Treating Pool Algae
Causes
Green pools are usually caused by algae, the most common causes for a green, algae filled pool are the following:
- Improper chemical levels – such as low chlorine levels, low or high ph or alkalinity levels, or failure to shock the pool weekly
- Filtration – too little filtration time (filter should run 8 to 12 hours each day that the pool is open); or improperly working filter, such as a dirty or worn out cartridge.
Solution
Read entire label of each pool chemical and use in accordance with
precautionary statements and directions. Pool chemicals can be
dangerous if used improperly. All chemicals must be handled by
adults only, and kept out of the reach of children. Filter system must always be on and running when adding chemicals to pool. All chemicals must be added to pool separately and must not be mixed together.
Step 1: Use test strips and use test strips to measure the total alkalinity of the pool water and adjust to proper range of 80 to 120 ppm. Follow directions and precautionary statements on product label.
Step 2: Add Aquamate Alkalinity Plus (to raise alkalinity) or Alka Down (to lower alkalinity) as necessary, following directions and precautionary statements on product label.
Step 3: Use test strips to measure the pH level of the pool water and adjust to proper range of 7.2 to 7.8. Add Aquamate pH Plus (to raise pH) or pH Minus (to lower pH) as necessary, following directions and precautionary statements on product label.
Step 4: Add liquid shock by following directions and precautionary statements on product label. Add 1 gallon per 5000 gallons of pool water. Granular Shock can be substituted for liquid shock. Follow directions and precautionary statements on product label.
Step 5: Add AquaChem – 60% Algaecide per directions and precautionary statements on product label.
Step 6: Vacuum pool. If the pool is extremely dirty and you are unable to see the bottom, use your leaf skimmer or leaf rake to remove any large debris. Then vacuum pool slowly. It is crucial to vacuum the pool even if you cannot see the bottom.
Step 7: Continue to run filter at least 8-12 hours. For very green and/or cloudy pools, run filter continuosly for 24 hours.
Step 8: If pool is still green and/or cloudy after filtration, shut off filter for several hours. After several hours with filter off, vacuum pool again.
Tips
Rain, hot weather, and heavy use affect you pool water’s chemistry. Generally, you will need to add more chlorine and run filter longer after rain, hot weather or heavy use. Rain also usually causes Alkalinity and pH levels to go down, which causes cloudy water. Test your Alkalinity and pH levels after it rains. Shocking the pool with liquid shock weekly or every other week will also help keep your pool sparkling clean.
Pool Volume in Gallons
| Round Pools | Capacity (Gallons) | Oval Pools | Capacity (Gallons) |
| 10 Round | 2,000 | 8x12,8x14 | 3,000 |
| 12 Round | 3,000 | 8x19 | 3,500 |
| 15 Round | 5,000 | 10x15, 10x16 | 3,500 |
| 18 Round | 7,500 | 10x21, 12x18 | 5,000 |
| 21 Round | 10,000 | 12x24, 14x20 | 7,500 |
| 24 Round | 14,000 | 14x25, 15x24 | 10,000 |
| 27 Round | 18,000 | 15x30, 16x26 | 12,000 |
| 30 Round | 21,000 | 16x32 | 15,000 |
| 18x33 | 19,000 |
Note: Pool volumes above are approximate. For exact calculations please use the calculator below.
