reduce the reoccurrence of algae in your pool water.
And, I always recommend my clientele add algaecide in the pool water if the reoccurrence of algae is very frequent.
Moreover, if your pool resides in a hot and humid region then the high temperature would pave the way for fast algae blossoming.
Test Your Pool Chemistry
After expediting the aforementioned steps, the probability is very high that your pool chemistry would’ve fluctuated or got disturbed.
So, it’s high time that you restore the pH, alkalinity, calcium hardness, and chlorine to the normal range.
Already, we’ve mentioned above the normal range for all the essential chemicals present in your pool, and you need to ensure that every chemical is stored.
The normal chlorine level should be less than or equal to 3 parts per million but at the same time, it should be above 1 ppm.
A pH level of 7.4 would be ideal but anything in the range of 7.2 and 7.6 would do the trick for you.
And, alkalinity should be in the range of 80 and 140 parts per million.
Quick Hacks To Prevent Algae Dust In Your Pool
I’ve always believed in the proverb, “prevention is better than cure” as it saves you both time and money.
As a pool owner, you should always try to stay ahead of the problem and figure out an effective solution when the problem is small.
But, at the same time, you can’t completely negate the flourishing of algae in spite of putting your heart and soul.
However, taking preventive measures would definitely, put you on a safer side, and prevent the growth of algae to a large extent.
Take Care Of Your Pump
Well, you can’t ignore the importance of a pool pump when it comes to controlling algae growth.
Definitely, your pool pump should function properly in order to circulate your pool water.
Most of you would be aware of the fact that algae blossom in stagnant water so you need to prevent the water from getting stagnant in order to prevent the growth of algae.
Unfortunately, a clogged and under-performing pump would pave the way for algae growth so you need to be very careful with your pump health.
If you’re checking and cleaning the pump skimmers and pump strainers twice a week then the algae growth can be kept under control to a large extent.
Moreover, a good rinse-off outside the pool can help you to wash away any spore that is NOT visible to your naked eyes.
D.E. filter, as well as a sand filter, needs to be back washed on a regular basis, and if you’re planning to walk a step ahead then you can try cleaning solutions that are specifically made for this purpose.
On average, you need to run your swimming pool pump for at least 8 to 10 hours every day so that the water doesn’t get stagnant.
Pool Shocking
A good pool shock is very important for achieving optimum results from shocking your pool.
And, if you’re facing algae problems on a regular basis then definitely, you need to shock your pool for at least a week.
Well, this is the process of power chlorinating the water to get rid of any bacteria or spores that might have developed resistance against the regular chemicals.
Brush Your Pool
Brushing your pool on a regular basis is very important to keep the algae at bay.
Moreover, it is very important for you to select an effective scrubbing brush for your pool for getting good results.
If you own a vinyl or fiberglass pool then you need to use a nylon brush as it wouldn’t scratch the pool surface, and thus, your pool would’ve got a longer lifespan.
On the other hand, a wire brush would do the needful if you own a hunk of concrete or a plaster pool.
Unfortunately, concrete or a plaster pool is relatively more porous so algae tend to take root on them easily, and thus, you need to opt for a tougher scouring method.
Check Your Pool’s Chemistry
Trust me, using an effective pool chemistry test kit would do half the work for you.
Unfortunately, the newbies couldn’t estimate the threat that algae possess for your pool, and thus, their ignorance leads to a cloudy and green pool.
In order to tackle bacteria, and algae in an effective way, you need to maintain the chlorine level in the range of 2.0 and 4.0 parts per million.
However, algae spores would enter your pool time and again, so you need to have a proper maintenance system in place to deal with it in an effective manner.
Remember, maintaining a healthy level of chlorine in your pool would definitely be of great help against the algae.
Well, checking and regulating your pool’s pH levels would definitely help in keeping a check on algae growth.
As a pool owner, you should be aware of the fact that algae thrive at a high pH level so it’s imperative that you keep the pH levels in the range of 7.2 and 7.6.
A pH of 7.4 would be ideal.
Well, many of you wouldn’t be aware of the fact that this is the same pH in the human eye and mucous membrane, so your eye wouldn’t feel irritated.
Vacuum Your Pool
It goes without saying that vacuuming your pool regularly would keep specks of dirt, debris, and algae at bay.
For the best result, you need to scrub your pool surface before vacuuming your pool so that loose algae and debris can be removed from the pool.
Try Algaecide
Frankly speaking, algaecide is specifically meant to deal with algae issues in an effective way.
So, using algaecide on a regular basis would keep your pool clean and clear.
As we’ve discussed earlier also, there are different types of algae and to deal with these types you need to buy the algaecide that is meant for that particular type.
In case, you’re not very sure about the type of algaecide that you should use then you can opt for a multi-purpose algaecide that is meant to deal with different types of algaecide.
What is algae?
It is really important for you to understand what is algae in order to understand the threat that it possesses.
According to study.com, the name algae is given to a diversified group that comprises oxygenic, phototrophic, and eukaryotic microorganisms.
Algae are eukaryotic microorganisms which simply means that it possesses a nucleus.
In simple words, it’s a plant-like microorganism that is capable of producing oxygen through photosynthesis.
If you’ve ever come across a green pool then you might have wondered why is it so green, right?
An alarming growth of algae is the main reason behind a pool turning out green.
Definitely, no one would like to swim in a green pool, and it’s neither safe nor healthy as well.
I’m attaching a self-explanatory video for your perusal.
Don’t be the one who waits for the pool water color to change so that s/he can take action.
But, unfortunately, algae blossom at such an alarming rate that it will not give you any time to tackle the problem.
I hope many of you would be aware of the type of algae, and IF NOT, then have a quick look at the below types.
The 7 major types are:
- Euglenophyta (Euglenoids)
- Chrysophyta (Golden-brown)
- Pyrrophyta (Fire)
- Chlorophyta (Green)
- Rhodophyta (Red)
- Paeophyta (Brown)
- Xanthophyta (Yellow-green)
Wait, you don’t have to worry about all the types of algae.
In fact, there are only a few algae that can be troublesome for your pool’s health.
Green Algae
You might be astonished to know that green algae are one of the most common types of algae that comprise around 7,000 species in its family.
Out of these 7,000 species, only a few are found floating in rivers, ponds, or pools while the rest would be found only in saltwater.
The good news is, green algae are among the algae category that can be easily treated and get rid of.
With the help of algaecide and extra chlorine, you can easily tackle these green algae with ease.
Mustard Algae
The next type of algae in our list is mustard algae aka yellow algae which comprises beta carotene and so appears slightly yellowish.
Well, it’s more difficult for algae to get rid of as compared to green algae as it can resist chlorine to some extent.
Moreover, identifying yellowish-looking mustard algae is relatively difficult as compared to green algae as it can often be mistaken for sand or pollen because of its appearance.
Shocking and brushing would be required to deal with mustard algae in an effective way.
Black Algae
Black algae are also termed blue-green algae.
But, the fact is, a black alga isn’t an alga at all, in fact, it’s a bacteria called cyanobacteria and grows in large masses.
Compared to the aforementioned algae, a black alga is difficult to get rid of.
Its root is present in cracks and crevices, and thus, it becomes really hard to completely eradicate it.
Moreover, it also comes with a protective layer often referred to as a head that makes it particularly resistant to chemicals.
Since it’s really difficult to eradicate black algae so the processes involved in getting rid of it are definitely tedious and time-consuming.
Draining the pool and acid-washing it could do the trick for you.
Pink Algae
Again, pink algae is another form of bacteria that is known to appear in cracks and corners and can spread quickly.
Though pink algae are also chlorine resistant still you can expect some good results by increasing the chlorine amount drastically.
Shocking and brushing your pool can do the trick for you when it comes to completely eradicating the pink algae.
Are algae bad for my pool?
Definitely, it’s bad for your pool, and you should get rid of it.
Not only does it make the water green and cloudy but also unsafe for swimming.
Let’s have a quick look at some of the reasons that will help you to understand why your pool should be free from any form of algae.
Erosion and Staining
In our blog, we’ve discussed numerous times that keeping your pool water balanced is REALLY important, and for multiple reasons.
Moreover, algae can raise your pool’s pH level leading to scaling and calcium deposit buildup.
These things will erode both concrete and fiberglass surface and might couple with organic debris leading to discoloration and staining.
Clogged Filters
The problem with almost all types of algae is their tendency to clump together and reproduce.
As a result, it becomes really difficult for your pool filter to do its job.
You need to be very careful in dealing with the black algae as it has a sticky surface and takes root in crevices and openings.
Especially the black algae would create loads and loads of trouble for you.
In fact, it clings to the mesh and opens in filters, hanging onto other spores and debris until it forms clogs impossible to filter out normally.
The main problem with the clogged filter is that it creates poor circulation in the pool, and thus, paves the way for algae blossom.
Germs
Algae may not seem a threat to both humans and pets but at the same time, it is capable of trapping bacteria such as E.coli that might circulate the harmful germs in your pool water.
E.coli also leads to urinary infection.
Slippery Steps
Needless to say, algae is slimy and slippery, so its growth on ladders, pool walls, and steps can lead to slick areas around your pool for sure.
Slippery steps can cause lead to some serious accidents.
Parameters Responsible For Algae Growth In Your Pool
There are numerous reasons for algae growth in your pool.
In fact, algae spores are constantly making their way into your pool either through environmental elements like wind and rain or through swimsuits or objects that were recently in the ocean and through people dragging them in.
Once the spore gets the ideal environment, it starts blossoming and reproducing.
Below are some of the factors that contribute to algae growth.
- Low chlorine levels
- Warm weather
- High pH levels
- Clogged filters
- Pumps not working correctly
- Poor circulation
- Infrequent brushing
- Debris
- High water temperature
It’s A Wrap
First and foremost, I would like to thank you for being with us till the end.
Secondly, I would like to affirm that I along with my core team have put loads and loads of effort into coming up with this idiosyncratic comprehensive guide on pool algae.
So, in case, you liked our effort and want to appreciate us then all you need to do is to rate us on a scale of 1 to 5 with the latter being the best.
Cutting long-story-short, let’s get back to the topic.
We’ve discussed almost all the methods that we’ve been using over a period of time in dealing with algae.
Definitely, one shoe that fits all sizes doesn’t work for algae.
First and foremost, you need to figure out the type of algae that has invaded your pool, and then you need to find ways to get rid of it.
As discussed earlier, black algae are more troublesome as compared to other types.
In case, you’re maintaining your pool in a proper way, then you don’t need to vacuum your pool multiple times after removing algae (if it’s in a small amount).
On the other hand, if your pool has been badly invaded by black algae then you might need to shock it a couple of times to achieve an optimum result.
All in all, removing algae from your pool at times can be a pain in your butt so you need to be very careful in choosing the methods for eradicating them.
In the end, I would suggest you should pay proper attention to your pool and take all preventive measures that can refrain algae from invading your pool.
Last but not least, share this piece of information with the ones who are in need of it.
After all, sharing is caring, isn’t it?
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