Green Algae: The Most Common Invader
How to Identify: This is the algae you’re most likely to encounter. Green algae appear as a hazy cloudiness that quickly progresses to slimy, green patches on your pool walls, floor, and steps. If you can see the bottom of your pool, but it looks like a murky pond, you’ve got green algae. It often starts in shaded areas or corners with poor circulation.
How to Treat: Green algae is the easiest to eliminate, but it requires thoroughness.
Brush Vigorously: Using a stiff-bristled brush, scrub every surface of your pool—walls, floor, steps, ladders—to dislodge as much algae as possible.
Test & Balance: Test your water and ensure your pH and alkalinity are within optimal ranges Proper balance makes your sanitizer more effective.
Shock Your Pool: Perform a heavy chlorine shock treatment, following product instructions carefully. For severe outbreaks, you might need a “double” or “triple” shock.
Run Your Filter: Run your pump and filter continuously for at least 24-48 hours, backwashing or cleaning your filter frequently as pressure rises.
Add Algaecide: Once chlorine levels have returned to normal, consider adding a quality algaecide as a follow-up to kill any lingering spores.
There’s nothing quite like walking out to your backyard, ready for a refreshing dip, only to find your sparkling blue water has taken on a distinctly… un-blue hue. Algae is the nemesis of every pool owner, but not all algae are created equal.
