How to Keep Dead Algae out of Pool
Algae is a stubborn organism to deal with in pool water because even when you think you have eliminated all of it, you can end up with some dead ones at the bottom of the pool.
You do not want to swim in a pool with algae, whether it is dead or alive, so this is a problem that you have to deal with immediately. However, dead algae are quick and easy to remove if you know what to do, and the job should not take a lot of your time.
Is Dead Algae a Problem?
Dead algae do not pose any health risk to you as it is non-toxic and down not contain any compound that can affect your skin or overall health. However, it is still a significant problem for your pool.
When you have dead algae in the pool, it means there will be some particles floating all around the pool. As the filters deal with these particles, their lifespan will reduce as they have to handle more contaminants, and they are more prone to clogging. Also, dead algae will lead to faster depletion of your sanitizer as it is still a pool contaminant.
Also, dead algae will give the pool an unsightly and uninviting appearance as it will stain the walls and floors.
How to Get Rid of Dead Algae in My Pool Fast
Step 1: Check the Water Chemistry
It is always a good idea to check your pool’s chemistry before anything else. Here, you have to check whether things like chlorine, pH, and alkalinity are optimal before making any intervention.
When your pool chemistry is in balance, things like dead algae will be easier to deal with, and you will also leave the water in a better condition.
Step 2: Clean the Filter and Run the Pump Longer
Next, you should clean the filters because dirty ones will not work very well. Dirty filters might be the only reason you have dead algae in your pool as they are not able to trap them as the water flows through.
Once the filter is clean, you should now run the pump to circulate the water through to trap the dead algae. It is better to run the pump longer than usual to ensure water passes through the filter several times. Around 24 hours should be good enough.
Step 3: Brush the Pool Surfaces
Running the water through the filter will remove some of the dead algae, but you might still have some clinging on the pool surfaces. Therefore, the next step should be to give the pool surface a thorough scrubbing.
A good brush like the AgiiMan 16” Pool Brush is vital here. However, the right one for you depends on the surfaces or finishes you have. For example, something with soft nylon bristles works well for vinyl surfaces but might not be adequate for a plaster finish.
Step 4: Add Flocculant
Adding a flocculant to your pool water will help in coagulating the dead algae. By clumping up the algae, the floc forces it to sink to the pool floor, where it will be easier to vacuum off.
When you add floc to your pool, it is crucial to remember that you need to vacuum when your filter is on the “waste” setting to ensure the clumps do not cause clogging.
Step 5: Vacuum the Pool
Now you can vacuum the pool floor to remove the dead algae. A robotic pool vacuum will make the job easier and quicker for you. However, you can still use a garden hose to create a siphoning effect if you do not have a vacuum.
Step 6: Add Some Algaecide
It is also a good idea to take precautions to prevent future algae bloom, and the best way to do this is by adding an algaecide.
Remember to follow the manufacturer directions here and ensure you do not add too much algaecide as it can affect the pool chemistry.
Step 7: Clean Filter and Recheck Water Chemistry
Lastly, you need to clean the filter one more time and retest the water chemistry. Cleaning the filter ensures you remove any trapped algae. Balancing pool chemistry will be necessary as you often need to refill the pool.
How to Prevent Dead Algae in My Pool
1. Check your pool pump regularly and ensure there is proper water circulation throughout.
2. Shock the pool frequently to ensure there is enough sanitizer to deal with dead algae and other contaminants.
3. Brush your pool surfaces often to scrub off any dead algae that do not fall to the bottom for vacuuming.
4. Maintain proper pool chemistry at all times because this makes it hard for algae to bloom.
5. Cover the pool with a good cover when it is not in use.
Bottom Line
Dead algae at the bottom of the pool or sticking on pool surfaces will deter you from using it by making it look unsanitary. However, it is a fixable problem that you can handle fast in a few steps.
With a good pool brush, vacuum and a few minutes to spare for cleaning your filter, you should be able to get rid of all the dead algae in the water. Also, make sure you follow the tips above to minimize the likelihood of facing the pool problem again in future.
