Problems With Green and Blue Pool Water

What Is Algae?

• Algae that appears to have a blue and greenish look is called black algae. This kind of algae is very resistant to chlorination and can be difficult to remove completely. The first signs of black algae appear along the pool walls and floor as black or dark blue-green spots. It may be first noticeable on a white, plastic pool ladder. This type of algae is layered; and even though the first layer may be destroyed by the chlorine, it can continue to reappear as the layers beneath thrive and multiply.

Materials

• Visit your nearest pool supply retailer and load up on everything you need to fight the algae in your pool. The supplies you may need and should pick up, if you don't already own them, include a pool brush, vacuum, super-shock and algaecide. First you need to prepare the surface for chlorination by removing as much of the algae from the surface of the pool as possible. Brush the pool walls and ladder free of the algae then vacuum the pool.

Backwash

• Once you vacuum the pool and get as much of the visible algae off the surface of the water, backwash your filter. The process of backwashing involves cleaning the internal components of your filter and can vary based on the type of filter you own. You want a clean filter before adding any of the algae-fighting chemicals. This will flush out a lot of the bacteria that has grown inside the filter as well as the water.

Super-Shock

• Products that are marketed as super-shock can be anywhere from 10 to 20 percent stronger than typical chlorine shocks used for basic maintenance. This is necessary to kill as much of the algae as possible in one shot. Add the correct amount of super-shock to the pool, according to the manufacturer's instructions and your pool's water gallon capacity. It might be necessary to repeat this process in order to eliminate the algae completely. You may need to brush, vacuum, backwash and chlorinate several times before the water is algae-free. Once the algae is gone, incorporate a regular dose of algaecide in your pool maintenance schedule.