Simple DIY Hacks To Dealing With Pool Algae

Key Takeaways:

1. Algae blooms are typically caused by one of four types of algae – black, green, pink, or mustard (yellow) – each necessitating its particular treatment plan.
2. Shock treatment is the first step to keeping it under control. It should be done using a chlorine-based sanitizer to raise chlorine levels and increase sanitation in the water. This will kill off most of the algae.
3. To remove what’s left, brush off the algae on your pool walls with a stiff-bristled nylon brush or an old towel. Make sure to move around corners and crevices as much as possible so that no spot is left out!
4. Balance chemicals in your water by testing your pH and chlorine levels weekly or bi-weekly using a chemical known as ‘Algaecide,’ which prevents any further growth of new algae.

Like many homeowners, you may enjoy having a home pool oasis in your backyard as an escape from the summer heat and a great way to entertain during get-togethers. Though pools can be incredibly refreshing come summertime, they do require maintenance. One of the biggest frustrations for many pool owners is algae.

Sooner or later, all pools bloom with green fuzz making your paradise look less than ideal. But don’t worry; a few quick and easy DIY tips can help keep algae away for good! In this blog post, AsureNet discusses simple hacks to deal with pesky pool algae without breaking the bank or exhausting yourself with tons of time spent cleaning and scrubbing.

Swimming Pools & Algae – An Overview

Algae are highly adaptive single-celled plants that require a high concentration of individual organisms to be seen without magnification. Unfortunately, they can be pretty challenging to get rid of once established.

With more than 20,000 kinds of algae worldwide, it can be challenging to determine which one is causing trouble in your pool. The typical culprits are black, green, pink, and mustard (yellow) algae – each necessitating a particular treatment plan. During mid-to-late summer, when temperatures soar and sunlight hours increase, these unwelcome guests will typically choose to appear!

Learn the best practices for keeping your home pool sparkling clear and free from algae with our expert-approved pool upkeep tips!

Best DIY Ways of Removing Algae from Your Swimming Pool

To effectively and efficiently remove algae from your pool, the most crucial step is to determine its type! Even though black, green, pink, and mustard (yellow) are the most common types of residential pool-dwelling fungi, other variations can prove trickier. Once you know what kind of algae has invaded your swimming paradise, you’ll be able to prescribe a fix accurately.

Method 1 – Shock Treatment

If your home pool has become overrun with green or black algae, shock treatment should be the first step to keep it under control. Shock-treating a swimming pool involves using a chlorine-based sanitizer to raise chlorine levels and increase sanitation in the water.

To do this, you’ll want to adjust the pH level of your water from 7.2 to 7.8 before adding the shock product according to the instructions on its label. Once you’ve done this, run your filter for at least 8 hours and recheck the chlorine level after 24 hours – if it reads between 1ppm (parts per million) and 3ppm, then you know that shock treatment was successful!

Method 2 – Brush Off The Algae On Your Pool Walls.

After you’ve shock treated your home pool, take a brush and scrub those stubborn spots of algae off the walls. You can use a stiff-bristled nylon brush or even an old towel – make sure to begin brushing at the bottom of the pool wall and work your way up. Additionally, be sure to move around corners and crevices as much as possible when brushing so that no spot is left out!

Method 3 – Balance Chemicals In Your Water.

Once you’ve shocked & brushed your pool, it’s time to balance out all the essential chemical levels to swim safely and prevent future algae growth. Begin by testing your pH and chlorine levels.

The ideal range for your pool’s pH is 7.2-7.8, while chlorine should be in the 1-3 ppm (parts per million) range. You’ll need to use a chemical known as ‘Algaecide’ if you want to keep algae from taking over your home pool altogether. This chemical prevents any further growth of new algae, so it must be applied regularly to remain effective!

Also Read: When Do You Need a Pool Repair Service?

Monthly Swimming Pool Maintenance Tips

Now that we’ve gone over some basic DIY hacks for removing algae from home pools, let’s also discuss monthly maintenance tips to prevent future slime issues.

1. Test the water chemistry: Test your pH and chlorine levels weekly or bi-weekly to ensure everything is balanced.
2. Regularly clean the pool filter: The more debris you can keep out of your pool, the better! Make sure to backwash or clean your filter as needed.
3. Vacuum the bottom of the pool: To eliminate any leftover dirt, use a vacuum cleaner at least once a week.
4. Check for leaks: If an area around your pool is always wet, there might be a leak somewhere that needs to be fixed ASAP, as it could cause algae growth if not addressed quickly enough.
5. Clean out skimmer baskets & pump strainer baskets: Clean out the skimmer baskets and strainer baskets once a week to eliminate any debris caught.
6. Remove algae by hand: If you notice some algae starting to form, use a pool brush to scrub it away or scoop it up with a net.
7. Shock your pool: You can add shock treatments weekly or bi-weekly to help kill off germs and prevent algae growth.
8. Use an algaecide: An algaecide helps reduce the amount of sunlight & nutrients needed for the algae to grow, which makes it harder for them to survive in your swimming pool environment.

Here’s How AsureNet Can Help You

For all your home pool requirements in Wheaton, AsureNet is the ultimate destination! We are driven by a commitment to exceeding our customers’ expectations since we opened 20 years ago. Our team has worked hard to ensure that you are delighted with everything we offer – from products and services to customer support.

We specialize in thermaglass inground pools and can provide you with everything from the pool to concrete or brick pavers, retaining walls, outdoor kitchens, pavilions, and more. Get a free estimate today.

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