How To Get Rid Of Pool Algae Fast
How to Get Rid of Green Pool Algae In Tallahassee Fast: The Complete Guide
Picture this: You walk outside ready for a refreshing swim, only to find your pool has turned into a green, uninviting mess. As pool professionals servicing pools all across Tallahassee, we see this all the time - and we know exactly how to fix it.
In this guide, we'll show you the exact steps to turn your green pool crystal clear, plus reveal our professional secret for keeping it that way (hint: it's something that's changed the game for our customers).
Let's dive in! 🏊♂️
Understanding Green Pool Algae
Before we jump into the solution, let's quickly cover what you're dealing with. Green algae is the most common type of pool algae, and it can take over your pool surprisingly fast. The good news? It's also the easiest type to eliminate - if you know what you're doing.
Why Traditional Treatments Often Fail
Many pool owners waste hundreds of dollars on chemicals and countless hours fighting algae because they miss crucial steps or use the wrong approach. The key is following a specific order of operations - skip one step, and you might find yourself starting over.
The Complete Step-by-Step Solution
Step 1: Clean Your Filter
This is absolutely crucial - you can't skip this step! Your filter needs to be clean for this to work effectively.
For Sand Filters:
Backwash until water runs clear
Run rinse cycle for 30 seconds
For DE or Cartridge Filters:
Remove filter elements
Spray thoroughly with a garden hose
Clean every pleat or cartridge surface
Step 2: Run Your Pump 24/7
Your pool pump needs to run continuously until the algae is gone. Yes, 24 hours a day! This ensures proper circulation and gives your chemicals the best chance to work.
Step 3: Vacuum (If Possible)
If you can see the bottom of your pool and notice algae sitting there, vacuum it to waste. However, if your pool is too green to see the bottom, skip this step - you might accidentally vacuum up something you shouldn't.
Step 4: Clean Your Baskets
Empty both your pump and skimmer baskets completely. You want to make it as easy as possible for your chlorine and filter to do its job.
Step 5: Remove Surface Debris
Skim all leaves and debris from the surface. Again, we're trying to give your chlorine and filter the best chance to focus on the algae rather than fighting with leaves and debris.
Step 6: Balance Your Alkalinity and pH
Test and adjust your alkalinity first
Wait 30 minutes
Then balance your pH
Wait 2 hours
Test again before adding any chlorine
Step 7: Check Your CYA (Cyanuric Acid) Levels
Before you shock your pool, this step could save you hours of frustration and wasted chemicals. Here's why CYA matters:
Understanding the CYA-Chlorine Relationship:
For every 30 ppm of CYA in your pool, you need 2.25 ppm of chlorine just for it to work effectively
Example: If your CYA is at 100 ppm, you need 7.5 ppm of chlorine just for basic sanitation
And that's just for regular maintenance - to kill algae, you'll need even more!
This means with high CYA, you might add what seems like a lot of chlorine, but it won't be enough to fight the algae
Too High CYA:
If your CYA is above 100 ppm, you'll need massive amounts of chlorine
At this point, it's more cost-effective to drain some pool water and refill with fresh water
Don't waste money on shocking a pool with high CYA - fix the CYA level first
Too Low CYA:
If your CYA is at 0, your chlorine will burn off quickly in the sun
Aim for 20-50 ppm
This ideal range protects your chlorine while still keeping it effective
Think of CYA as your chlorine's sunscreen
Pro Tip: Test your CYA levels before starting any algae treatment. If they're too high, drain some water first. If they're too low, raise them to at least 20 ppm. This could save you hundreds in wasted chemicals.
Step 7: Brush, Brush, Brush!
Brush every single inch of your pool - walls, floor, steps, corners, everything. You want to get all the algae up into the water so the chlorine can kill it effectively.
Step 8: Super Chlorinate
Now it's time to shock your pool with chlorine. Make sure you've completed all the previous steps first, or you'll just be wasting chemicals.
Step 9: The 24-Hour Check
After 24 hours, assess your progress. Here's what to do:
Can you see the bottom of your pool clearly?
If yes and there's algae sitting on the floor, vacuum it to waste
If you can't see the bottom yet, skip vacuuming.
Then:
Clean the filter again
Balance the pH
Brush thoroughly
Skim and empty baskets
Test chlorine levels - if it's zeroed out, shock again
Repeat this process until your pool is clear. Each time you check, if you can see algae settled on the bottom, vacuum to waste before proceeding with the other steps.
The Professional Secret to Keeping Algae Away: PoolRX
Want to know how we keep our customers' pools crystal clear year-round? Let us introduce you to our secret weapon: PoolRX.
This isn't just another pool product - it's a game-changer that we use in most of our customer pools, and the results are incredible:
Makes it virtually impossible for algae to grow
Reduces chlorine usage by 50%
Extends the lifespan of your equipment
Makes your water look and feel better
Lasts a full 6 months
Over 30,000 5-star reviews and counting
Why We Trust PoolRX
As pool professionals, we've seen every product on the market. Nothing comes close to PoolRX for:
Effectiveness (it just works)
Cost savings (use half the chlorine)
Equipment protection (your filter works less)
Water quality (feels and looks better)
Choosing the Right Size:
If you want to learn more about PoolRX, just click the link below for your pool size.
The Bottom Line
Green algae doesn't have to be a recurring nightmare. Follow our step-by-step process to clear it up, then consider investing in PoolRX to prevent it from coming back. It's the most cost-effective solution we've found in years of pool service.
Fighting algae in Tallahassee and want professional help? We'll turn your green pool crystal-clear fast - guaranteed. Plus, we'll help you set up the right prevention system so you never have to deal with algae again. Give us a call at 850-264-9548 or visit this page to learn more about how we can rescue your pool. We serve all of Tallahassee and can usually start treatment within 24 hours!
