Algae is regarded as a menace to so many pool owners because it doesn’t just change the color of the water to green, but it also does pose some health risks to the skin of the pool owner.
Algae is a common problem among pool owners. In fact, the majority of pool owners have had or still have issues with algae. You can kill algae with chlorine. But, before you can go ahead and use the chlorine in your pool, there are important things you need to know.
Algae is a non-flowering aquatic plant that includes seaweed and many single-celled forms. It contains chlorophyll.
But do not have true stems, roots, leaves, or vascular tissue.
Now, let’s look at some of the possible reasons why algae grows or develops in your pool.
- Heavy rainfall: nitrates serve as a food source for algae, and we all know that rainfall releases nitrogen, which can automatically find its way into the pool during rainfall and convert to nitrates. Also, heavy rainfall can carry dirt particles into the pool.
- During pool parties: one of the needs for a swimming pool is leisure, and parties are a part of the leisure enjoyed in pools, but unfortunately, this leisure too has disadvantages: it can lead to the growth of algae. Chlorine is likely to be reduced to the barest minimum after so many people use the pool, and this can pave the way for algae growth in the pool.
- Poor or bad filtration system and circulation: when a pool’s filter system is bad, it makes way for so many contaminants to thrive in the pool. Your pool should be able to properly filter turnover time and have good circulation throughout the pool.
Now, let’s look at the question, does chlorine kill algae in pools?
Yes, chlorine does kill algae, but there are other chemicals apart from chlorine that kill algae too, chemicals like algaecide, bromine, etc.
Chlorine is said to be one of the best killers of algae till date, running a chlorination of 10-20 ppm chlorine can go a long way towards taking out the algae.
Bromine, too, has been said to be more proactive in killing algae than chlorine. So it is advisable to use a two part bromine-algae system where you add the algae product and follow it with chlorine to produce active bromine.
It is said that these combinations can kill algae within 24 hours.
It is also advisable to immediately add a chitosan-based clarifier to help clean the surface of the pool and remove dead algae from the filter.
How long does it take for chlorine to kill algae in a pool?
We all know how frustrating it can be to have a bad or contaminated pool, especially when it’s summer, the time you need to get some quality pool time the most. It sure isn’t a good experience, I tell you.
Most pool owners are aware of annoying algae problems, seeing your pool go from fine blue surfaced to green or having problems in the pool generally.
Now, there are different chemicals you can apply to kill algae or solve algae problems in your pool, but we’ll be looking at just chlorine and other means to solve algae pool issues.
- When you test your pool water or you find out it has suddenly become green and contains some clumps of algae, it just means there’s not enough chlorine in your pool. It becomes necessary at this point to shock the pool. Shocking the pool with a large dose of chlorine is the best way to kill algae and return your pool to a safe mode. Normally, shocking a pool lasts 1-3 days, but it’s likely to take up to a week if the condition of your pool is very poor.
- Clean and brush pool walls and floor: Use a brush to strongly brush away and remove as much algae as possible. Look out for the steps behind your pool ladder and other corners where algae is likely to gather. Also ensure that the brush you’re going to use matches well with your pool. Steel brushes are best for concrete pools while nylon brushes are preferable for vinyl pools.
- Always review the pool chemical safety: as you work your way towards the sanitary state of your pool, it is also important that you safeguard and protect yourself too. Read the safety information on the labels before you proceed to work. Wear protective materials that cover your skin, eyes, and hands. Do not inhale the chemicals. Always put the chemicals inside the water and not the water inside the chemicals. Avoid placing wet scoops back in the container.
- Test the pH level of your pool: it is necessary to test your pool when it starts developing issues. Use a pool pH test kit to measure the pH of your water. If you observe the pH is above 7.6, add a pH reducer to your pool according to the instructions on the label. Ensure the pH levels come down to between 7.2 and 7.6 to give your chlorine more effectiveness and reduce the growth of infestation. After some hours, test the pool again.
How do I get rid of algae in my pool fast?
Getting rid of any pool problems at all do not just happen in the twinkle of an eye but in processes, so while we can’t say there’s totally a fast way to get rid of algae issues, there sure is a way to get rid of algae issues and you shall find out as you stay with us.
To quickly get rid of algae problems, here are some steps to follow.
- Vacuuming your pool: Vacuuming your pool is a great way to get rid of algae. Vacuuming it from end to end, reaching every nook and crannies, really does help. Also take note: automatic and robotic vacuum cleaners are not so suited for cleaning algae in the pool. Manually vacuum your pool through your filter’s waste setting.
- Brushing and scrubbing your pool walls: brushing and scrubbing your pool walls really does help take out a lot of algae. It makes the job of the chlorine easier and takes out the algae quickly. As I stated earlier, pay attention to every corner of your pool. Check behind the ladder in your pool for algae growth too.
- Test the water and make sure it’s balanced: Testing your water is an integral part towards pool cleaning, it’s even possible to call it the most important part. Use test strips to test the alkalinity and pH level of your pool. When your water chemistry is balanced, algae growth will succumb to your sanitizer because of the high alkalinity or pH level that normally inhibits shock.
How much liquid chlorine do you need to shock a pool?
Pool maintenance and treatment is a science on its own. You have to be scientific in your approach; else, you’ll just be making a big mistake. Testing your pool, knowing the needed amount of chemical to add, and shocking your pool all have to do with numbers, which is scientific.
Here’s how to shock your pool with liquid and granular chlorine.
- 12.5% liquid chlorine pool shock. 1 gallon of shock per 10,000 gallons of water is the normal dosage.
- 75-78% calcium hypochlorite granular pool shock, 1lb of shock.
Can algae grow in pool with high chlorine?
Algae is not supposed to grow in a pool with a normal level of chlorine because the presence of chlorine at high levels actually kills algae.
Nonetheless, you need to understand that what kills algae in your pool is the free chlorine in the pool. If the total chlorine is high but free chlorine is low, algae can skill grow in such pool condition because the active chlorine that kills them is not effective.
However, there is a particular type of algae called yellow mustard algae that has the capability to grow even in a pool with high free chlorine. There are actually three types of algae, green algae, black algae, and yellow algae. The yellow algae is the one with the most resistance to chlorine. This doesn’t mean chlorine can kill them, but it is likely to still survive and grow in some situations.
Now let’s talk about how we can recognize yellow mustard algae since other algae like green and black can be easily killed by chlorine.
If your pool water isn’t cloudy or murky and after you clean the walls of your pool, the dirt is still there or comes back immediately, then that might be yellow mustard algae.
This type of algae is likely to thrive even in a well balanced pool of water. But not to worry, because sodium bromide has been tested and proven to be the best solution for yellow algae.
Why does my pool turn green after adding chlorine?
Pools are likely to turn green when they have other metals like iron and copper in the water.
What is the difference between algaecide and chlorine?
Algaecide is meant for preventing and killing algae in the swimming pool, while chlorine is meant for killing all contaminants in the pool, not just algae.
Can you put too much algaecide in the pool?
No, it is not good to put too much algaecide in your pool because algaecide overdose can cause foamy pool water. It can also irritate the skin to some extent.
Should I run the filter after adding algae?
Yes, it is necessary to run the filter continuously after adding algaecide and chlorine to the pool.
Why does my pool keep getting algae?
Your pool is likely to keep getting algae based on poor water sanity level, low or inconsistent chlorine levels, and poor water filtration or circulation system.
Does rain cause algae in the pool?
Rainwater is likely to bring algae into the pool because it creates the environment for nitrates, phosphates, and other contaminants to get into the pool.
What temperature does algae grow in the pool?
It is necessary to keep your pool temperature low because algae is generally said to grow in hotter temperatures, between 85 degrees and above.
