How to Defoam a Swimming Pool

Remove as much foam as possible with a pool skimmer. Use a garden hose to spray foam in the center of the pool toward the edges to make it easier to remove.

Clean your pool filter's cartridge to remove any lotions and conditioners which may have built up, creating foam. These can often be removed and sprayed off with a garden hose, though some varieties must be completely replaced.

Test the pool's calcium hardness levels with a pool test kit. The ideal hardness is between 200 and 400 parts per million (ppm). Low calcium hardness can cause the pool to foam.

Add calcium chloride or any other calcium-increasing product in small increments, following the instructions on the package. Turn on your pool's filter to disperse the chemical, then retest after a few hours. Continue to add calcium until the pool's levels are in the ideal range.

Add a copper-based algicide, following the instructions on the package, to reduce foam-producing algae.

Check all hoses, connections and filters for air leaks, which can exacerbate an existing foam problem. Repair or replace any bad equipment.

Add shock to the pool on a regular basis to keep the water properly chlorinated.