Clean the pool as much as possible to break up the algae using a brush, leaf rake and vacuum. Run the filter and backwash it to move additional debris. Shock the pool with chlorine and then add an algaecide made for swimming pools. Make sure the algaecide does not contain copper.
Use A Pool Vacuum
The most effective tool to get rid of dead algae is a pool vacuum, and there are two ways you can remove algae using a vacuum. The first method is the better (and easier) of the two, and can only be done if you have a multiport system, using either a suction-side or pressure-side vacuum.
Once the algae is killed, some of it will be captured in the filter, but because the dead algae particles are so fine, they will settle to the bottom of the pool, usually appearing as a gray or brown dust.
Dead algae can turn brown in the water. The fact that it is pushed away before your vacuum can catch and remove it suggests that your vacuum head has brushes on it.
Algae can be very slippery, causing swimmers to fall resulting in bumps, bruises, cuts and even broken bones. Don't try to swim in a pool that's full of algae. Besides causing injuries, an algae infested pool creates a higher risk of drowning for those who are not expert swimmers or those who fall unconscious.
Things You'll Need. Use a chlorine shock product to kill algae in the pool. Once you've killed the algae, you are still left with the problem of removing it from the pool. Dead algae turns white or gray in color and falls to the bottom of the pool.
The dead algae is likely too fine to be vacuumed through your sand filter, therefore owners of sand filters must vacuum on the waste setting. Cartridge filter owners can vacuum up the dead algae but need to clean the filters thoroughly after doing so.
Brown-colored algae is actually a form of yellow or mustard algae, and not a separate strain of its own. The extremely rare mustard algae forms in pools with poor chemical balance and in shaded areas that get little sun.
A nylon or rubber brush is the correct choice for scrubbing the sides of a soft-sided above-ground pool. A large pool brush makes quick work of the job, but you may need a smaller brush to clean corners. Once the particles have been removed from the sides of the pool, turn your filter back on and agitate the water.
Getting Rid of Algae with Chlorine Shock
Chlorine is a very effective sanitizer for water. When you maintain a swimming pool with 3ppm (parts per million) of chlorine, it will inhibit algae from growing.
The last thing you want to do is vacuum algae manually, which will contaminate your filter. Your pool will not clear up. In fact, the chances of your problem getting worse are very high. You'll also need to vacuum to waste when there is a large amount of debris or leaves in the pool, usually at opening.
If your pool is looking brown, and murky, try adding a Flocculant such as the Vitalyse Fast Floc. Perfect to use after rainstorms this concentrated formula binds dirt and mud particles together and drops them to the bottom of the pool floor where they can easily be vacuumed.
Grab a brush and some baking soda. Bicarbonate, the active ingredient in baking soda, is an effective spot treatment to help kill the algae and loosen it from the wall. Make sure you really get every last particle free; black algae has particularly long and stubborn roots which makes it a persistent strand.
Anything that impedes water flow from the pool to the filter — clogged skimmer baskets, a dirty or damaged filter, a defective pump motor, or a failure to run the pump for an adequate amount of time each day — will encourage algae growth. The first warning sign of a filtration problem is hazy or cloudy water.
Replacement sand for your sand filter typically costs around $25 per 50-pound bag, and your filter may require 100 to 600 pounds or more depending on the size and model. More than likely, you'll need about 350 pounds of sand for an average-sized inground pool filter.
Dead algae turns gray as it dies and must be removed from the water through filtration.
Can you put too much shock in a pool? SKIMMER NOTES: It's unlikely but it could happen. It would take a lot of shock to really make the water unsafe for swimming. The best way to make sure you're safe to swim is to test your pool water and make sure free chlorine levels are between 1-4ppm for healthy swimming.
Baking soda can work wonders in a pool. Baking soda can: Help to clear cloudy water and restore the sparkle. Spot-treat algae.
Pool algae occurs for many reasons. Low or inconsistent chlorine levels, faulty pool filtration and poor water circulation may be to blame. Preventing pool algae from flourishing helps to keep your pool operational so you can enjoy it all season long. The key to an algae-free pool is regular maintenance.
You can use baking soda as an effective spot treatment for black or brown algae spots. You just broadcast some of it in the area of your swimming pool that has the algae spots. Then you simply take your pool brush and scrub the area with the algae until it comes off.
If you shocked your pool water and it turned brown you probably have metals. Oxidized iron usually turns a brown or rusty color in the water. Use the No-Drain Metal Stain Eliminator Kit to reduce, sequester, and eliminate the metals to clear up your water and prevent recurrence or staining of your pool surface.
Copper in particular is the most problematic metal in a swimming pool, and it will turn to light green when chlorine is added. When any heavy metal is oxidized by chlorine, your swimming pool water, and parts will discolor as a result of metal stain.
This dreaded color of water is often caused by algae buildup. Keeping your swimming pool pump running and adding an algaecide and pool shock will usually take care of this issue. One thing to look for is the buildup on your pool's surfaces.
Connecting the vacuum system to the pump.
Now, here answers the question earlier: do you leave skimmer basket in when vacuuming pool? YES, you need to remove the skimmer or strainer basket before attaching the open end of the hose to the inlet. Finally, plug the open vacuum hose into the suction port.
A: Yes, you can vacuum algae out of your pool by vacuuming directly to waste. Vacuum the pool surface to remove every debris and algae which may have loosened up while brushing.