Treatment FAQ

how much algae treatment for my pool

by Jedediah Kunde Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Use the biguanide algaecide for your pool, measuring 16 ounces for every 10,000 gallons of water.

How much shock do I put in my pool to kill algae?

And within a day the algaecide will reduce the spreading of any algae forming in your pool. Final thoughts. Algaecide is used to remove any forming algae in the pool. For 10,000 gallons of water, you will need roughly around 16 ounces of algaecide. This is a biocide chemical solution that should not be used more than the measurement. Using too much algaecide will make your pool …

How do you get rid of black algae in a pool?

Dec 07, 2017 · Chlorine shock is the most common method used for dealing with algae. You can usually dose twice the usual shock for green algae, three times for yellow algae, and four times for black algae. However, chlorine shock will not work correctly if the algae are attached tightly to the walls or floor.

How often should I apply algaecide to my Pool?

Nov 20, 2020 · 3. Shock your pool: In the next step, you need to shock your pool to finally remove the algae. Depending on what kind of chlorine product you have, you will either have to dissolve a granular shock in a 5-gallon bucket of pool water and then pour it into your pool. Or if you use lithium hypochlorite you can pour it directly into the pool.

How to avoid algaecide foam in pool?

Nov 27, 2018 · Treatment Of Pink Algae. Shocking your pool with a high level of chlorine should treat pink algae effectively. Also, if you throw all of your pool accessories into the water during treatment, this will help to prevent reinfection from any spores looking to escape and leave your pool algaeless for a little longer.

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How much algae killer do I put in my pool?

0:552:46Kill Pool Algae in 24 Hours - The Best Algicide I've Ever Used - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe prescribed dose. For you killing your algae. And it actually has two different dosages. On theMoreThe prescribed dose. For you killing your algae. And it actually has two different dosages. On the back of the bottle. One for prevention.

How much algaecide should I put in my pool weekly?

Initial Dosage: 12 oz. per 10000 gallons. Maintenance Dosage: 3 oz. per 10000 gallons, weekly.May 1, 2018

Can you put too much algaecide in a pool?

The presence of too much algaecide can lead to a foamy pool water. Small bubbles will begin to be produced as the water is pushed through the return jet and back into the pool. Do not confuse these bubbles and foam with another common problem, which is air in your pool lines.

How do I get rid of algae in my pool fast?

How Do I Get Rid of Algae In My Pool FAST?Vacuum Your Pool Manually. Automatic or robotic pool cleaners aren't well suited for cleaning algae. ... Brush Your Pool Walls and Floor. ... Test and Balance the Water. ... Shock Your Swimming Pool. ... Filter Out The Pool Algae. ... Test Your Pool Water Again. ... Clean Your Pool Filter.Jan 2, 2022

Should I use shock or algaecide first?

Algaecide should be used after each shock treatment, so it has a better chance to support your chlorine as it works its magic. Be sure to shock your pool first, then when the chlorine levels of your pool return to normal, add the correct amount of algaecide to several places around your pool while your pump is running.

How much algaecide do I need for a 20000 gallon pool?

1 Qt.How To Treat Pool AlgaeWater ColorGreen AlgaeTreats pools with 5,000-10,000 GallonsPACKAGE #1 (2) Pool Shock (10 oz.) (1) Algaecide (1 Qt.)Treats pools with 10,000-20,000 GallonsPACKAGE #2 (3) Pool Shock (10 oz) (2) Algaecide (1 Qt.)3 more rows

Should I run the filter after adding algaecide?

Add a dose of algaecide, bring your chlorine level high by shocking, and run the filter continuously until the problem clears. The next day you should vacuum up the dead algae and backwash your filter. Algae thrives in hot weather and in pools with low or no chlorine.

How often should I add algaecide to my pool?

Algaecide should be added to your pool water on a weekly basis. Preventing algae is the key to fun in your pool. Algaecides act as a backup to your normal sanitization program and prevent algae from starting and growing in the pool. Algaecide should be added after every shock treatment.

How soon after adding algaecide Can you swim?

It is best to wait 30 minutes after adding it to your pool. We recommend waiting at least 15 minutes to swim after adding algaecide to your swimming pool. Most algaecides are perfectly safe to swim with. It is not recommended to swim with flocculent in your pool as it will reduce its effectiveness.

Can you vacuum algae out of a pool?

Set up your waste line and vacuum the pool to waste getting the algae and debris out of the pool. Don't let the water level get too low during this process, if it gets more than 6 inches below the tile, stop. Turn the system off and refill the pool and repeat until the whole pool is vacuumed.Jan 22, 2019

How do I get algae off the bottom of my pool without a vacuum?

A nylon or rubber brush is the correct choice for scrubbing the sides of a soft-sided above-ground pool. A large pool brush makes quick work of the job, but you may need a smaller brush to clean corners. Once the particles have been removed from the sides of the pool, turn your filter back on and agitate the water.

Why do I keep getting green algae in my pool?

Pool algae occurs for many reasons. Low or inconsistent chlorine levels, faulty pool filtration and poor water circulation may be to blame. Preventing pool algae from flourishing helps to keep your pool operational so you can enjoy it all season long. The key to an algae-free pool is regular maintenance.

How to get rid of dead algae in pool?

Vacuum the pool. Once all the algae are dead and have been brushed off the surface of the pool, you can vacuum them out of the water. Be slow and methodical when you vacuum, making sure you remove all the dead algae from the pool. Set the filter to the waste setting if you're using it to vacuum the pool.

How to keep algae from growing in pool?

To prevent your clothes from re-infecting the pool, wash all your bathing suits and towels in a washing machine.

How to treat mustard algae in pool?

Shock the pool. Like green algae, the best course of action to treat mustard and black algae is to add shock and algaecide. Immediately after brushing, triple shock the pool by adding 3 pounds (1.36 kg) of shock per 10,000 gallons (37,854 L) of water.

How long does it take for algaecide to clear the pool?

Brush the pool. After 24 hours with algaecide in the pool, the water should be nice and clear again. To make sure you remove all the dead algae from the sides and bottom of the pool, brush the entire surface of the pool. Brush slowly and thoroughly to ensure you cover every inch of the pool's surface.

Why does my pool have algae?

One of the main causes of algae growing in a pool is if the pH of the water gets too high, because this prevents the chlorine from killing the algae. Collect some water from the pool and test the pH levels with a test kit. To lower the pH, add some muriatic acid or sodium bisulphate.

How to prevent algae blooms in water?

To prevent another bloom, clean and backwash the filter to remove any leftover algae. Wash the cartridge to dislodge any algae, and backwash the filter: Turn off the pump and turn the valve to “backwash”. Turn the pump on and run the filter until the water runs clear. Turn the pump off and set it to “rinse”.

How to lower pH in pool?

To lower the pH, add some muriatic acid or sodium bisulphate. To increase the pH, add sodium carbonate. The ideal pH for pool water is between 7.2 and 7.6. ...

What is the best way to treat algae?

There are two major chemical treatments for algae: flocculant and chlorine. Flocculant, or floc, is a chemical and mechanical process that works fast but requires work on your part. After adding it, the floc makes all of the algae clump together, which then causes it to sink.

How to get rid of algae in water?

You would need to first re-balance the water as normal, improve circulation, and brush the walls. Sonic and UV cleaners attach to your filtration system , typically after the water has been run through the filter to mechanically clean it. These devices are extremely effective at killing algae that comes through them.

Why is my pool filter not cleaning?

If your pool filter is not cleaned regularly, it will likely become clogged and will not circulate water as well as it should . Algae spores in the water will not be removed at a high enough rate because not enough water is passing through the filter.

What is the most common algae in a pool?

Green algae is the most common and the easiest to treat. It may form on the sides of the pool or it may be free-floating. Green pools occur when enough free-floating algae of this type is present in the water. Yellow algae, which is also called mustard algae or brown algae, tends to occur on sheltered surfaces.

Why does algae bloom in my pool?

Most of the time, algae blooms because of inadequate sanitation, either in the form of poor filtration or improper chemical levels. It can also form because there is poor circulation in some areas of your pool. Under rails, in corners, and in other sheltered locations where treated water may not circulate properly are prime locations ...

How many types of algae are there in the pool industry?

In the pool industry, the over 21,000 types of algae are usually classed into three or four groups by color. Green, black, and yellow algae are all similar but slightly different from each other in terms of treatment. Some people include pink algae, which is actually a bacterial film, and white algae, as well.

What is yellow algae?

Yellow algae, which is also called mustard algae or brown algae, tends to occur on sheltered surfaces. This may be the floor or the walls of your pool. It can be harder to get rid of than green algae. Black algae usually shows up as spots on the walls, and it is extremely persistent but relatively rare.

The different types of pool algae

Green algae are the most common algae. In the science world, they are called Chlorophyta. The name comes from the predominant green pigment - chlorophyll. The slimy green algae settle on the pool walls and on the pool floor. The reason for algae growth is usually poor filtration or a lack of disinfectant solution.

Causes for pool algae development

Anyone who decides to build a pool in their back yard should learn how it is properly maintained.

Are algae dangerous in the pool?

Fortunately, there are only three different types of algae that can be found in pools.

What causes algae in a pool?

Algae grow where the water circulation is low. Hot and warm weather, as well as different residues in the water, can help the development of algae.

How to get rid of algae in the pool?

First of all, you need to scrub the pool. This includes the walls, the algae on the bottom of the pool, and the stairs.

This is how to prevent algae from forming in your pool

Preventing algae development in your pool starts with the planning stage of the pool.

How to prevent algae in pool?

Here are 8 ways you can prevent algae from infecting your swimming pool: 1 Make sure your circulation system is running properly so that your water is cleansed regularly 2 Always have pool sanitizer in stock for when you need it 3 Shock your pool on a weekly basis so that you stay on top on any developing algae or bacteria growth 4 Have a brushing routine to remove any dirt from the walls of your swimming pool 5 Find the right brush for the material of your pool so that your pool walls don’t get damaged and you can remove dirt with ease 6 Use a vacuum to remove debris from your swimming pool 7 Use algaecide to treat your pool water 8 Treat your pool before winter begins so during less busy times of the year, your pool cleanliness remains manageable

What is the best course of action for algae?

The microscopic size of algae means that there are already millions of these plants generating before we can even see them, so the best course of action is prevention, which means staying on top of pool care is essential in order to stop this invasive menace.

Why do you need to brushed algae before using algicide?

Prior to and during treatment, the algae has to be thoroughly brushed in order to open up the slime layer and allow treatment to reach the roots of your problem. You then need to balance your pool water and use algicide in severe cases.

Why do algae blooms happen?

An algae bloom occurs whenever there is a significant nutrient imbalance, causing the algae to grow out of control . As you can imagine, algae blooms pose a health risk, but they can also damage your pool equipment and turn your refreshing piece of paradise into a gloopy green nightmare!

What to do if you get mustard algae?

This is why, if you get mustard algae, you must treat all items that may have come into contact with the contaminated water as well as the pool itself . You must also scrub away any visible spores and shock your pool to rebalance the water and make it safe again – Find out how to shock your pool water below.

Why is my pool smelling like algae?

It can occur in even the most well-maintained pools for a number of reasons, including: Warm weather. Winter time.

How to keep pool water clean?

Make sure your circulation system is running properly so that your water is cleansed regularly. Always have pool sanitizer in stock for when you need it. Shock your pool on a weekly basis so that you stay on top on any developing algae or bacteria growth.

What is the hardest algae to kill?

Black Algae (The Hardest To Kill) This is known to be the hardest algae to kill. In fact, it is actually not algae at all. This is caused by certain bacteria that infected the water. One known type of bacteria that causes the water to appear black is the Cyanobacteria.

Why is my pool green?

The main causes of green algae growth in pool are the lack of sanitation and filtration. This is usually the case when the pool is left unused for a long period of time.

Is it bad to swim in a cloudy pool?

A cloudy and greenish swimming pool is not ugly to look at but also dangerous that can put the swimmers’ health at risk. Furthermore, no one wants to swim in a contaminated swimming pool.

Can you get too much algaecide in a pool?

There is no special trick in correcting too much algaecide in pool. The foam and bubbles caused by the high algaecide level in your pool will breakdown on its own. The best step is to wait for the bubbles and foam to subside a bit. The natural evaporation and backwash cause the algaecide concentration to decrease.

Green Algae

Green Algae is most common in humid areas, particularly in North West, South East and Northeast regions of the United States.

Black Algae

Black algae is less common than Green or Yellow Algae, but can grow in virtually any type of pool across the entire US. Although referred to as “black” it has a very dark blue-green color.

Pink Algae

Pink Algae is a reddish bacteria growth, sometimes referred to as “Pink Slime”. It is more common in Biguanide treated pools.

White Water Mold

White Water Mold isn’t very common, but can appear in especially warm climates. It’s not really a mold at all – rather a close cousin of Mustard Algae.

How to get rid of algaecide in pool?

The easiest way to remedy the situation is to keep up on regular chlorine treatments, and let the algaecide naturally dissipate through the pool filtration system. Be aware that if the situation has caused excessive amounts of small bubbles, this may damage the filtration system.

How to keep algae in pool?

The weather warms up, and the cover is removed letting in sunlight. That sunlight encourages an algae bloom. It is always recommended to treat the pool with the recommended amount of algaecide before closing it up for the season. This helps keep algae colonies in check during the winter months.

What happens if you put too much algaecide in your pool?

It is a common mistake to put too much algaecide in a pool. When pool owners see that green, yellow, or brown slime infesting their pristine pool water, they often panic . This results in over-application of algaecide.

How to treat algae blooms?

How to Treat an Algae Bloom. The best way to treat an algae bloom is not to use an algaecide. This is the top-of-mind treatment for algae bloom, which often leads to over treatment of the water. This is not the best way to rid the pool of the algae. The best treatment involves:

How long does it take for algaecide to dissipate?

Allowing the algaecide to naturally dissipate will normally take 2 to 3 days but could take over a week. For many pool owners, this is not an acceptable option, especially since this situation tends to occur during peak pool-use season.

How long does it take to vacuum a pool?

Robotic pool vacuums are not sufficiently robust to detach algae growths from pool surfaces. To get it done right, the pool owner needs to take a couple of hours and get it done by hand.

Is there algae in pool water?

Still, it is assumed that there will be at least some algae in the pool water when it’s opened in the summer. The pool is shocked with chlorine and treated with an algaecide as part of the preparation for summertime pool fun.

How long does it take to clean a pool with algaecide?

At this point, you can enjoy your pool again. Monitor your pool for a few days to see if any mold returns, running your pump regularly. After five to seven days, you can add algaecide to complete the cleaning process.

How to add algaecide to pool?

1. Clean your filter. Before adding algaecide to your pool, you’ll want to backwash your pool and force all the debris out of your filter, so it works best when circulating. Visit our website to learn more about How to Backwash a Pool. 2. Balance your water. The pH levels of your water should range from 7.4 to 7.6.

How to kill pink bacteria in biguanide pool?

Raise the Sanitizer Level from 30ppm to 50ppm to kill the pink bacteria in a biguanide pool. At this point, if you have a biguanide pool, make sure you bring the sanitizer level to 50ppm to kill any pink bacteria. 8. Let your pool rest. Keep your pump off and let the algaecide do its job overnight. 9.

How to get rid of pink slime in pool?

Brush the pool. 5. Add algaecide. Pink slime is not technically an algae, so make sure you buy an algaecide that specifically treats pink slime or pink bacteria. If you have a biguanide pool, you cannot use the pink slime or regular algaecide you would use for chlorine water in your pool.

How does algaecide work?

Generally, it works by interrupting some vital life processes in algae – perhaps stopping photosynthesis or causing algae cell walls to burst. Algaecide works best in tandem with chlorine sanitizer to keep your pool water clean. Choosing the right type of algaecide is key.

How long after shock to add algaecide?

Your chlorine levels won’t return to normal right after you shock your pool anyway, so we recommend waiting at least 24 hours to add algaecide.

When to use algaecide after shock treatment?

Be sure to shock your pool first, then when the chlorine levels of your pool return to normal, add the correct amount of algaecide to several places around your pool while your pump is running.

How to prevent algae in pool?

One way to help prevent algae is to add algaecide to the pool water at the beginning of summer to kill algae spores when they enter the water . Algaecide is no the right treatment to get rid of algae in a swimming pool but is a preventative measure to prevent algae growth.

When does algae bloom in pool?

When the climate is warm, humid and sunny algae spores can rapidly grow in your swimming pool water. When spring and summer arrive your pool is in danger of an algal bloom.

What does shocking your pool do?

The term “shocking your pool” means super chlorinating the pool water to a high dose of free chlorine that it is strong enough to kill algae and bacteria. This is the main weapon to get rid of algae in a swimming pool.

What does lack of chlorine do to a pool?

Lack of Chlorine (or other sanitizer) An adequate level of chlorine (or other sanitizer) will prevent algae from breeding in the water. If the chlorine level drops, for whatever reason, algae are given an opportunity to grow and take over the pool.

Why do you need a cover for a pool?

Providing there are no algae spores in the pool a cover will reduce the likelihood of algae growing due to the lack of light. However, if algae spores are already in the swimming pool installing a pool cover is too little too late. It’s difficult to know whether algae spores are already in the pool.

What temperature does algae grow?

Algae likes to flourish in warm water containing nutrients. Stagnant water and sunlight will accelerate the growth process. At temperatures lower than 60F and in lower light levels the growth of algae will be dramatically stunted.

How often should I run my pool pump?

I recommend setting the timer to run for 2 hours, three or four times daily. This will prevent the water settling enough for algae spores to grow in the pool.

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