Green Algae in Pool

At some point or the other every pool owner must have seen green algae in pool water. It's a sad sight and for many people who love their pools and swimming, this is just sad. You might have also battled out the occasional algae in your pool. Now if you ask how do algae spores enter swimming pools? It's by the blowing winds, rains and people who wear contaminated swimsuits or equipment. If the conditions are preferable, algae can grow overnight in your pool. Now the ideal conditions for algae growth would be unsanitary water, warm temperatures, sunlight and the presence of nitrates or carbon-dioxide in water.

There are more than 20,000 types of algae species found in this world and the most common type of algae that is found everywhere is green algae. Due to their microscopic size, it takes millions of algae plants to come together so that it can be visible to a naked eye. Green algae also known as chlorophyta is often found in pool water and it occurs as a result of improper sanitation and filtration. It often clings to the wall and reduces water clarity. Various types of algae in pool can also be seen in the form of spots on surfaces, especially, on rough areas where circulation is low. If it is not treated immediately they multiply and become sheets and leave the entire pool covered in green slime.

How to Get Rid of Green Algae

You have noticed that green algae has invaded your pool and made its base. It has made the crystal clear pool water of yours slimy and dirty. Don't worry you're not the first one who is facing this problem of algae in pool water. They are one of the most common problems that pool owners face.

First Understand
The first step to treatment is to know where the problem started. One of the most common reasons which acts as a catalyst in green algae growth is the low level of chlorine. To avoid green algae it's very necessary that the chlorine level of your pool is between 1.0 and 3.0 ppm.

Clean the Pool
It's very necessary to clean the pool. You can start with chemical treatments and even use a pool brush to clean the algae of the sides and the floor of the pool.

Use an Algaecide
After you have finished the brushing part you can try using an algaecide in the pool. Make sure you apply the algaecide before you apply chlorine, avoid applying both together as the chlorine minimizes the effects of algaecide. In the market you will find 2 types of algaecide, metallic and quaternary ammonia. People prefer ammonia because it is economical and doesn't stain the pool like the metallic ones do.

Opt for Chlorine Shock
If you really want to eliminate the algae growth, you can try the "Chlorine Shock Treatment". Chlorine Shock Treatment means raising the levels of chlorine to 5 ppm, which is bound to kill any algae or bacteria in your pool water. You can even check your swimming pool maintenance guide to check the ideal ratio of chlorine in the swimming pool. Always make sure that you first add chlorine to a bucket of water and then add that water to the swimming pool. Make sure that the pool filter system is running when you add the chlorine shock in the pool, so that you can clean the algae through the filter system.

Swimming Pool Vacuum
Now that you've applied the chlorine shock, vacuum the green algae from the pool. Clean the filters also so that no algae are left to bloom more.

To understand this situation better you can also learn some green algae facts. Make sure you have a balanced chlorine level in your pool so that green algae and harmful bacteria grow in your pool water.