How to Get Rid of Algae in the Water of a Pool

According to Science Daily, algae are phytoplankton species that grows in water. There are many varieties of the algae, which are usually identified by their color. Algae that typically grow (or bloom) in pool water are black, yellow, green and, less frequently, pink in color. Algae in and of themselves pose no health threat to swimmers, however, other bacteria, such as E.coli, are attracted by the algae and can be harmful. Besides, it is unpleasant to swim in an algae infested pool.

• 1

  Add hypochlorite or chlorine to the pool daily until the algae is gone. This procedure is called "shocking the pool." If you are using hypochlorite, the Pool Center website suggests adding enough to turn the pool water cloudy. The amount needed will depend on the size of your pool. When using chlorine, look for a granular chlorine available at a pool center designed to shock the pool water. How much of the product you will need to add to the pool water and how to use that product safely will depend on individual manufacturer's instructions.The Learn About Pools website gives general instructions for a chlorine shock. Fill a 5 gallon bucket and add the granular chlorine to the water. Stir the granular chlorine until it is dissolved. With the filtration system running, slowly pour 3/4 of the mixture into the pool by the return line. Refill the bucket with pool water. Mix and dissolve any remaining chlorine granules. Pour the second bucket of water back into the pool by the return line jets.

• 2

  Run the pool's filter continually until the pool water becomes clear. Open the filter valve to maximum. Clean (back wash) the filter frequently during the algae removal process.

• 3

  Scrub the sides of the pool. For green, pink or yellow algae use a nylon pool brush on a vinyl pool and a steel pool brush on a concrete pool. Brushing is even more important for removing black algae. The Pool Center website warns that you must remove the protective outer cell layer of the black algae so the chemicals can reach and kill the bottom layer. Pool Center also recommends using a pumice stone to remove the top layer of black algae and then scrubbing with the nylon or steel brush.

• 4

  Vacuum the pool. Keeping the pool free of debris helps the chemicals you use to work most effectively.

• 5

  Add a commercial algaecide manufactured to kill the specific type of algae infesting the pool. Add the algaecide according to the manufacturer's directions. Repeat Steps 1 through 4 daily until the pool water is clear.

• 6

  Use a test strip (available from a pool center) to check for proper pH levels. The INYOpools website says the proper pH level for safe pool water is 7.2 to 7.6. In addition to pH, the alkalinity of the water should be 80 to 120 ppm, and the calcium hardness should be between 200 to 350 ppm.