How to Repair Pool Algae

Algae turns pool water green.

If you own a swimming pool, one of the first things that you learn is the importance of keeping your pool clean. Going even a few days without cleaning it can turn it into a green pond filled with bugs, leaves and sticks. Algae growth in your pool turns your water green. This growth can create a foul odor and make your pool unsafe to swim in. Fortunately, cleaning the pool is fairly easy.

Things You'll Need

• Pool brush
• Extension pole
• Pool skimmer
• Shock treatment
• Pool vacuum
• Water testing kit

Instructions

1. Skim the surface of the pool with the skimmer to remove floating debris.

2. Brush the sides and bottom of the pool to remove any algae clinging to the walls.

3. Clean the filter baskets and replace them.

4. Turn on the filter (if it hasn't been running).

5. Add chemical shock treatment to the pool water. If you're using liquid shock treatment, wear safety goggles and gloves, and avoid getting the chemicals on bare skin. Allow the shock treatment and filter to run for 24 hours. If the water is dark green, use enough shock treatment to raise the chlorine level to 25 parts per million (ppm). If the water is light green, add enough shock treatment to raise it to 10 ppm.

6. Vacuum and skim the pool water to remove any dead algae in the water. Leaving the dead algae in the pool can promote the growth of new algae. If the color of the water has not improved by this point, add more shock treatment and wait another 24 hours.

7. Test the chlorine level in the pool every few hours. When the water is clear and the chlorine level is between 1.0 and 3.0 ppm, it is safe for swimming.

Tips & Warnings

• If you spill any chlorine shock treatment on yourself, wash it off immediately.

References

• Clean Pool and Spa: Green Pool Water
• Poolcenter.com: Algae
• Swimming Pool Designs: What Causes Green Pool Water and How to Fix It