Child Safe Ways to Kill Pool Algae

Algae Types

• Before using a shock or floc method, you must determine which algae are the cause of your pool's affliction. Light green, dark green and blackish-green algae are common in a swimming pool and can cause the pool's water, sides and bottom to take on a murky green color. The surface of your swimming pool may have a slimy feel to it as well. You can effectively treat all three types of green algae using the floc and shock methods, but yellow or black algae require extensive chemicals. Test and adjust the chlorine levels in the pool until they reach safe levels of 1.0 to 3.0 parts per million before using the pool again.

Shocking the Pool

• A shock, or chlorine shock, essentially gives your swimming pool a double dose of chlorine. According to Swim University, a 1-lb. bag of shock treatment treats 10,000 gallons of water. To shock the pool, however, double the dosage to 2 lb. Therefore, a 20,000-gallon pool needs 4 lbs. of shock treatment. To apply, first blend the shock chemical with water and then slowly pour it into the swimming pool. A pool skimmer can help distribute the chemical evenly and speed up the process. Test and adjust the chlorine levels in the pool until they reach safe levels of 1.0 to 3.0 parts per million before use.

Floc Method

• The floc, or flocculant, method attacks algae from the top, sides and bottom of the pool and drops them to the bottom. Purchase a flocculant pool cleaner from a swimming pool supply store. Prepare the chemical according to the manufacturer directions. Set your pool filter to "waste" mode so it does not try to filter the chemical or algae. Apply the flocculant to the pool water and, once the algae has dropped, vacuum the pool bottom with a pool vacuum. You can apply a double shock after vacuuming to ensure that you picked up all the algae. Test and adjust the chlorine levels in the pool until they reach safe levels of 1.0 to 3.0 parts per million before use.

Preventing Algae

• If you own a swimming pool, prevention is the best method to combat algae, especially since cleaning methods are time-consuming and costly. Check your swimming pool's chlorine levels weekly to make sure that they are 1.0 to 3.0 parts per million. This measurement prevents algae growth and keeps water clear throughout the season. Pool testing kits are available at pool supply and home-improvement stores.