Things You'll Need:
- Shock
- Vacuum
- Algaecide
- Pool brush
- pH test strips
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Step 1
Vacuum your pool floor and walls before adding any chemicals to your pool. Algae often collects on these surfaces and removing as much as possible may make it easier to treat your pool. Brushing the sides of the pool with a pool brush can also help remove algae.
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Step 2
Add algaecide to your pool water. In addition to killing algae, algaecide works by causing the dead algae to clump together. When the clumps drop to the bottom of the pool, they can be easily vacuumed away. Each manufacturer has a different method for determining how much algaecide should be added to your pool, depending on the amount of water that the pool holds. Read the product label for information on using the correct amount of algaecide.
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Step 3
Shock your pool, using up to four times the recommended amount of shock. Shock is a granular form of chlorine that is usually added to the pool when the free chlorine level drops. At this stage, the free chlorine level should be at least 5 to 10 parts per million (ppm). You can measure your free chlorine level by using special pH water testing strips, available at pool supply stores.
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Step 4
Run your pump or filter 24 hours per day to help circulate the water and get rid of algae.
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Step 5
Clean or backwash the filter to remove any algae that may have collected in the filter. Daily vacuuming of the pool walls and floor at regular intervals during the cleaning process will help remove any lingering algae.
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Step 6
Shock the pool again if the water has not cleared in 24 to 48 hours. Follow up the second shock treatment by vacuuming the pool and cleaning or backwashing the filter again. When the water is clear and normal free chlorine levels have been established, it is safe to resume swimming.
