How to Get Rid of Mustard Algae
Chlorine is used to kill algae, as it produces oxidation. The oxidation on the algae is similar to burning it with acid. Swimming pool water has many types of disease germs, and the chlorine is used as a sterilizer. Shock (super chlorination) is used to kill built-up algae, but the pool needs to be chlorinated on a schedule to keep the algae from reappearing. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Brush the sides and bottom of the pool with the brush to loosen the algae. When the algae is disturbed, it dies off faster. Check the pH of the pool with a pH kit available at your pool supply or big box home improvement store. The pH should be between 7.2 and 7.6. Adjust the pH as directed on the pH test kit, if the pH is out of range.
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Add shock to the pool: use 10 to 20 ppm shock to water. Run the filtration system 24 hours per day during this process. If the algae is still present after 36 hours of filtering, repeat the shock treatment and allow the filtration system to run for at least 36 hours. Repeat until the mustard algae dies.
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Vacuum the pool after the algae dies--algae turns white or grayish when it does. Some floats on the water, while some sinks to the bottom of the pool. If you have a “waste,” vacuum to waste rather than through the filter.
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Remove and thoroughly clean the filters or backwash the filters (see your pool’s manual; the filtration system is different for different types of pools).
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Test the pool for the chemicals and add the appropriate chemicals as needed. Chlorine should be added at 1 to 3 ppm, the pH should be between 7.2 and 7.6, and the calcium hardness should be between 200 and 350 ppm. In addition to the chemicals you normally add, add mustard algaecide (or a copper-based algaecide) once per week.
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Tips & Warnings
Mustard algae returns, so you must keep the chlorine levels above 3 ppm until the algae completely clears and all dead algae is vacuumed out of the pool.
