How to Remove Algae from a Saltwater Pool

The salt in a saltwater pool naturally inhibits algae. However, under certain conditions algae can develop in a saltwater pool. The first sign of algae in a pool is a slippery pool liner followed by the water turning a yellowish or greenish color. This is an indication of an algae bloom in your saltwater pool. When treating algae in your pool, it is not safe to swim in the water due to the increase of chemicals needed to kill the algae.

Things You'll Need

• Bristle brush
• Algaecide
• Sodium hypochlorite
• Pool filters

Instructions

1. Scrub off the algae attached to the pool liner and the equipment permanently fixed in the pool water. Use a hard bristle brush to scrub the liner and equipment. Remove all toys from the pool.

2. Turn off all skimmer filters and pool filters. The only filter you should leave on is the pool's main filter.

3. Pour algaecide into the pool water. Do not exceed 2 lbs. per 15,000 gallons of water.

4. Pour sodium hypochlorite over the algaecide. Use approximately ½ gallon of sodium hypochlorite for every pound of algaecide you used. Allow 24 hours before moving on.

5. Mix 1 gallon of sodium hypochlorite into the pool water per every 10,000 gallons of water you have in the pool. Allow the pool to cycle until the algae die off.

6. Restore the pool back to the typical pH balance you use and replace all of the pool filters including the filters for the skimmers you turned off.

References

• PT Pool Care: Water Treatment
• Yellow Out: Algaecide Instructions
• Parpool: Getting Algae Out of Your Pool