After shocking your pool, you might end up with dead algae particles in your pool. Usually, while filtering the pool, not all the particles will leave. Some will settle at the bottom of the pool as dust, even on the walls of the swimming pool.
Yes, that’s true. So, how do I get the algae dust out of my pool?
You can use a vacuum filter to get rid of the algae dust in your pool. Since the dead algae particles are very fine in nature, they can pass through the filter if you try to recycle the water back into the pool.
To overcome the challenge, you need to set the vacuum system to “Waste.” With the Waste setting, the algae dust will be sent to the drain.
One thing with this method is that the water level will drop. So, you need to refill it and possibly adjust the chemical balance.
What causes algae dust in a pool?
Algae dust is caused by dead algae particles that settle on the bottom and walls of the pool. While shocking your pool, some of the dead algae particles, especially the fine particles, will be suspended in the pool water.
After a while, the fine particles will start settling at the bottom of the pool. Even particles of dead bacteria and microbes settle at the pool bottom.
The accumulation of these particles at the bottom of the pool is what brings about algae dust.
What does algae dust look like?
If your pool is clear with algae dust at the bottom, you will see fine brown or gray particles that cover the pool bottom.
However, not all brown particles are algae dust. So, this can be confusing. The only way to differentiate between algae particles and dirt is by feeling them with your fingers.
If it’s dirt particles, you can pick them up with your fingers. But for algae dust, you will find it difficult to pick it up.
Can you vacuum algae out of a pool?
Yes, you can vacuum algae out of your pool using vacuum filters. A vacuum filter like a sand filter is not enough to remove algae completely from your pool.
Algae usually sticks to the walls and bottom of the pool. So, to get the best result with your vacuum filter, you need to scrub the bottom of the pool and the walls as well to release the algae.
Once the algae settles at the bottom of the pool, you can then vacuum it out.
However, doing this alone does not completely remove algae from your pool. But it makes the process of algae removal very easy.
After vacuuming, you need to shock the pool to kill any remaining algae in the pool.
How do I get rid of algae in my pool without a vacuum?
Are you thinking of how to get algae off the bottom of your pool without a vacuum? Well, it’s possible to get rid of algae in your pool without a vacuum. But the process can be tedious. So, you need to be patient and agile to get it done.
First thing first, make sure that your filter system is working properly. Turn off the filter and thoroughly clean it up. Get it ready for the job. Ensure that the pump is not on.
Brush the bottom and walls of the pool thoroughly to release the algae that sticks to the pool.
Now use a skimmer to remove large debris and particles. Then turn on the filter and pump.
Ensure that the pool is agitated continuously to suspend the algae in the water. If you allow them to settle at the bottom, the filtration system will not be able to filter them out.
Continue the process until the pool becomes clear.
Will a sand filter catch algae?
Yes, a sand filter can catch algae, but it can’t be 100% efficient. This means that if you are using a sand filter and set it to vacuum to Filter, the water returning to the pool may contain some algae particles.
So to get the best result you don’t need to filter the vacuumed water. Just vacuum to waste and send it to the drain without recycling the water back.
Does pool clarifier remove algae?
If you are wondering whether you can use a pool clarifier to kill algae in your pool, the answer is no. You can only use a pool clarifier to coagulate dead algae particles so they can be easily vacuumed out of the pool.
This can only be done after shocking the pool. When you are done with the shock treatment, some dead algae particles will suspend in the water, making it difficult for you to vacuum them out.
To make them settle faster at the bottom of the pool, you can use a clarifier to make them form clumps. With that, you can easily vacuum them to waste with your sand filter.
That’s the only way you can use a clarifier to remove algae from your pool.
Is it safe to swim in a pool with algae?
No, swimming in a pool with algae can be detrimental to your health. The presence of algae in your pool shows that the sanitizer is no longer effective and the water is not properly disinfected.
As a result, bacteria can easily enter the pool. And don’t forget, bacteria feed on algae a lot. With the algae in the pool, there is a higher probability that bacteria are feeding on them.
Some of the bacteria can cause diseases. That’s why some people get sick after swimming in a pool with algae.
So, it’s not advisable for anyone to swim in a green pool. Stop using the pool once the water turns green.
Can algae grow in a pool with high chlorine?
Yes, algae can grow in a pool with a high total chlorine. You need to understand that there is a difference between total chlorine and free chlorine.
Free chlorine is chlorine that kills algae in a pool. It is very effective and has not been bonded with other compounds.
But total chlorine is the sum of free chlorine and combined chlorine. Combined chlorine is not effective because it has reacted with other compounds like ammonia to form chloramine.
The combined chlorine is 10 times less effective than the free chlorine.
So, if the chlorine in your pool is mostly combined chlorine, it will not be able to kill algae effectively. In such a scenario, despite the total chlorine being high, algae can easily grow in the pool.
Ideally, the combined chlorine shouldn’t be more than 0.2 ppm, while the free chlorine range is 1-3 ppm.
Why is my pool still green after shock and algaecide?
It’s possible that you didn’t use enough shock to treat the water. However, if you are sure that you did everything right, then the problem could be from metals in the pool.
If there are dissolved metals like copper and iron in the pool, the chlorine will oxidize them when you try to shock the pool.
The oxidation process might be what made the pool remain green after the shock.
You can test the water to confirm if there is copper or iron in it. If metals are present in the pool water, you can remove them with chelating compounds. You can buy them from the pool stores.
Should I vacuum algae to waste?
Yes, it is better to vacuum algae to waste than to vacuum to filter. The dead algae particles are very fine and can pass through the filter media.
So, if you try to recycle the water back into the pool, some algae particles will flow back with the water. The best practice is to always vacuum the algae to waste down the drain.
How do I stop my pool from going green?
It is much easier and cheaper to prevent algae growth than to remove it from your pool. That’s why it’s important to prevent algae from growing in the pool.
Some of the simple things you need to do to prevent algae growth are:
Ensure there is enough sanitizer: Always make sure that the sanitizer in your pool is active and sufficient. If your sanitizer is not disinfecting properly, algae can easily invade the pool.
Cover your pool: When you are not using your pool, always make sure that it is well covered. Debris, leaves, pollens, etc. can easily fall into your pool if it’s open. Some of them can introduce bacteria and algae to the pool.
Avoid having too much stabilizer: Having an excessive amount of cyanuric acid can cause chlorine lock. Once this happens, the chlorine becomes less effective.
Shock your pool regularly: Regular shock helps to keep the pool free from algae and bacteria growth. At least shock the pool once a week or after every heavy use. If you have a pool party, try and shock the pool after the party. Also, shock the pool after every heavy storm and rainfall.
