How to Treat for Algae
How to Treat Pool Algae Using Algae Complete® and Shock
Use this method to get rid of algae if:
- You have a light algae bloom
- You have a thick algae bloom but are unable to vacuum the pool to waste.
Note: This will work on heavy algae blooms as well as light, but if you cannot see the bottom (and know there are organics), a flocculant will help drop everything to the bottom of the pool so you can vacuum it right our of the pool, rather than catching it in the filter.
If you cannot see the bottom and are able to vacuum to waste (not through the filter, not with your robot vacuum), we recommend treating with a flocculant first. If there is still algae left after the floc, use this chemical treatment second. Find out more about using a flocculant here.
If you prefer to hire someone to clear your pool, contact our service department and inquire about the Green to Clean service. Please note, availability for this service is limited in the Spring.
1. Ensure all equipment is working properly.
Before starting, check if the filters need to be cleaned (cartridge) or backwashed if needed (sand or DE).
2. Test and Balance the pH to 7.2-7.6 (Before Treatment)
Proper balance helps both the algaecide and shock work effectively.
3. Vacuum leaves and any other foreign debris from pool.
Your chlorine and algaecide will attack the largest particles first. Remove leaves and larger algae particles first to free up the algaecide to kill off the smaller particles right away. Do this before brushing. Brushing will stir up the water and make it more difficult to see where you are vacuuming.
4. Brush the Pool Aggressively
- Walls
- Floor
- Steps
- Corners
- Behind Ladders & Fittings
This breaks the algae’s protective layer so chemicals can kill it.
5. Add the Chemicals:
-
Apply an oxidizer per label directions. We recommend Super Soluble at a double dose of 2lb per 10,000 gallons. Unlike liquid chlorine, Super Soluble will stay in the water and continue to kill algae longer. - Allow to circulate for 1 hour.
- With pump and filter operating, apply 16 fluid ounces of Algae Complete per 10,000 gallons of pool water directly to the pool water in areas of heaviest algae growth.
- Continuously circulate pool water for 24 hours, leaving cover off.
|
Size of Pool |
Super Soluble or Smart Shock |
12.5% Liquid Chlorine (Not Recommended) |
Algae Complete |
|
10,000 gallons |
2 lbs |
4 gallons |
16 oz |
|
20,000 gallons |
4 lbs |
8 gallons |
32 oz |
|
30,000 gallons |
6 lbs |
12 gallons |
48 oz |
|
40,000 gallons |
8 lbs |
16 gallons |
60 oz |
6. After 24 hours, repeat steps if necessary.
1. If there is little to no improvement, consider using a flocculant to drop the algae to the bottom first.
2. If there is improvement and you are holding chlorine, brush and vacuum again, but do not add more chemicals. If it is holding chlorine, the algae is likely dead, but just needs more time to filter out of the pool.
- If your chemical levels are still good after 48 hours but the water itself is not clearing, you have filtration issues and need to troubleshoot circulation and filtration problems.
3. If the pool is clearing but you lose the chlorine reading, do an additional double dose of oxidizer, and make sure you have a sanitizer (chlorine tablets, salt generator) in the pool to keep the chlorine up as well. You may need to treat for a chlorine demand.
4. Prior to re-entry, test chlorine level. Do not enter pool until chlorine level is between 1-5 ppm.
Important Tips
- Mustard Algae & Black Algae are very rare on vinyl liners in Minnesota, but if your pool has one of these, the treatment is the same. However, because they are both more stubborn, you need to raise the chlorine to a much higher level for a longer period of time to ensure it is killed, and you may need to put any pool brushes, vacuums, etc, into the pool at the time of treatment to ensure the algae is killed on those surfaces and will not be reintroduced to the pool water.
-
🚫 Avoid swimming until chlorine returns to safe levels
-
✅ Keep the pump running as much as possible during cleanup
Preventing Algae from Returning
Once clear:
-
Maintain proper chlorine levels
-
Brush weekly
-
Use Algae Complete® weekly (1..5 oz per 10,000 gallons)
-
Keep filtration and circulation consistent
If algae continues to return even with proper chemistry, there is something wrong with the filtration of the pool. Contact us to troubleshoot filtration problems.
Other Helpful Links
How to Manually Vacuum the Pool
How to Brush the Pool walls
Using a Flocculant
