Algae in your pool water: what should you do?
The bottom of the pool is slippery or slimy, green water, etc... there's no doubt about it, algae have developed in your pool. The presence of algae in your pool is a problem that has to be dealt with quickly. To correctly treat the problem, you must first find the origin, clean the pool and carry out a full treatment.
Why do you have algae in your pool?
Understanding why you have algae in your pool will help you treat the problem correctly and prevent it from repeating itself.
How do you explain the appearance of algae in a pool?
There may be several causes behind the development of algae in your pool:
- The pool has been poorly cleaned;
- The pH is incorrectly balanced;
- The products used in the pool are not acting correctly;
- The water filtration system is defective or clogged;
- The water temperature is too high.
What are the consequences?
Algae feed on bacteria and are the sign of polluted water. Bathing in green water is not particularly attractive and it is strongly recommended not to do so. Indeed, dirty water invaded by algae may be the cause of irritations or infections among bathers.
When algae develop in your pool, you can no longer use it. It is important to solve the problem as soon as possible to avoid lengthy inconveniences and to keep your equipment in good condition.
How do you eliminate algae from pool water?
You will have clean your pool thoroughly to get rid of the algae.
The steps to recover clean water when your pool has turned green
1. Brush the bottom and sides of the pool, especially in the places where algae have developed.
2. Remove algae deposits from the surface with a skimmer net.
3. Vacuum the bottom of the pool.
4. Properly clean all the elements, including the skimmer, filter and basket.
5. Perform a shock treatment for a disinfecting effect.
6. Use an algaecide.
7. If the pool is equipped with a sand filter, add a flocculant to the water to enable the finest particles to be filtered.
8. Filter the pool water continuously until it becomes clear again.
What algaecide should you choose?
Green algae is the most common type, but there are others (mustard, black, yellow and red algae) that may develop on the sides and bottom of the pool. So, you will have to use the right product to effectively eliminate algae.
Algaecides enable you to complete the effect of chlorine in the pool. Mustard or black algae are more difficult to eliminate, so you will have to be careful and choose a suitable algaecide. To choose the right product, also check that it is compatible with the disinfectant you use in your filtration system.
Algaecides are used in case of proliferation in the pool, and can be used to complete a shock treatment. However, they are especially effective for prevention in order to avoid the development of green algae, among others. You can therefore regularly add a dose of algaecide to the pool. Always refer to the manufacturer's dosing recommendations.
How can you remedy green water in a salt pool?
Even if the treatment of a salt pool is easier, it is still possible to have an algae problem.
The steps to follow to remove algae from a salt pool
1. Brush the bottom and sides to remove algae residue.
2. Vacuum to remove all debris.
3. Check the pH.
4. Check the chlorine level: the natural chlorine in a salt pool kills algae. If you have an algae problem, it may be because the electrolyser is poorly adjusted.
5. Perform a superchlorination: by increasing chlorine production over 24 hours, you will be able to treat the water to eliminate algae.
6. Run the filtration overnight to enable the water to become clear again.
7. Clean or change the filter.
8. Check the pool pH level.
How does algae develop in a salt pool?
The appearance of algae in a salt pool is generally caused by a pH imbalance. pH varies greatly in a salt pool, and if it is not well adjusted, algae will develop more quickly. The higher the pH level, the more the environment is favourable to the proliferation of algae.
How do you remove algae from a hot tub?
Because of its warm water, a hot tub is very favourable for the development of algae. You must therefore pay particular attention to maintenance to avoid this type of problem. If algae do appear in your hot tub despite your efforts, here is how to get rid of them:
1. Analyse the pH and check the filters to see if they are the cause of the problem.
2. Brush the walls and bottom of the hot tub.
3. Perform a shock treatment.
4. Empty the hot tub.
5. Clean the filter.
6. Refill the hot tub by resuming the usual treatment and balancing the pH.
The algae that appear in a hot tub are often due to a pH imbalance or a problem of water filtration. To combat algae before they appear, apply the same advice as for a swimming pool.
Preventing the appearance of algae in pool water: the solutions
It's a good thing to know how to get rid of the algae in your pool, but you would ideally like to prevent the problem from arising. The right practices and rigorous maintenance will enable you to keep your water clean and clear.
Ensure proper maintenance against the appearance of algae
Regular pool cleaning is the first thing to do to prevent the appearance of algae, but also to ensure that everything continues to operate correctly. The pool should be cleaned several times during the season.
To properly clean your pool, you may use:
- A skimmer net to remove the largest debris from the surface;
- A brush to properly clean the sides and steps;
- A pool robot or a manual vacuum cleaner to clean the bottom of the pool.
Also remember to regularly clean the equipment, the filter and skimmer basket in particular. Finally, use suitable products to disinfect the water.
Monitor the pH of the water to prevent the development of algae
As we have seen above, a pH imbalance is one of the main reasons that explain the presence of algae in a pool. So, make a habit of monitoring the pH level with test strips at least once a week. Ideally, the pH should be between 7.0 and 7.2.
When you observe a pH imbalance, with a level that is either too low or too high, you can adjust it with a pH Plus or a pH Minus correcting product.
Check the chlorine level in your pool water
The chlorine treatment of your pool has an anti-bacterial effect and combats algae. Like for pH, you can check the chlorine level with test strips once a week. It should be between 1.5 and 2 mg per litre.
If the quantity is too low, you can add chlorine granules to increase it. If it is too high, simply leave the pool uncovered: the UV rays will cause the chlorine level to drop.
Ensure effective filtration
The filtration system plays a very important role in a pool: it prevents the water from stagnating by renewing it and enables the evacuation of the dirt that necessarily deposits in the pool.
Filtration must run several hours per day. The exact duration depends on the water temperature. To calculate this, divide the water temperature by 2. Thus, with water at 20 °C, you should filter it 10 hours per day. When the pool rises to over 27 °C, it is recommended to allow the filtration to run continuously as heat favours the proliferation of algae.
Cover the pool
When you are not using your pool, it is recommended to cover it to prevent as much debris as possible from falling into it. Insects, plants and dust may dirty your water and thus favour the appearance of algae.
There are several solutions to cover your pool, including tarpaulins, pool covers, enclosures and pool shutters. Nevertheless, pay attention to safety: unlike the other solutions, a tarpaulin is not enough to prevent accidents.
Adopt best practices
Bathers also leave dirt in the pool water and may even carry algae residue on their swimming costumes from previous bathing. So, get into the habit of a quick shower before entering the pool. To facilitate these simple gestures, the best solution is to install a small solar shower near the pool.
Whether you have a classic pool, a salt pool or a spa, algae may develop very quickly and cause a real problem. It is better to anticipate these with rigorous maintenance and a preventive treatment, or, when it is too late, to deal with the problem quickly to prevent the algae from proliferating. If, despite treatment, your pool water remains green, it is best to call in a professional pool service to effectively clean your pool and its equipment.
