Algae is one of the most common problems that affects swimming pools, especially during summers. It becomes frustrating when you cannot use your pool when it’s not winter. Algae causes your pool to be green and murky. It also poses skin issues like itchiness etc.
Algae problems in above ground pools are the same as in ground pools. There isn’t any special difference between them except the frustration of seeing your pool become green and wondering what to do.
Let’s have a quick look at what algae is and how it develops in pools.
According to Wikipedia, algae are a diverse group of photosynthetic eukaryotic organisms. It is polyphyletic grouping.
A lot of algae exist in fresh or seawater where they can either be floating or attached below a platform or at the bottom. As long as there is enough moisture, algae can grow on soil, rock, or vegetation.
Let’s look at common reasons why algae grows in the pool.
- Poor water circulation or filter system: algae is likely to grow in a pool where the water does not circulate evenly or a pool where the water filter is bad or poor and does not filter effectively.
- Low water levels: generally, algae thrives in pool situations where the water level is low, low in alkalinity, pH, calcium and cyanuric acid levels.
- Low chemical levels: in pools where the chemical levels are low, algae and other contaminants grow and spread like wildfire. Chemicals like chlorine and bromine levels need to be balanced in order to prevent and kill algae effectively.
We’ll be looking at ways you can get rid of algae in pools.
- Ensure your pool water level is balanced: The pH level should not be lower than 7.2; the alkalinity level should not be higher than 80-100; and cyanuric acid, 30-50.
- Shock your pool: Shock your pool to a level of 30ppm with 4 lbs of pool shock per 1000 gallons.
- Brush your pool appropriately: Clean and brush your pool from corner to corner and every nook and crannies to scatter algae in and spread shock in the pool.
- Run your filter system: in order to maintain flow, you have to run your filter at least 18–20 hours a day.
- Add clarifier: Add a clarifier to clarify the surface of your water. The clarifier can also help your filter somewhat since it leaves the water clean.
- Add algaecide: Algaecide is meant to kill and prevent algae from growing in your pool. Add it only after the chlorine level drops below 5 ppm.
How do I get algae off the bottom of our pools?
Your pool is likely to develop issues in your time of using it, and one of those problems is algae, the leaf-looking green-colored organism that grows on walls and the bottom of your pool. Algae growth could take the fun out of your pool and make you stay away from it more often.
All pools have a presence of algae in one way or the other. As long as there’s phosphate in the pool, which is certain, there has to be algae too. Phosphate serves as food for algae.
The reason why algae is not noticed in well balanced swimming pools is that the single cell development is not up to millions to be noticed, hence they are very low but are still somehow present. The plants adapt well and can sometimes be hard to get rid of.
There are over 20,000 types of algae, but the ones you’re most likely to see in the pool are mustard yellow algae, black algae, green algae, and pink algae.
Now we’ll be looking at how you can get algae off the bottom of your pool.
- Check your water levels consistently: Your water levels need to be checked from time to time to ensure algae growth does not occur. Test the alkalinity, water pH, calcium hardness, and chlorine levels.
- Remove algae from the bottom of your pool with a brush: Using a brush to clean and eject algae from the bottom of your pool should be the first thing do immediately you notice algae growth, first use your brush to scatter them off..
- Shock your pool: To eradicate algae in your pool, your pool needs to be shocked with chlorine. Apply the necessary amount of ppm and measure the water level again. When done, the chlorine levels are well balanced in the pool.
- Ensure your water system is working appropriately: if water is not well circulated or filtered, it will allow algae growth. Sometimes, a bad water filter can go unnoticed until algae growth begins to gain momentum, so it is necessary to always check it and make sure it is functioning properly.
- Apply algaecide: algaecide helps in preventing and keeping algae in check so they don’t grow and expand. Algaecide can help stop algae from coming up again after you’ve gone through all the steps above.
Can you shock an above ground pool?
Yes, it is possible to shock an above-ground pool. Whether above or in-ground, all pools can be shocked and treated.
The most important thing to do is to ensure the water is tested before applying shock.
Why is my pool still green after shocking it?
Algae is likely to remain in your pool after shocking if the chlorine level is low and if there’s a high level of metal elements in the pool water.
Should I drain my above ground pool to get rid of algae?
Well, swimming pools in general do not really need to be drained before they can be treated or maintained, but in the case of excessive algae growth, it is necessary to drain and properly clean and brush out algae completely before refilling and shocking.
How do I clean my above ground pool without a pump?
Here are ways you can keep your pool clean without a pump.
- By removing debris: You can easily pick up and remove debris, dirt particles, and other contaminants with a skimmer net. You can skim them off without the use of a pump.
- By sanitizing your pool: Sanitizing your pool helps keep it safe and clean. You can sanitize your pool by applying the right chemicals and balancing the water level.
- Prevent algae: You can prevent algae by adding algaecide to your pool. This helps keep them at bay from disrupting the color of your pool with a murky greenish look.
Can I put bleach in my pool?
Bleach can be applied to your pool but it’s necessary to first of all measure the chemical level in the pool, because too little and it won’t be effective, too much and it can be too harsh for you to use the pool.
How do you clean a green pool with bleach?
Add the bleach into the pool by walking around the perimeters of the swimming pool and circulating the water for at least six to eight hours. This is best done at night.
Will bleach hurt my pool liner?
Yes, a high level or concentration of chlorine is likely to engage your pool liner and bleach it, which in turn damages it.
Can you put baking soda in an above ground pool?
Baking soda can be added to any kind of pool, whether it’s an above-ground or in-ground pool.
Baking soda is used for increasing the alkalinity of your pool. This also raises your pool pH level, which helps to improve the clarity and stability of your pool.
Although baking soda in its large amount can be bad for your pool, too much baking powder can cause an increase in pool calcium, which in turn can cause your pool to become cloudy and build up scales on the surface.
Will baking soda clear a green pool?
Well, no. Baking soda is not capable of killing algae in your pool. What baking soda does is increase the alkalinity and pH levels of your water, and this cannot kill algae.
What kills algae is chlorine. In cases where the algae growth is enormous, shocking the pool will be the best option.
Test the pool appropriately to know the different chemical levels before you embark on shocking the pool.
Also, ensure that the pool filter is working well in order for debris and other contaminants to be taken out of the pool. Also, ensure that the water circulation system is working properly so that the pool water will not be stagnant, as stagnant water causes algae growth.
Will vinegar kill algae growth in my pool?
Vinegar is known to possess a lot of acids which can destroy algae. It is necessary that even after using chemicals to kill or prevent algae growth, you always make sure the water is circulated.
Also, consider shocking the pool completely after testing water levels if you find out the vinegar added did not stop or kill algae in the swimming pool.
