How to Control Algae in a Swimming Pool
- 1). Check the sanitation levels within the swimming pool with a chlorine or bromine test kit. These kits are available at any swimming pool maintenance store. To control the growth of algae in a swimming pool, a chlorine-sanitized pool should have a chlorine level of 3 ppm (parts per million), or 2 to 5 ppm of bromine. If the chlorine or bromine levels are too low, algae will begin to grow.
- 2). Brush the walls and floor with a pool brush. This will break up the algae and support the cleaning action of the algicide and other pool chemicals. Vigorously brush the entire underwater surface of the pool.
- 3). Select an algicide product to treat your pool. There are four main types of algicide treatments: polyquats, quats, copper salts and colloidal silver strips. Polyquat treatments are most effective to remove existing algae growth while quat treatments are used to control and prevent future algae growth. Copper salts also work to remove current algae and prevent future algae; however, they can stain pool walls. Colloidal silver is placed on the pool walls or floors and continually kills algae, which results in less chlorine being required. But colloidal silver can also stain pool walls and floors.
- 4). Follow the instructions for the algicide treatment. Add the treatment to the pool, and allow the treatment to soak into the water for at least 24 hours before continuing to the next step.
- 5). Shock the swimming pool with a chlorine shock treatment. This type of treatment typically comes in a granular form and requires 1 lb. for every 10,000 gallons of water. Check the instructions on the treatment packaging for the proper amount to use. The goal when shocking the swimming pool is to raise the ppm to 10 times its current state and reach the chlorine breakpoint, which kills any remaining algae and other organic compounds. For example, if your pool's chlorine levels are 1 ppm before shocking, you'll need to raise the level to 10 ppm to kill off algae.
- 6). Replace the pool filter after you chlorine shock the water to prevent any remaining algae spores from re-entering the water.
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