There is nothing more refreshing than a dive in a backyard pool under the scorching sun. As the temperature in Ottawa breaks double digits, it’s time to plan for summer and think about opening your pool. One thing that every pool opening process has in common is getting the water clean and ready for swimming. If you aren’t sure how to remove algae or cloudiness from your pool, don’t despair. At Benson Pools, we can lend a hand with this quick and practical guide.
What Causes Pool Algae?
Algae are photosynthetic organisms that use the combination of the sun, water, and carbon dioxide to produce their food. Clinging to walls, floor, and steps of a pool or simply floating in the water, algae can grow quickly, ruining the clarity of your pool water and becoming home to potentially harmful bacteria like parasites, E. coli and salmonella.
Pool algae are typically caused by out-of-balance water, low or inconsistent chlorine levels, or poor water filtration or circulation. Although multiple colours of algae exist, the most common types are dark green, green, blue-green, or yellowish green, causing the pool water to turn the corresponding colour.
What Causes Pool Cloudiness?
Pool cloudiness can be caused by one of the following pool issues:
- Poor water filtration. Filter problems are the leading cause of cloudy pools, as inadequate filtration systems fail to remove tiny contaminants from the water.
- Low chlorine levels. When there is not enough chlorine in the pool to sanitize the water, bacteria, pathogens, and cloudy water may form.
- Poor water chemistry. High levels of pH, calcium hardness, and total alkalinity can form scale on your pool surfaces and inside plumbing, leading to poor filtration and cloudy water.
- Early algae growth. At the early stages of algae growth, before turning green, pool water may appear cloudy instead.
How to Remove Algae from a Pool
The good news is that pool algae and cloudy pool water can be addressed in a matter of days. To quickly get rid of algae and turn green pool water blue again, follow these steps:
- Test the pool water to determine chlorine levels and the pH.
- Use a pool brush to clean the walls, floor, and stairs of the pool from any algae.
- Shock the pool with a high dose of chlorine.
- Add algaecide to kill any remaining algae.
- Run the pool filter non-stop for 24 to 48 hours.
- Vacuum the pool to remove any remaining dead algae.
- Retest water chemistry and adjust as needed.
How to Deal With Pool Cloudiness
If you notice your once-clear pool water turning cloudy, follow these steps to restore the clarity:
- Check the pool water chemistry, including pH, alkalinity, and calcium levels.
- Run the pool filter continuously to remove any particles.
- Use a dedicated pool clarifier to coagulate the water.
- Vacuum the pool to remove any settled debris.
- Clean the pool filter to ensure optimal filtration.
- Shock the pool with a high level of chlorine to kill any algae or bacteria that may be causing cloudiness.
Ongoing Maintenance for a Clear Pool
Keeping your pool algae- and cloudiness-free requires regular maintenance. Here are a few simple steps you can take to keep your pool water fresh and clear at all times:
- Check the water balance on a consistent basis;
- Clean the pump, filter, and skimmer regularly;
- Use an algaecide regularly to prevent algae growth;
- Ensure that the water filtration system is operating properly to circulate the water throughout the pool;
- Brush your pool regularly, including the walls, steps, and floor;
- Shock the pool weekly with concentrated forms of chlorine;
- Vacuum the pool on a regular basis.
Hiring A Professional
If the task of how to remove algae or cloudiness from your pool still seems daunting, know that you are not alone. Many pool owners find algae and cloudiness a tough problem to deal with, as the issues could be caused by a number of things, from simple lack of chlorine to more advanced filtration issues. The good news is that you can always rely on professional help from Benson Pools. Reach out to us today to schedule your pool opening procedure or book ongoing maintenance visits.
