Getting rid of swimming pool algae is a difficult task, and it can plague even the most experienced pool owners. Algae is always growing, which is why you have to continuously work to make sure it is gone, or else it will just grow back. If you have murky green water, it is most likely a green algae problem. It takes a few days of close attention, but there are solutions to helping solve this issue.

To successfully get rid of algae in your pool once and for all is essentially a race against time, meaning you need to get rid of the algae before it can grow back. Basically you can’t leave algae to its own devices, therefore constant chlorine is necessary.

On that note to ensure success it is important to make sure the right amount of chlorine is in your pool. The higher your CYA level the higher the free chlorine level will need to be. Test your water to ensure proper results, and to avoid any damage or a failed attempt.

Before you begin you need to be prepared.

• If the pool is dirty make sure you remove any solids out of the pool. Make sure your pump and filter are working. The pump must run continuously, 24 hours a day, throughout the process so the chlorine attacks every spot that algae could be growing. Make sure you have both the necessary amount of chlorine, which can be a lot, so at minimum you will want to have 4 times your regular amount, and your chlorine test kit so you don’t waste chlorine. You can get yours at Discountpoolsupply.com.

• Test your CYA level. You can test your water using test strips or take it to a pool store. The CYA level should not be too low, so you don’t lose chlorine to the sun. If it reads below 30 add CYA/stabilizer or dichlor. Don’t pour it directly into the skimmer, pour it into a sock so you don’t waste undissolved chemicals during the backwash process. If the CYA is too high it will mean you will need to use a lot of chlorine. If it is above 90, replace the water to lower the CYA levels. You will also want to adjust your PH levels to 7.2-7.4 before you begin.

• Don’t forget to take precautions to avoid metal stains. You may need to lower your PH to 7.0 and add sequestrate prior to starting the process. Don’t rely on chlorine tablets or your SWG to do the trick, as these are slow release systems. You will have to manually add chlorine to do the job right. You will also want to dedicate several hours in a row to work on the pool, with time dedicated to following up at least twice a day for several days. The more time you dedicate the more successful and quicker this process will be.

Now let’s get started.

1. Add the necessary amount of chlorine to bring your swimming pool up to shock level, wait half an hour and test your free chlorine level. Add chlorine to bring the free chlorine level back up to shock level, test, and repeat until the free chlorine level remains around shock level after an hour has passed. If your water began with a rich green colour, you will notice the algae turning gray or white when the free chlorine level starts to stick around shock levels.

2. As you go make sure to note any debris and remove it, for instance if anything rises to the surface or anything is in the skimmer net, remove it.

3. As the green colour fades, begin brushing the entire pool surface including around plumbing, ladders, and steps. Any removable parts, such as some ladders, should be removed for easier cleaning. Do this part of the process while the free chlorine level is high. Continue brushing each day until you have gotten rid of all the algae in your pool.

4. After many cycles the free chlorine level may have lowered, so it is important to bring it up to shock level one last time.

When it comes getting rid of algae in your pool once and for all, it is important to follow up. The first thing to do is maintain your swimming pool at shock level until tests show you have rid your swimming pool of algae. Don’t forget to brush your pool daily. Continue testing your pool once in the morning, once at night, and bring your pool back up to shock level as needed. Don’t get discouraged, as algae can be growing in the tiniest nooks and crannies of your swimming pool. This is why continuing to keep your pool at shock levels will rid your pool of algae once and for all. Backwash your pool frequently, to help the filter clear the now cloudy/milky/gray water.

Following these steps will get your pool back on track to being swimming-ready, and you will have gotten rid of algae in your pool once and for all. Remember to be patient and that Discountpoolsupply.com can help you through the process. Shop our fantastic selection today.