Algae Removal in an Inground Pool

💚 How to Get Rid of Algae in Your Swimming Pool

Whether you’re prepping for a party or battling green water all season long, algae can be frustrating — but don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.

🌱 What Is Pool Algae?

Algae are small, plant-like organisms that thrive in untreated or poorly circulated pool water. There are three main types of pool algae:

💚 Green Algae: Most common; floats or clings to walls and floors
💛 Yellow (Mustard) Algae: Grows in shady areas; can resemble sand or pollen
🖤 Black Algae: The toughest; rooted into the pool surface with a protective layer

🤔 Why Do I Have Algae?

Algae thrives when:

Your sanitizer (chlorine) levels are too low
Your water circulation is poor
There’s organic debris or warm, sunny conditions

Common trouble spots include:

Under ladders
Steps and crevices
Corners with low circulation

🧪 3 Proven Methods to Eliminate Pool Algae

Method #1: Superchlorination (Shocking the Pool)

The darker the green, the more algae you have — and the more shock you’ll need:

Water Color	Shock Needed (per 10,000 gallons)
💚 Light Green	2 lbs (Double shock)
💚 Dark Green	3 lbs (Triple shock)
🖤 Black-Green/Very Dark	4 lbs (Quadruple shock)

➡️ Always shock at night to prevent chlorine burn-off from sunlight.
➡️ NEVER add shock through the skimmer if you use an automatic chlorinator — this can create a dangerous reaction.
➡️ Vinyl pool owners: Pre-dissolve shock in a bucket to prevent liner bleaching.

Bring your water sample to Premier Pool & Spa. Our experts will diagnose your water and recommend a shock plan tailored to your pool size and algae level.

Method #2: Flocculant (Floc) Treatment

Flocculant gathers tiny particles like algae and drops them to the pool floor, where they can be vacuumed out.

Step-by-Step:

Turn off the pump and switch the filter to “Recirculate”
Add flocculant (per label instructions)
Run pump for 2 hours to mix
Turn pump off and let it sit overnight
Manual vacuum to “Waste”
- Use a backwash hose and garden hose to refill while vacuuming
- Move slowly to avoid kicking up debris
Repeat as needed and finish with a double shock for best results

🧽 This method requires effort but can clear a green pool in a single day.

Method #3: Use an Algaecide (with Metal Ions)

Algaecide is typically a preventive, but high-grade formulas with copper or silver can help kill algae when combined with shock.

Check the label: Some algaecides require larger doses for treatment
Use this method with shock for a strong 1–2 punch

We carry a full line of algaecides and can help you pick the right one for your algae type and pool setup.

🔄 Ongoing Prevention Tips

To keep algae from returning:

✅ Keep chlorine in the proper range
✅ Run your filter daily — especially after swimming
✅ Brush and vacuum weekly
✅ Use a weekly dose of preventive algaecide
✅ Don’t ignore shady corners or ladders — algae loves these spots

🧠 Not Sure What You Need?

Bring in a water sample to our retail store and talk with a Premier Pool & Spa water care specialist. We’ll test it, diagnose it, and guide you to crystal-clear water again.

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