Swimming in murky greenish water with threads and islands of algae is highly unpleasant. Swimming pool owners are familiar with the problem of blooming and the appearance of a greenish water surface. It is worth thinking about filters, nets, skimmers, and cleaning techniques using chemicals and monitoring water indicators at the purchase stage.
Any water blooms significantly if it does not move and is not regularly updated. If the pool is located on the street, then the “colors” are also added from natural garbage. Swimming in the swimming pools with algae is not very pleasant. So, let us try to understand How to remove algae from pool without a vacuum?
Contents
How do algae harm the pool?
Algae clog the filter material in the sand filters, reducing the efficiency of the filtration system and requiring more backwashes or partial replacement of the filter material.
In addition, chlorine, which should affect other pollutants, is oxidized by algae. Respectively, the chlorine content in the swimming pool water decreases sharply, which inevitably leads to the turbidity of the water and the appearance of an unpleasant odor.
Algae is not harmful to bathers, but it can become a breeding ground for pathogenic microorganisms, such as E-coli bacteria, in large quantities. Algae practically consume chlorine.
Algae can be somewhat compared to weeds in your garden. Unsightly, unwanted, from nowhere, create additional problems for the gardener and ruin what we want to grow. From all of the above, it becomes clear that the proper actions will not be the fight against algae but the prevention of their appearance.
Types of Pool and How Algae Affect Them
There are many different pools to date, but only four types are used more often. Below we will look at how each of them is affected by algae.
People like to use concrete because of the longevity it provides. But these types suffer the most when phytoplankton grow in them. They push air into concrete and interfere with cement hydration. Such acts reduce concrete’s strength.
This swimming pool is a popular choice because of its durability. It also suffers the least from algal activities.
It uses a vinyl sheet that goes between the water and the pool. Which means water does not get to touch the bottom of the walls. They are susceptible to algae growth because algae might grow underneath the sheet and go unnoticed.
Cleaning algae from the above-ground pool as soon as possible is essential. Because the structure is made of aluminum and steel, both of these metals are rust-prone. Phytoplankton produces Oxygen in the water. And, Oxygen is responsible for accelerating the deterioration process of these metals. Unless you are a pool owner and removing algae from the above-ground pool surface, they will reduce the expected lifetime of the pool.
Type of algae on Pool
More than 21,000 varieties of seaweed are known, but it is pretty challenging to determine each species when servicing pools. To successfully combat algae, enough to divide them by color.
Green Algae
It is a reasonably large group of various green algae. Occur immediately after turbidity of the pool water due to poor filtration or disinfection. They often swim in the water column, although they can cling to pool walls.
The pool water turns a dark green color. Some species of green algae float as “spots” on the surface of the water, especially in stagnant places where there is little water movement. Some form spots on the pool wall and pool surface, with further development of green algae growth, can cover an entire wall or the entire pool.
Yellow algae or Mustard Algae
Yellow algae or mustard algae species usually develop on the shady side of the pool. Algae cling to each other and gradually cover the walls and bottom of the pool with a solid film. This film is challenging to assemble with a water vacuum cleaner.
The slightest mistake and the film fly all over the water column. You can spend the whole bathing season fighting with yellow seaweed. During the struggle, it is necessary to maintain an elevated level of chlorine constantly. This type of algae is resistant to normal levels of chlorine.
Black Algae
It is the most resistant seaweed. You can even compare it with herpes – if it has already started, it will definitely continue. Of course, this is not entirely accurate, but because of the strong roots and protective layers in the body of black algae, the fight against them is tough.
Black seaweed appears in the form of dark, black, or blue/ green spots, about 5 millimeters. Their roots go deep into the plastic, into the seams between the tiles, and into the grout of the tile, and if the roots are not destroyed, a new cap of algae will grow again in the same place.
The hat also contains protective layers that prevent chemicals from entering the body. Like yellow seaweed, this algae can develop safely even with the regular operation of the filtration system and disinfection system.
Perhaps this form of the pool algae does not develop by itself but gets into the pool from the swimsuit of a person who recently rested at sea or near the ocean.
Pink Algae
It is not seaweed per se but a form of bacteria. They usually appear as spots or stripes in corners, near embedded elements, in crevices. These algae forms are slowly developing, and the probability that they will flood the entire pool is tiny.
Why and how does a ground pool get algae?
Algae spores, microorganisms, bacteria are present in the water. They are introduced with bathing people, animals, wind, natural debris. And sooner or later, the following favorable conditions for the growth and development of pool algae come. Which ones exactly?
- Hot weather, high air temperature.
- The abundance of sunlight.
- Lack of disinfectants.
- There is not enough filter power for this pool.
These factors are enough to stimulate the active reproduction of different types of algae.
What are the signs of algae in your pool?
The appearance of greenish spots on the facing tiles, muddy brown suspension in the water, the smallest emerald cobwebs – all these are the first signs of growth and reproduction of micro-vegetation in the pool. Unfortunately, unexpected green shoots in the pool are an almost inevitable event, especially in outdoor pools.
Take care of the pool filter
Most often, if you have already noticed the appearance of algae in the pool, it means that they are also in your filter. However, the filter initially helps to prevent the appearance of algae. Nevertheless, it is worth carrying out a thorough cleaning of the filter and generally monitoring its health in time. A garden hose can help you with this, with which you can thoroughly clean the filter. Also, please turn it off while cleaning it and take a brush to clean up the sides. It would result in the clearance of algae.
Care the pool pump
Very often, algae appear in stagnant water. To avoid this, you need to use a pool pump. However, this pool pump may become clogged. In this case, it is necessary to take care of its proper operation and cleanliness. Thoroughly clean your pump so that the pool is healthy.
How to get algae out of pool without a vacuum cleaner?
There are two ways to clean the swimming pool without a vacuum. We offer them because they are easier compared to working with a vacuum.
Method One: Use Algaecide
Use algicide – a substance whose task is to prevent the development of algae in the pool without a vacuum. At the same time, it does not change the pH value, brightens the water, destroys bacteria, as another variety with a bactericidal effect is produced.
Algicide works for both calm and restless water (where there are slides, stairs, hydro-massage and geyser installations, and many bathers). The chemical should always be present in the water. It is based on copper because this is the only way to prevent the appearance of particularly resistant black algae or remove strong algae.
In shape, it can be foaming and non-foaming, which works excellent on pools with hydro massage. It is necessary to treat seams, corners, gutter skimmers, bottom parts, lamps, and connectors with an algicide solution.
Step 1:
You can choose a particular type of algaecide for green, yellow, or blue algae. However, if you want to immediately get the job done for all kinds of algae, you can opt for the multipurpose algaecide.
Step 2:
After waiting for a few minutes to turn on the pump, you need to apply algaecide in the pool. For every 10,000 gallons of water, you need to pour 16 ounces of algaecide in the pool.
Step 3:
Now, it is time to play the waiting game dedicatedly. You need to run the pool filter and wait for 12 hours to 24 hours so that all the algae are dead and removed from the pool water.
Method Two: Applying Shock Product
Such cleaning is understood as introducing a shock dose of a chlorine-based disinfectant into the water, for example, hypochlorite, exceeding the usual calculated dose for your pool by 5-7 times. Leave the solution to act overnight or for a day. If there is substantial contamination, then it may be necessary to clean again.
Then you need to thoroughly clean the bowl and the bottom of the pool from dead algae because they will settle to the bottom or float. Rinse the filters as often as possible because dead algae also get there. Last of all, a substance that prevents the growth of algae in the pool without a vacuum and an anticoagulant should be added.
Step 1:
In the beginning, wear protective goggles and hand gloves to ensure safety. Hand gloves are essential since calcium hypochlorite is very reactive and can burn your soft tissues.
Step 2:
Pick a clean bucket that can accommodate at least five gallons of water. Then fill it up with tap water. You should ardently ensure that the water is clean.
Step 3:
Add one pound of the calcium hypochlorite shock product to the bucket. Depending on the pool size, you may need to use 15 gallons to 20 gallons of water and 3 pounds to 4 pounds of shock product. After you have poured the shock product into the bucket, use a stick to stir the mixture.
Keep string until the mixture is adequately diluted.
Step 4:
Now pour the mixture directly into the algae-affected area of the pool. In most cases, one dose of shock product application is enough to kill most algae. However, if the algae attack is too high, you may require using calcium hypochlorite twice.
Step 5:
We recommend you apply the shock product at night so that it gets a whole night to work in the pool water. Once you use the product in the pool water, run the filter for at least six to eight hours. The calcium hypochlorite will release chlorine into the water and kill the algae.
Once the algae are dead, you can proceed to accumulate the dead algae and give the pool water a proper vacuum cleaning.
Manual Labor
To manually clean the pool without a vacuum, you will most likely need to dry it out, and then with gloves and shields, removing algae gently. That is, you will need to clean all the walls of the pool thoroughly.
To clean the bottom of your pool without a vacuum, take it slow in what you do. In case the pool lacks a filter, and small particles have invaded the bottom, it means your cleaning process will be effort-demanding.
How to Remove Dead Algae out of Pool Bottom without Vacuum?
Step 1:
Once you are ready with all the equipment to vacuum the above-ground pool, you first need to make a homemade pool vacuum cleaner. Luckily, the process of making a homemade vacuuming system for the pool isn’t stringent.
At first, join the telescopic pole with one end of the garden hose. You can use a rope to bind the garden hose end with the bar. The telescopic pole allows you to move the hose through the pool water quickly. Then connect the other side of the telescopic pole with a vacuuming head.
Step 2:
Once you are ready with the adapter, you would ardently want to fix the draining spot. Once you have clinched the draining spot, you should place the other end of the hose adapter there.
Step 3:
Now you will need to create a vacuum within the garden hose to start the siphoning process. If you are using a complete hose, submerge the telescopic end in the water thoroughly.
Then turn off the filters in the pool. Finally, remove the clamp for mounting from the water source. Once you pull the faucet, it will disperse the air and create a vacuum inside.
Then lower the garden hose in the above-ground pool water. Once sank correctly, the water will flow through the hose and drain in the desired location. However, there might be 2 inches to 3 inches of water still left in the pool.
You can use a wet vacuum or trench to drip off the last few inches of water from the pool. Then use a sponge to remove the algae from the pool bottom manually.
It is best to carry out timely prevention of pool health. To do this, you will need to monitor its cleanliness on time, use chemicals and a good filtration system, and prevent water stagnation in the pool.
FAQ
What kills algae fast?
Chlorine, algaecide, and other chemicals can kill algae fast.
Does vinegar kill algae?
Yes, if applied correctly.
How often to use algaecide?
Using it once a week after shocking is the best practice.
How often to shock my pool?
Once per week should be enough.
What happens if you swim in algae?
Nausea, eye irritation, skin rash, respiratory problems, etc.
Does salt get rid of algae?
Rock salt can help to get rid of them.
Conclusion
Summing up, I would like to wish you that your pool is always healthy. Also, do not forget to monitor its cleanliness on time, because then you will save a huge amount of money that you could spend on treating the pool from algae.
