Pool overtaken by algae and its owner thinking about algaecide

Pool algaecide: how to get rid of pool algae fast

Algae blooms sometimes seem to happen overnight. One day, you’ve got a beautifully clean pool, the next, some discolouration and cloudiness, and soon after you’ve got a full algae bloom. Algae is a frustrating, annoying problem for any pool owner, and eliminating it from your pool system is sometimes difficult. So how do you get rid of algae when it’s blooming, and how do you prevent algae blooms from happening? Pool algaecide is the answer.

Stay with us, in this guide we will discover more about this fundamental weapon against algae. 

In this pool algaecide guide we will cover:

Let’s dive in.

What causes algae in pools?

At a microscopic size, algae are always present in swimming pools. Algae can cause problems when it blooms, or multiplies when the conditions are right for growth. 

Things that promote algal growth:

  • low or poor water circulation creating dead spots in the pool.
  • low or inconsistent chlorine levels.
  • an ineffective pool filter or short filter run times.
  • imbalanced water with pH, alkalinity, calcium or cyanuric levels that are off.

Algae needs nutrients to grow. When your chlorine levels are low and the pH is high, or if your pool pump and/or filter aren’t working at optimal capacity, that microscopic algae that’s always present in your pool may seize the opportunity to grow out of control.

How do algae get in my pool?

Algae can arrive in your pool in any number of ways:

  1. It can be introduced into your pool by being present on pool toys, accessories, or even on swimwear – especially if they’ve been used or worn in the ocean.
  2. Algal spores can also be blown into your pool on a speck of dirt, or arrive with rainwater runoff.
  3. Not cleaning or replacing your pool filter after a previous algae bloom, or not using the right amount of chemicals to shock your pool can also be the cause of another algae bloom.
  4. Circulation, water balance, sanitation and filtration all need to be working at their best to prevent algae blooms from occurring and recurring.  

Algae isn’t just a chlorine pool problem: saltwater pools experience algae blooms too.

The solution you need to get rid of algae: pool algaecide

If your pool is experiencing a small number of algae, treat it with pool algaecide.

Most algaecide is best used as a preventative against algal blooms, not to solve the problem of a full-blown, large-scale algae problem. 

If you’ve been plagued by multiple algae blooms in a season, and you can’t seem to get ahead of the problem, you may need a different approach. Removing phosphates with Focus Banish Phosphate takes algae’s main food source out of the equation and may be the solution you need for tackling algae in your pool.

When to add algaecide to a pool

There are many different kinds of pool algaecide available on the market. Some can be used to combat algae blooms like Focus Hydroclear, and some like Focus Powercide 4 help prevent algal blooms from occurring in the first place, as well as treating some algae types. 

Tablets like Focus Multi Tabs can help balance chlorine, algaecide and clarification additions in an easy 3 in 1 step. 

After a shock treatment, wait for the chlorine levels to reduce to below 5ppm then add a dose of algaecide, following the instructions on the packaging. 

In tandem with your normal sanitation system, algaecide works best at preventing algae blooms from occurring when added regularly as a part of your sanitiser additions.

How much algaecide do I put in my pool?

Always follow the instructions on product package. 

Calculate the volume of your pool, and decide if you’re performing regular algae maintenance or shocking your pool. If in doubt, ask your local pool shop how much and how often to add algaecide to your pool to prevent algae blooms.

How long does it take for algaecide to work?

The time it takes for pool algaecide to work varies significantly and depends mainly on the type and strength of the algaecide used. Highly potent algaecides can effectively clear a pool in a few hours. Keep in mind that this process requires your pool’s pump to be actively circulating the algaecide, ensuring its uniform distribution. However, this estimated timeframe may change based on your pool’s specific conditions, such as the severity of the algae problem, water temperature, and the pool’s maintenance history.

TIP: Allow the algaecide to circulate for 30 minutes to an hour before going for a swim otherwise you may limit its effectiveness.

Besides pool algaecide, these tips might help you

Algae is always present in your pool – it’s something that all pool owners have to contend with. But it doesn’t have to be something you battle on a shock treatment scale. Simple things that you can to control algae in your pool: 

  • Clean and sanitize all pool equipment, especially if it’s been used to combat an algae bloom. You can sanitise your pool tools by keeping them in the shallow end of your pool when you run a shock treatment.
  • Clean and sanitize all pool toys, and floats. Use a cleaner containing bleach or a diluted bleach solution.
  • Wash all swimwear, especially if it’s been worn in a lake, pond, or the ocean before going for a swim in your pool.
  • Maintain balanced pool chemistry. Run your pump 8-12 hours a day during the swimming season and shock when you need to. 
  • If your pool needs resurfacing, don’t wait. Pool surfaces with cracks or that are worn with age make the perfect hiding place for algae.
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About the author
Adrian Hill
Adrian Hill

Hey! I'm Adrian, founder and pool expert here at Dolphin Pacific. I love spending time with family, fishing, and have been known to brew my own beer.

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