Getting algae in your pool is no fun and can be difficult to clean up. You can help prevent algae, by testing and treating your water weekly, and following our recommended weekly maintenance routine. If you do happen to get algae, though, Angie's can help. Green pool water is a sign of algae growth. And, even if your pool is not green, cloudiness can also be a sign of algae growth. Even clear pools can disguise algae growth! If you're not sure if you have algae, bring a water sample into the store. Our retail staff will check your chlorine and stabilizer levels to help you determine whether or not your pool has algae. We can also give you step-by-step instructions on how to clear up your pool. Below are some tips to get you started!
Step 1: Brush
When fighting algae, it is best to brush the sidewalls and floor of your pool daily. This is because algae grows in layers. So, even if you can't see the algae, it could possibly still be growing on your pool walls. The process of brushing will help break up the algae and make it more reachable to your pool skimmer. It is also best to manually brush as opposed to using a robotic pool cleaner to ensure all hard-to-reach spots have been cleaned.
Step 2: Clean Light
The next step in algae clean-up is cleaning behind the pool light. If you have a light in your pool, remove it and clean behind it. Behind the pool light is a great breeding ground for algae. If there is algae behind the light that is not taken care of, the pool may not clear up. The pool light should come off easily since it is only held in place by one screw at the top of light. Remove the light and have a towel ready to clear out any lurking algae growth. When you are finished, replace the light and gaskets. There is no need to drain your pool for this process. Below is a diagram of the whole light fixture and a picture of where the screw is that needs to be removed. The whole fixture should be removed for cleaning.
Step 3: Clean Filter
Once you have successfully brushed the pool and cleaned behind the light, backwash and rinse the pool if you have a sand filter. Always backwash and rinse before adding chemicals to the pool. Normally, you would backwash and rinse the pool once a week, but you will repeat this process every other day when battling algae.
Step 4: Turn the Chlorinator Up
When fighting algae, the next step is to turn your chlorinator on high. The pool will use more chlorine when there's algae, so keeping your chlorinator cranked up will help you not run out as quickly.
5: Add Algaecide
At Angie's, we recommend adding Algimycin 1000 when treating for algae. If your pool is 15,000 gallons or less, add 1/2 quart. If your pool is over 15,000 gallons, add 1 quart. Algimycin 1000 is a blue, copper-chelated liquid as opposed to your weekly Algimycin 2000, which is a clear liquid used to prevent algae.
6. Add Chlorine
Algimycin 1000 is activated by adding at least one gallon of liquid chlorine or 1 pound of T.K.O. to your pool. In other words, Algimycin 1000 will not work unless you add chlorine immediately after adding the Algimycin. You cannot use Oxy-Brite when treating for Algae since it is a non-chlorinated shock.
7. Add Other Chemicals
Once you have added your Algimycin 1000 and your chlorine, it is time to add your other recommended chemicals. If you brought in a water sample for testing, your printed-out report should include the rest of the chemicals you need to add along with the correct amount.
8. Bring in a New Sample
You are now done with the first steps of treating your pool! In 48 hours, bring Angie's a new sample of your pool water. We can help you plan your next steps to a clear pool!
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