Keeping algae at bay is one of the biggest challenges of pool maintenance. If left unchecked, different types of algae can rapidly multiply, making pool water cloudy, sticky, and unfit for swimming. No one wants to close their pool due to a nasty algae bloom! Luckily, using the right pool care products can help significantly reduce algae growth and keep your pool sparkling all season long. Here are some must-have supplies for lessening algae buildup:
Chlorine
Chlorine is an MVP that protects your pool from algae, spores, and bacteria before they grow. As a powerful sanitising agent, it has the ability to kill green, black, or mustard algae. Whether using tablets, sticks, liquid chlorine, or a salt water chlorinator to produce chlorine, all are viable choices for effective sanitation, with the crucial step being consistent testing and adjustment of chlorine levels to ensure ongoing effectiveness. Just be sure to test and adjust chlorine levels regularly.
Algaecide
An algaecide supplement adds an extra layer of prevention by inhibiting the growth and spread of algae. Acting as a powerful disinfectant, they kill bacteria, prevent the growth of algae, and keep the water crystal clear.
Chlorine tablets are easy to use. Just place them in your pool’s skimmer basket, floater, or automatic chlorine feeder. As the tablets dissolve, they’ll ensure your pool water stays crisp, clear, and free of green fuzzy algae and slimy bacteria growth.
Pool Shock
When it comes to preventing algae, pool shock is every pool owner’s secret weapon. This powerful blend of concentrated chlorine gives your pool water a deep-down clean by breaking down contaminants, clearing up cloudy water, and restoring your pool’s sparkle. It also burns off oils, organic debris, and other substances that feed algae growth. To prevent a bloom, give your pool a weekly shock, especially in hot weather.
Skimmer Basket
A clean skimmer ensures debris, leaves, and dead algae get removed from the water instead of breaking down into nutrients. Empty the skimmer basket regularly and clean it with a water/ bleach solution monthly to destroy any clinging organisms.
Pool Brush
Brush pool surfaces weekly to prevent deposits that can harbor algae. Pay extra attention to steps, corners, and the waterlines which are prone to buildup. Use a stiff nylon or steel bristle brush to scrub away any growth.
Pool Cover
A pool cover is a simple but effective way to combat algae growth when your pool is not in use. By covering the water, you prevent leaves, dirt, and other debris from blowing in that could otherwise provide a food source for algae. The cover also blocks sunlight which keeps algae from getting the light it needs to photosynthesize and multiply.
Pool Pump
A properly sized and well-maintained pool pump lessens algae build-up by constantly circulating the water while forcing the filters to trap debris and spores. Additionally, the pump flow evenly distributes pool chemicals like chlorine and algaecides. This ensures sanitizers and algae inhibitors reach every inch of the pool. No weak spots mean no place for algae to hide and multiply.
The Bottom Line
With a good offence of chlorine, clarifiers, enzyme-based algaecides, and regular brushing and filtration, even the most avid algae will struggle to gain a foothold in your pool. Stay vigilant with testing and maintenance, and your water will stay crisp, clear, and algae-free all season long. Invest in the right pool supplies and stay on guard, and you can rest assured your water will stay crystal clear and algae-free for swimming all summer!
