Pool Algae Control Mistakes To Avoid

If you have a pool that commonly develops algae blooms, then you may do a variety of things to get rid of the green formations in your water. Unfortunately, it is fairly common to complete tasks that do very little to help the situation. Keep reading to learn about a few common pool algae killing mistakes to avoid.

Shocking The Pool

Shocking is a term used to describe the addition of large amounts of chlorine and other disinfectants to get rid of the contaminants in the pool. Shocking does kill bacteria as well as algae. However, you are not actually solving the issue when you add so much chlorine. The dead algae will often remain for several days and it will make the water look pale green and cloudy. You also cannot use the pool while the chlorine levels are dangerously high. And, if the conditions remain the same, then new algae will likely grow within a short period of time.

It is much more effective to check the chlorine levels daily and to keep disinfection levels at about one part per million (PPM). You also should add a small amount of an algicide each time you add your chlorine. Algicides can go a long way, so you likely only need about one to two ounces per 10,000 gallons of water. Some of the most common varieties are metal-based options and quaternary ammonia types.

Different kinds of algicides are used for different types of algae, so make sure to speak with your pool maintenance specialist about the best product.

Adding Chlorine To Your Filter

Keeping your chlorine levels consistent is best to prevent algae. However, you do not want to keep adding chlorine tablets or disks directly to your filter basket. This can destroy your filter propeller and keep water from flowing as strongly as it should. Algae can only grow in water that is stagnant, so you want to avoid this issue. 

Also, you want to keep your filter running as much as possible to keep the water jets moving, so do not keep turning it off to conserve on energy. And, if your filter seems as though it is not working as well as it should, have it checked out. You may need to have the media changed or have your pump maintained. 

In some cases, you may also have a filter that is too small for your pool, so an upgrade may be needed if you are struggling to keep algae under control.

If you want to know more about the ways that you can avoid algae pool control mistakes, speak with a pool maintenance service.