Getting algae out of the pool

Having a pool for swimming and other leisure activities needs maintenance too. Proper hygiene needs to be kept to make the pool fit to be used for exercise and other recreational activities. The pool needs proper sanitization to prevent health and any other aesthetic problems.

One of the problems a pool does face is the growth of algae; which is indeed unwanted. To get rid of algae in the pool needs proper measures to be carried out within the proper time frame. Here, we will discuss some of the same to ensure the pool is free from algae.

But, first we need to understand,

Why and how do algae enter any pool?

Algae are the small aquatic creatures that can multifold rapidly using the nutrients from the pool. Algae spores are almost present at all times but they bloom when the sanitation and hygiene are not proper. They get ample nutrients for their sustenance. Algae spores are also carried by wind and can easily blow into the pools. People swimming in the pool may too become the algae carriers. Multiplication of algae can occur rapidly on warm and sunny days. Lack of proper water circulation, filtration, sanitation, dropping chlorine level makes the conditions better for algae survival and further multiplication. Pools with higher levels of dissolved solids and debris can feed the algae.

As prevention is always better than cure, preventing its appearance rather than to get rid of algae in the pool is the best method, also cost-effective.

How to prevent algae in the pool?

With proper steps are taken, algae in the pool can be prevented from occurrence.

·       Proper water circulation and filtration: Cleaning and backwashing the filters every time the pressure rise above the normal operating pressure. The dead algae trapped in the filters need to be cleaned quite often.

·       Brushing the pool surface: Algae gets attached to the pool surfaces and make them resistant to the chemicals used to get rid of them. Brushing the pool surface regularly will prevent algae sticking to the walls and make them available to the filters also to get filtered.

·       Water balance: The levels of the chemicals in the water need be ensured in the proper ranges so as to avoid making the feed available for algae. Free Chlorine: 1-3 ppm, pH: 7.2 – 7.6, Alkalinity: 80 – 120 ppm and Calcium Hardness: 200 – 350 ppm.

·       Using pool algaecide: Using pool algaecides frequently may also prevent the algae bloom. Various chemical algaecides are available.

If somehow algae have got in the pool, you need to get rid of it as soon as possible to make the pool healthy and suitable for the purpose. Here are some measures you may use to

Get rid of algae in the pool:

·       Brush the pool: The first step for removing the algae from the pool is brushing all the surfaces of the pool to ensure removal of as many algae as possible.

·       Ensure the pH level of the pool: The pH level of pool water needs to be maintained between 7.2-7.6.

·       Addition of chlorine: The pool filters need to be running continuously before the addition of chlorine. Chlorine, yes it is what kills the algae and makes you get rid of algae in the pool. Algae are single-celled and chlorine kills them by oxidation. It is the most common sterilizer. It not only kills algae, but also any germs present in the pool. Keep the filters running for at least 12-24 hours.

The condition of the pool will start improving. Repeat the process with the second dose of chlorine shock. Shock treatment is required to make more free chlorine available for killing the algae. If chlorine smell is coming from the water, it means that the free chlorine is not available and all the chlorine has got reacted with contaminants.

Chlorine is a rapidly acting sterilizer with the ability to oxidize and kill undesired contaminants and get the pool rid of them.

Repeat chlorinating the pool until all algae are eliminated.

·       Vacuum: When there is no sign of algae in the pool, it needs to be vacuumed.

·       Backwash the filter: The filter needs to be properly back washed and cleaned to avoid algae from returning back.

·       Water balance: Addition of chlorine: The pool filters need to be running continuously before the addition of chlorine. Chlorine, yes it is what kills the algae and makes you get rid of algae in the pool. Algae are single-celled and chlorine kills them by oxidation. It is the most common sterilizer. It not only kills algae, but also any germs present in the pool. Keep the filters running for at least 12-24 hours.

The condition of the pool will start improving. Repeat the process with the second dose of chlorine shock. Shock treatment is required to make more free chlorine available for killing the algae. If chlorine smell is coming from the water, it means that the free chlorine is not available and all the chlorine has got reacted with contaminants.

Chlorine is a rapidly acting sterilizer with the ability to oxidize and kill undesired contaminants and get the pool rid of them.

Repeat chlorinating the pool until all algae are eliminated.

·       Water balance: Balance the pool water with optimum levels of chemicals to ensure its pH, alkalinity, chlorine levels.

·       Add an algaecide in the pool water to prevent algae from returning back.