Getting Rid Of Black Algae
Getting Rid of black algae is very hard to do. Once it has established itself it’s roots are not exposed to the chlorine in the water and that makes it hard to kill. So how do you get rid of or kill it so doesn’t come back.
There are chemicals that can be added to the water to kill black algae but it is going to work on the entire pool and you will probably have to apply it several times to finally kill the algae. Also, it is not the least expensive chemical.
Inground Plaster Pools
This procedure is for inground plaster pool surfaces. If you have a black plaster pool this procedure could damage your plaster by bleaching out the spots that you treat. I found that when I got black algae in my pool that it starts out with a few spots. If you have a few spots now is the time to kill it. Don’t wait until later when it has spread over your entire pool.
On the Floor?
Ok, so how to get rid of a few spots is easy. You will need a few “tools” to work it over. You will need a scraper to scrape off the buildup protecting the algae root. A good small stainless steel pool wire brush is a good choice. The smaller surface area of this type of brush will concentrate the pressure/force and quickly remove the head of the black algae. Pour powdered shock over the exposed roots if the spots are on the pool floor.
Unfortunately, if the spots are on the walls the shock keeps falling off. You can’t keep powdered shock on the algae roots. Tools, powdered shock, and constant brushing to get the job done and not much chance of success on the walls.
Pentair 542068 Algee-Gon Swimming Pool 3″ Chlorine Tablet Holder for Algae Stain – Amazon.com
Something Simple
How about something super simple? How about a three-inch chlorine tablet and a tablet holder that connects to your pool pole.
All you need is a little elbow grease. Simply place a chlorine tablet into the tablet holder and tighten to hold the tab in place attach it to the pool pole and start by scrubbing the head of the black algae. You will still need to do the scraper/wire brush thing.
The tablet will leave a chalk mark like mark on your pool plaster. This is straight chlorine and will help kill the black algae roots. This setup works great on both the walls and floor areas of your pool. Just make sure that your pool cleaner does not run for several hours to help the chlorine do its job.
Pentair 542068 Algee-Gon Swimming Pool 3″ Chlorine Tablet Holder for Algae Stain – Amazon.com
Got more than a few spots?
First things on safety. This is a very strong treatment so no swimming or use of the pool during or after the treatment for a few days.
If you have more than a few spots you need to open a full offensive program. Start with a clean pool filter. Adjust the PH to the lower end in preparation of shocking the pool.
Wire brushing the entire pool is next. Wire brushing the pool is going to free more pieces of black algae into the pool. Shock the pool at double the rate of a normal shock treatment within one hour of brushing the pool. Use the chlorine tablet holder with a fresh tablet and rub all black algae spots that you can see.
Be prepared to shock the pool again the next day if things have not improved. If the pool is looking good the following day clean the pool filter again to remove any trapped black algae in the filter. Repeat the process of brushing the pool every day for the next several days. Use the tablet holder on any visible black algae spots.
Related Article: Hard Lessons Learned on Pool Water Chemistry
Related Article: The Black Algae Bloom Attack
Set Up and Use Chlorine tablet holder
(Mybusyretiredlife.com All Rights Reserved)
(Mybusyretiredlife.com All Rights Reserved)
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rubbing the tab anywhere will prevent the algae from returned for a longgg time. I discovered this myself. Im glad to be reading other people know now. Th epool compnaies are going to lose alot of chemical business. Ive only bought liquid chlorine in 8 months i live in florida where its been record tept and hurricanes. No algea has returned.
Hello Crystal,
Thank you for the comment. I am glad that you are winning the war on black algae. It’s good to hear from those in the fight. It gives hope to those who have just acquired the knowledge to win. Again thanks for the comment.
Ray C.