Algae can quickly turn your beautiful vinyl pool into a murky, green mess if not properly managed. While algae growth is common in pools, it can be particularly problematic for vinyl pools because it can stain and damage the liner if left untreated. Fortunately, with the right preventive measures and treatment strategies, you can keep your pool algae-free all season long. Considering this, we at Metropolitan Pools would like to share some tips on how to prevent and treat algae in a vinyl pool.

Preventing Algae Growth

Prevention is always easier than treatment when it comes to algae. Follow these steps to minimize the risk of algae taking hold in your vinyl pool:
1) Maintain Proper Water Chemistry. Keeping your pool’s water balanced is the first step in preventing algae growth. Regularly check and maintain the following levels:
Chlorine: 1-3 ppm (parts per million) to kill bacteria and algae spores
pH: 7.2-7.6 to keep chlorine working effectively
Alkalinity: 80-120 ppm to stabilize pH levels
Cyanuric Acid: 30-50 ppm to prevent chlorine degradation from sunlight
2) Run Your Pool Pump Regularly. Proper circulation prevents algae spores from settling and growing. Run your pump for at least 8-12 hours daily to ensure adequate filtration and water movement. Stagnant water encourages algae growth, especially in warmer months.
3) Brush and Vacuum Weekly. Algae thrive on pool surfaces, especially in areas with poor circulation. Use a soft-bristle brush to clean your vinyl pool walls and floor weekly, and vacuum any debris that settles at the bottom.
4) Shock Your Pool Regularly. Superchlorination (shocking) your pool once a week or after heavy usage helps eliminate algae spores before they bloom. Use a chlorine-based shock for routine maintenance or a non-chlorine shock if you have sensitive swimmers.
5) Use Algaecides as a Preventive Measure. Algaecides can act as a backup defense against algae. Adding an algaecide weekly, especially in hot weather or after rainstorms, can help keep algae at bay. Look for algaecides specifically formulated for vinyl pools to prevent liner damage.

Treating Algae in a Vinyl Pool

If algae do appear in your pool, don’t panic. Follow these steps to get your pool back to crystal-clear condition:
1) Identify the Type of Algae
Green Algae: The most common type, making the water cloudy or green.
Yellow/Mustard Algae: Clings to pool walls and often resists chlorine.
Black Algae: Forms dark spots and is the most difficult to remove.
2) Shock the Pool. Use a heavy dose of chlorine shock (3-5 times the normal amount) to kill algae. Run the filter continuously and keep chlorine levels high until the algae are gone.
3) Brush and Vacuum Thoroughly. Brushing helps break up algae, making it easier for chlorine to kill it. Vacuum the dead algae out of the pool to prevent regrowth.
4) Clean the Filter. Algae spores can get trapped in the filter, so clean or backwash your filter after treatment.
5) Retest and Balance the Water. Once the algae are gone, rebalance your water chemistry to prevent future outbreaks.

Vinyl Pool Installation, Repair, Maintenance & More in Sandusky, Lorain, Elyria, Medina, Parma, Mentor, Akron & Greater Cleveland, Ohio

You can enjoy a clear, algae-free vinyl pool all season long by following these steps. For vinyl pool services, call Metropolitan Pools.