How To Remove Dead Algae From Pool Bottom? [Proven Methods]

Pool water turning green? You may have an algae problem. Although most of it is not toxic, it's still quite hard to remove.

Cleaning a pool is a nasty job that can take weeks. But you can clean your pool in just a few days with a few simple steps.

And here's how to remove dead algae from the pool bottom.

dirty swimming pool bottom

How to Remove Dead Algae from Pool Bottom? Step-By-Step Guide

Step 1: Check the Water Chemistry

Before you start, check the water chemistry. More specifically, run some chlorine and pH tests on the pool water.
The pH should be about 7.8 and if it's lower than that, try adding some sodium carbonate.

For the chlorine, make sure it's above one ppm. If it's lower than that, you can sprinkle some sodium bisulfate. It will also affect the pH, so keep checking the water after each addition.

 
Step 2: Run the Pump


Stagnant water is the perfect breeding ground for algae and unwanted microbes. So, instead of running the pump for 8 hours each day, run it for 24 hours.

 
Step 3: Clear Any Debris


This step is essential. Any type of debris is unwanted in the pool. And no, you can't just drain it because it will clog the drain.
 
So instead, use a leaf net to remove any debris from the surface of the pool. While doing so, you will also remove many algae stuck to the debris and floating around.

 
Step 4: Brush the Pool Wall


Algae isn't just on the surface of the water. It also gets stuck to the pool wall, forming a rather nasty yet fluffy layer of green fibers.

For example, a wire brush is best for concrete or plaster pools. For other pools, a nylon or poly brush will work best. It won't scratch the liner and keep the pool wall in top shape.

Scrub the entirety of the pool's walls, even if you don't see any algae there. Get a helping hand for this. Be sure to rinse the pool walls after scrubbing, as all the algae will fall.

 
Step 5: Bring Out the Vacuum


Next, you should vacuum the pool floor. It will remove any residual algae and clean up the algae stuck in gaps and around the drain.

Of course, manually vacuuming the pool after you scrubbed it will be tiresome.
 
So, it's best to use a robotic pool vacuum. If you're not willing to incur the costs, you can settle for the manual ones.

But be sure to clean the entire pool floor first.

 
Step 6: Shock Treatment


If you want to stick to all of that, you can always opt for shock treatment. Chlorine shock treatment requires a few extra steps, but it eliminates microbes, bacteria, and algae from the pool.
 
Chlorine shock treatment is hyper-chlorinating the pool. It kills off any harmful micro-organisms.


Before you begin:

  1. Make sure you're wearing protective gloves and eyewear.
  2. Pull deals with bleach, after all.
  3. Buy the appropriate pool shock and read the instructions to prepare it. 

Once you're done, pour the shock solution into the pool and leave it for a while. The general idea is to leave it overnight, so don't invite any guests over. Once done, check the pool's chemistry and adjust the pH and chlorine levels. 

Lastly, run the filtration system for at least 24 hours before letting anyone jump in the pool. You may still need to clean up residual algae and bacteria manually. 

Step 7: Sprinkle Some Algaecide


The easiest way to prevent any algae buildup in the pool is to use an algaecide. Algaecide is very easy to use as long as you follow the manufacturer's instructions.

Be sure to use it according to the requirement; don't add too much. And keep in mind the recommended waiting time before letting anyone in the pool.

 
Step 8: Clear the Sand Filter


Sand filters are also essential for removing algae. But when they get clogged, they won't do their job right. Make sure the sand filter is clear.

Perform some much-needed backwashing on the filter to ensure it's completely clear.

 
Step 9: Recheck the Water Chemistry


First, check the chlorine level, which shouldn't be more than 1 ppm. And correct the pH if it's not between 7.4 and 7.6. It's also a good idea to check the alkalinity of the pool, which should be around 80-140 ppm.

dirty green swimming pool with a vaccum

How Do I Get Rid of Dead Algae in My Pool Bottom Without a Vacuum?

If you don't have a robotic vacuum and don't want to take the task up manually, there are a few alternatives.

 
Make use of the filter. You don't have a vacuum so that the filter will stand-in for that.

First, make sure the filter is clean and unclogged. If you find any debris on the pool's surface that's too big for the filter, remove it with a leaf net.

Aside from that, you can follow the above instructions while skipping over the vacuum part.

In this case, you may need to add chlorine tablets to help remove any algae stuck to the pool floor. But, again, be sure to follow the instructions on how much and how often you should add these tablets.

How Do I Get Rid of Algae in My Pool Naturally?

It's not very easy to naturally remove algae, as it's nature that allowed it to growl in the first place.

However, you can avoid using harsh algaecides or shocking your pool to make the cleanup feel more natural.

 
Baking soda is a popular alternative treatment for black algae. However, it's more of a spot treatment, so concentrate it where there is more algae buildup.

 
For blue and green algae, consider using household borax. Pour the borax where the algae are floating and brush it off.

Continue by vacuuming the area to remove any residual algae.

 
If you don't want to use baking soda or borax, you can permanently remove the algae with a brush and vacuum.

First, drain the water and scrub the walls of the pool.

Next, use a vacuum for the floor. Rinse the entire pool a few times. Make sure the filter is clean. So, refill and enjoy.Enter your text here...

How Do I Get Rid of Algae in My Pool Fast?


Perhaps, the quickest way to remove algae in your pool is by shocking it. "Shocking" means hyper-chlorinating the pool water. It kills off bacteria and algae.

 
You'll need to buy a shock and mix it into a solution as per the manufacturer's instructions for shocking.

You should also wear protective gloves and eyewear, as a shock is quite harmful to your body.

 
After mixing the solution, add the shock to the pool. Now, you obviously shouldn't do this with people in the pool. All that chlorine isn't healthy.

 
Preferably, leave the shock overnight and balance the pool's pH, chlorine content, and alkalinity.

Then, again, follow the manufacturers' instructions. If anything clashes with the instructions, prioritize the instructions.

How Do I Get Rid of Algae in My Pool Without Chemicals?


Getting rid of algae requires a lot of chemicals. But can you do it without chemicals?

Yes, but you'll need to make a few compromises.

 
First, you'll spend a lot more time scrubbing and vacuuming.

Second, chemicals help unroot the algae and make it easier to clean. Without them, you'll need to scrub harder.

 
Third, the job won't be done as perfectly. The chemicals you use will help clean the algae better. So, it's no surprise that sans-chemical maintenance isn't as efficient.

 
Lastly, consider household alternatives to retail chemicals. As stated before, you can use household borax and baking soda. These aren't harmful, but they do affect the water chemistry.

 
How Long Does It Take to Kill Algae in A Pool?


It depends on what method you're using. For example, a fast shock should hardly take a few days. On the other hand, a slow scrub and vacuum session can take up to a week, depending on how bad the infestation is.

Wrap-Up:


You probably never thought that a pool would be less play and more work. But the harsh reality is that pool requires a lot of love and care, more than you might be willing to spend.

Luckily, there are a few easy ways to clean your pool. The easiest way is to shock it. It kills all the bacteria, and you can follow up by scrubbing and vacuuming the pool. And the more complicated method can take up to weeks, depending upon the situation.

 
Regardless, pool maintenance is a must. And now that you know how to remove dead algae from the pool bottom, it's now time to clean your pool!