Green algae are one of the most common problems swimming pool owners face. Your pool may look pristine one week and suddenly sport a green, slimy film the next. Green algae only make an appearance in a swimming pool when the chlorine drops below a particular threshold. If you are maintaining a good chemical balance and testing your pool water regularly, you may be successful in keeping green algae at bay. However, if that familiar green water does appear in your pool, take heart. Green algae may be the most common type of algae in swimming pools, but it is also the easiest to get rid of. Check out these tips for bidding farewell to green algae once and for all.

How does Green Algae Get There?

Many pool owners want to know how green algae make their way to a swimming pool in the first place. Algae are plant life too small to be seen by the naked eye. They travel via raindrops or dust blowing through.There is no way to keep green algae spores out of your yard completely, but you can keep them out of your pool by creating an environment where they cannot survive. This involves maintaining a chlorine level of 1.0 and 3.0 and testing the water regularly to ensure it remains at this level. When the chlorine drops, those floating spores may find your swimming pool the perfect spot to call home.

Begin with a Brush

As soon as you notice a green film forming on your water, it is time to attack the algae once and for all. Begin by brushing the sides and floor of the pool well to remove as much of the green stuff as you can. This process should be completed before any chemicals are added to the pool water. While brushing the pool won't completely eliminate your algae problem, it will break up the algae so the chemicals can work more effectively.

Bring out the Heavy Hitters

Once you have thoroughly brushed your pool and loosened the algae clinging to the sides, it's time to bring out the heavy hitters. An algaecide kills the algae currently in the pool and prevents further infestations from forming. It is important to give your algaecide enough time to work before introducing chlorine, since the addition of chlorine may render the algaecide ineffective. Algaecide comes in both a metallic and an ammonia base. Most pool owners prefer the ammonia products, because they cost less and won't stain the pool. However, ammonia products have a tendency to create suds, which may be a hassle to get rid of.

Once the algaecide has been allowed to run its course, it's time to shock the pool. A shock treatment may raise the chlorine level in the pool as high as 5.0, which will get rid of any remaining algae and give the water a thorough cleaning. Once the shock treatment is finished, vacuum your pool completely and you are good to go. A quick response and extra attention is all it takes to bid farewell to green algae once and for all.