If your pool is colored by algae upon pool opening next spring, follow these steps to clean your pool:
Check The Color Of The Algae
Depending on the type of algae in your pool, its treatment plan will vary. To determine the type of algae, try to look for its various signs.
- Green algae is a type of algae that can appear green or murky in the water. It is the easiest to kill and can be found in warm pools.
- Yellow algae is often spotted in the corner of your pool or spa. Unlike green algae, it's not slimy and can't be treated with chlorine.
- Black algae is a type of algae that can still thrive in your pool. It can nourish itself and grow quickly on concrete surfaces, making it incredibly difficult to treat. If left unchecked, it will return and grow even more.
Test Level Of pH
Before you apply a shock treatment on your pool, make sure that the pH level is not high enough to cause the algae to grow. Also, make sure that the water is circulating well after the treatment.
Clean The Filter
You can also add fresh diatomaceous earth to your filter. It’s important to make sure that it’s in good condition before you install it.
If the water in the pool is green, or has a tendency to turn grey, then it’s best to remove the filter. Once the algae has gone, the filter should be replaced. After the water turns grey, try reinstalling the filter. It’s also important to clean the filter often to remove algae.
Shock The Pool
You'll need to shock a pool with calcium hypochlorite to keep it from algae. The dose will vary according to the size of the pool. Follow the instructions on your shocking kit and once you’ve determined the size of your pool compared to the shock levels it needs to meet, multiply that number by two, three, or four depending on the type of algae:
- Green algae: Shock two times
- Yellow algae: Shock three times
- Black algae: Shock four times
It is important to avoid using stabilizer chlorine to shock your pool as it can cause cyanuric acid to over-produce. This can inhibit the growth of algae and cause serious issues. While you’re shocking your pool, keep your pool equipment in the shallow end to prevent staining. An algaecide is only added if the water quality does not improve after the shock.
Brush The Pool
It’s important to brush the pool after shocking to remove any algae or other harmful chemicals. Your pool's water should no longer be green after 24 hours. If it still has green areas, it might have too much of the chemicals that are bad for your body.
It can take a week or longer to clear. If the cloudiness is still persistent after a couple of days, then your filter should be cleaned at least twice a day to remove it.
Take Care Of Your Pool
A good chlorinating system can help keep your pool clean. It can be used for both residential and commercial applications.
- For DE filters, backwash once a month;
- For sand filters, backwash every two weeks or check the pressure and backwash once it’s around 5 to 8 psi or higher.
- You can also check the pressure and backwash of your cartridge filter to see if it’s working properly. If it’s not working, it’s time to replace it.
This post was originally published on HB Pools
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