One of the common yet great challenges of a pool owner is how to remove dead algae from pool without a vacuum. This is why owning a pool is not easy, an owner should be responsible enough to take part in the maintenance of the pool regularly.
When you want to have a pool, it would be great if you are resourceful, this would be useful especially if you need to know how to remove dead algae from pool without a vacuum. Some pool owners might not have enough funds to buy a vacuum, and if this is the case, there are alternative processes that can still be executed.
In this guide, we are going to discuss the different alternatives for how to remove dead algae from pool without a vacuum. Since, this is one of the most essential tasks that needs to be addressed as soon as possible, appropriate and quick actions must be executed.
Part 1. What Causes Algae In Your Pools?
Algae would not be present in your pool water if not for some cause. There might be problems in your pool that are causing the algae to bloom or thrive affecting all the components for your smooth pool operations. To new pool owners, if you are seeing microscopic plants that turn your pool in a murky state, these are algae. There are several factors as to why there are algae in your pool, and these must be known to be able to devise a course of action to kill all of them.
It is important that you can determine whether your pool is already infested with algae. One of the common signs or indications is the sudden change in color of your pool water, but aside from this, some of the other indications are:
- When you can smell an unpleasant odor where the musty and earthy smell is strong.
- You see small particles floating at the surface of your pool water, these could be indications of algae blooms which usually come from the surfaces of the pool.
- If you step into the floor of your pool and it feels slimy, as well as its walls.
- Your pool water is cloudy, this means algae in your pool are starting to die and break down.
Once you see some of these signs or indications, your pool might be infested with algae. So, what can be the causes of the occurrence of these particles? Let us see below.
- If your pool usually has lots of bathers, this also means that more organic and inorganic compounds are being introduced to your pool water. These contaminants from bathers are food materials for algae, and it can help them grow and prosper.
- You may be dealing with poor water circulation. One of the most famous breeding grounds for algae is stagnant water. There can be lots of dead zones and from this, algae can flourish.
- If your pool is uncovered and there are extreme temperatures, the warm temperature which can also influence your pool water can fasten the growth of algae.
- If you have neglected the regular maintenance of your pool equipment, pump, and filtration systems, algae can grow and build up.
- When your pool is near areas where there are lots of plants and trees, the scenario could cause the occurrence of algae spores which can infest your pool as time goes on.
- Since balanced water chemistry is one of the most important reminders in keeping a pool, once there are levels that are incorrect algae can grow in your pool water.
These are only some of the possible causes of why there are algae in your pool. These are important factors that you have to figure out as part of your responsibilities as a pool owner.
Part 2. Algae And Its Types
Now that we finally have ideas on the possible causes of algae in your pool, as well as the alternative to how to remove dead algae from pool without a vacuum, it is also important to have ideas on the different types of algae.
- Black Algae
This type of algae is the most stubborn one. They are usually the dark spots that are usually found in shaded areas or corners. They are resistant to regular treatment of chlorine because they have protective layers. To get rid of black algae excessive use of chemicals is needed, and a little patience and effort as well.
- Yellow Algae
This type of algae is also called the mustard algae. They are also usually seen in cornered areas and they are in yellow patches form. They are not that easy to get rid of and a higher concentration of chemicals might be needed.
- Green Algae
These algae are the common type of algae. They are the common causes of why your pool’s floors and walls are slippery and why your pool water is green as well. They are also easy to kill however must be addressed as soon as possible as they multiply fast in quantity.
- Pink Algae
If you see a pinkish and slimy thing on your pool equipment and PVC materials, they are probably pink algae. They are bacteria, and they are also not that complicated to get rid of. If you want to avoid seeing this type of algae in your pools, consistent cleaning and treatment using pool chemicals must be practiced.
Part 2. How To Remove Dead Algae From Pool If You Do Not Use A Vacuum?
Now that we are equipped with all the essential details to know about algae, such as its causes and its types, let us finally figure out how to remove dead algae from pool without a vacuum. Well, some new to pool maintenance may conclude that it is impossible, and work may be too hard, but if you have enough dedication, lots of chemical treatments, and some grease, such a task is possible to do. Let us get to know the different steps to execute this task.
- Step 1. The pool water must be balanced and tested.
Before adding chemicals to your pool, all the parameters it has must be tested first. This will help you easily balance all the chemicals and adjust values as needed. It is a nice investment to make sure that you are using the best pool test kits to attain accurate results.
- Step 2. Start brushing your pool.
The second step on how to remove dead algae from pool without a vacuum is to make sure that your pool is clean. Brush all the surfaces of your pool to remove any traces of algae, it is a wise technique to watch out for areas that are usually hidden like corners, because this is where algae can be hiding.
- Step 3. Use algaecide.
In choosing the products to put into your pool you always have to be careful. When choosing an algaecide you have to consider its ability to deal with the type of algae you have in your pool.
- Step 4. Check your filter and circulation systems.
The heart of a pool lies in the filtering system. Proper water circulation must always be observed in a pool to avoid stagnant water. Upon the application of algaecide, the filter must run for 24 hours to make sure that algaecide is well-distributed and dead algae will be removed. There are also instances when you have to backwash and clean your pool’s filter.
- Step 5. Do pool shocking.
If you are done applying algaecide, you also need to put a final shock treatment into your pool to finally kill all the possible remains of algae or dead algae. This will also clear your pool as additional doses of chlorine are added. The dose of shock that you must use can be based on the manufacturer’s label, so you always have to check it out.
- Step 6. Check your pool filter, and make sure it is clean.
Once the 24 hours is done, you have to clean your filter. By doing so, you will be removing algae that are trapped in its pipes and can ensure a cleaner pool as well.
- Step 7. Start retesting your pool water.
Once you are done with pool shock, you need to retest your pool water to check all its chemical components. You need to make sure there is balanced water chemistry and adjust the values or levels as needed.
- Step 8. Always make sure to execute maintenance procedures regularly.
One of the keys how to remove dead algae from pool without a vacuum is to execute regular pool maintenance. The generation of a checklist will keep you on track and will make sure that algae infestation will not reoccur once more.
Part 3. Conclusion
Everything has a solution, even algae infestation. As long as you are well guided on things that you must do, everything will come to its proper place. Regular checking and maintenance of your pool water including all the equipment and systems are the key to having a smooth pool operation every pool owner likes to have.