How to Get Algae Out of the Pool without a Vacuum

Keeping the swimming pool clean from algae is the utmost goal of a pool owner. It ruins the beauty of the pool and makes it unhygienic. Cleaning with a vacuum is the solution to this problem. However, vacuums are expensive. That does not mean you cannot clean algae from your pool.

If you know how to get algae out of the pool without a vacuum, keeping your pool algae-free is easier. Numerous ways are available to clean the pool. We will talk about some easier and popular ways to clean algae from your pool. Also, this will ardently help you keep your pool neat and clean all the time.

Why and how does a pool get algae?

To be frank, algae is always in your pool and swimming around, but in a controlled amount. When it gets the right condition to grow, it overgrows, becomes visible, and causes problems. Multiple reasons are responsible for the overgrowth of the algae in the pool including:

  • Clogged filters
  • Low chlorine levels
  • High pH levels
  • High water temperature
  • Pumps are clogged or not working correctly
  • Warm weather
  • Poor circulation
  • Debris
  • Infrequent brushing

Now consider checking these factors and you will understand why your pool is getting algae.

What are the Signs of Algae?

But when do you understand your pool has overgrown algae? Well, you can get to know it when you see:

  • Any discoloration in the pool water
  • The pool water is dull or cloudy
  • Greenish watercolor
  • Discoloration around the pool stairs or any corners and walls

These signs clearly indicate the attack of algae in your pool and it is time to take action.

Type of Algae on Pool

Algae is a rapidly grown living substance that comes in different types and colors. To treat every different kind of them, you will need to use recommended chemicals to make them stop. Let’s introduce you to them later and we will know how to beat them. 

Green Algae

Have you seen a greenish tinge on your swimming pool? They are the most common but the safest ones. Green Algae is born in a natural process after heavy rain. Once this greenish tinge will burgeon they will come up with all kith and kin, turns out they are burgeoning pretty soon.

algae in swimming pool

If they reside in your pool for a long time then bacteria infestation would be alarming. Needless to say, this, green Algae turns your beautiful pool into a swamp. Moreover, they swim across the pool’s ladder and go below your feet. 

Yellow or Mustard Algae

Ever notice a yellowish or yellow-greening membrane, representing pollen or sand in your pool? That’s the chlorine-resistant yellow algae, also known as mustard algae. Soft and squishy, the algae aren’t slimy, unlike their green rivals. 

Though yellow or mustard algae does not spread as fast as the green one, destroying it is harder compared to green algae. Don’t ignore yellow algae as it destroys the beauty of your pool water and it could also be responsible for health hazards. Cleaning will definitely be harder, but it will bring back the natural beauty and hygiene in your pool. You can get rid of yellow or mustard algae following some simple steps.

Black Algae

Perhaps the nastiest and the most aggravating relative of the green algae. It is extremely hard to eradicate completely for its strong root concentrated on the surface of your pool. The roots even penetrate the tile. Looks like dark black or blue/green spots and size varies from small to medium. 

Besides, the protective layer over their heads protects them from chlorine or shock. Meaning that it can grow even in the high presence of any chemical. Unless you destroy the evil roots, they will come back even after you drained all the water out. 

Pink Algae

Also known as pink slime or pink mold, the Pink algae are the rarest type among its family. Not algae, rather one kind of bacteria, you will find in PVC pipes and sometimes, in your pool. Having a smiley appearance, you will often confuse it with green algae.

Though you can swim through it as it is not harmful to humans, it looks unhygienic. It requires high-level chlorine shock, like black algae, to be completely removed.

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Things to Do Before Cleaning Pool algae

But you can get into cleaning right after knowing algae presence in your pool. Follow these steps before cleaning the pool.

Clean the filter

Having a pool filter is a great advantage as it plays the best pool cleaner role to clean algae from pool water. However, cleaning filters is more important for cleaning a pool. Turn off the filter and use a brush to clear dust and debris. If you find excessive dirt, use a garden hose to clean the filter thoroughly.

Check your pump:

As mentioned, stagnant water causes algae. To circulate water properly, nothing can play a better role than your pool pump. If your pump gets clogged, its performance will go down that promoting algae growth. Wash your pump regularly before getting algae out of the pool.

Brush pool wall

Lose the clingy algae on the wall by using a brush with a telescopic pole. Take your ladder, climb down, and brush the wall. It helps kill algae when using chlorine or shocking.

Test pool water

Know Ph and alkalinity levels of pool water. A balanced Ph and alkalinity levels work better with chemicals to kill algae. Make sure to check and adjust the level.

How to Clean Algae out of Your Pool without a Vacuum

Now you are ready to get algae out of the pool without a pool vacuum. Let’s check a few methods that are working perfectly.

1. Using Algaecides to remove algae

Compared to the automatic leaf vacuum and other vacuums, using algaecides is a smarter method. Versatile types of algaecides including multi-purpose algaecide are available in the market. Different algaecides are suitable for different algae such as green algae, black algae, and others. So pick an effective one by following the methods on how to get algae out of the pool with Algaecides.

  • First, run your pool pump and circulate the water properly.
  • Apply 16 ounces of algaecide for a 10,000 gallons pool.
  • Keep the filter running for 12-24 hours and wait and see the result!

2. Removing Algae Using Pool Shock Products

Using a shock product to get algae out of your pool is the most inexpensive way. Shocking increases chlorine levels and kills algae. Follow the method below on how to get algae out of the pool with a shock product

Requirement

  • Protections such as gloves, goggles
  • A Bucket
  • Calcium Hypochlorite pool shock

Process:

  1. Wear safety gloves and goggles
  2. Mix one pound of a shock to 5 liters of water in the bucket
  3. Double the dose for excessive algae
  4. Apply it to the affected area of the pool
  5. Keep the filter open and wait at least 8 hours
  6. For the best result, do it at night

3. Removing Algae from a pool using the Hand Method (With or without a filter)

For a swimming pool with a filter, removing algae and debris is easier than you think. Follow the process below.

  1. Clean the filter, as mentioned above, to channel water away from the pool.
  2. Brush your pull wall thoroughly to remove all algae.
  3. Now, turn on the filter and wait for a few hours
  4. You can use a garden hose and attachment to remove strong algae from the bottom of your pool.

Pools having no filter seem a little bit daunting to clean algae but are still effective. You need extensive care to remove algae without a filter by following the process below.

cleaning algae with brush
  1. Brush off algae to lose with a tough brush.
  2. After that, sweep all the algae and debris to the bottom of your pool.
  3. Make sure to sweep this pile of algae gently to prevent scattering.
  4. Use a dustpan to collect piled-up algae for disposal.

Note: Make sure, to use a steel brush for your concrete pool, on the other hand, for the vinyl one, a nylon brush seems perfect.


How to Get Green Algae out of Swimming Pool

Green algae on a pool or green water is a common problem for every pool owner. The watercolor can be blue-green, yellow-green, or dark-green. You can follow some simple steps to completely clean the green algae out of the pool.

  • Check the water chemistry and adjust

If your pH level is over 7.6, then, you need need to reduce it to below 7.6. Your aim should be 7.2-7.6. You can use a pH reducer such as sodium bisulfate. Use a proper test kit to check the pH and alkalinity. Alkalinity shouldn’t exceed 120 ppm.

  • Using Algaecide

This will certainly kill your pool’s green algae, but you need to use strong algaecide, like Algaecide 60 for definite results and this is an expensive process. Just make sure to vacuum the pool and clean the filtration system for dead algae.

  • Clean the pool bottom and walls with pool brushes

To clear the algae bloom, you need to clean the pool bottom properly and blush the pool wall vigorously. Steps, behind ladders, and other nooks and crannies should also need to clean in that way. You may consider a nylon bristle brush for the best result.

  • Choose a good chlorine shock product

Regular chlorine dosing is not enough. So, you need to do an extra pool shock. In this case, sodium hypochlorite, calcium hypochlorite o lithium hypochlorite is the best option. Please note that, if your pool water has a high hardness level, then, you should avoid calcium hypochlorite and use lithium hypochlorite instead.

  • Maintain the below steps regularly

After completing the above steps, you should do some maintenance weekly or bi-weekly.

  • Test the water chemical parameters
  • Brush the pool wall and floors
  • Vacuum your will with a pool cleaner or vacuum to remove dead algae
  • Check the filter’s water flow rate and pressure
  • Keep a good water circulation system with multiple circulation jets and an accurate circulation pump’s flow rate.

How to Remove Dead Algae at Bottom of the Pool

If you have dead algae at the bottom of your pool, clean that by following the steps below. You will need yellow reusable 2.5-gallon jugs of chlorine.

  • Make sure to clean the pump and filter and test the water
  • Add a 3” tablet to the chlorinator or floater.
  • Apply 2.5-gallon jug chlorine for 21’ or less round above ground pool.
  • Use two 2.5-gallon jugs of chlorine for a 24’ or more round above ground pool.
  • Now run the pump for circulation and open the filter.

This is how you can remove dead algae from any inground or above-ground pool.


Removing Dead Algae from Pool Bottom without Vacuum

After treating your pool to get rid of algae, you might need to deal with dead algae. These microparticles could be accumulated on your pool bottom and walls. Follow the below steps to get rid of the dead algae, if you don’t have a vacuuming option.

Step 1: Brush the Pool Surface

This should be your first step to loosening and removing the dead algae from your pool surfaces. You need to select a proper bristle brush according to your pool surface finish. Soft bristle brush for fiberglass or vinyl liner pools and steel bristle brush for concrete and plaster pools. This will make the pool’s dead algae float and your filter pump and skimmers can easily suck out the particles.

Step 2: Adding Pool Flocculant

The flocculant will coagulate the dead algae and clump it to sink into the bottom. Sinking the clump will help you to remove it from the bottom easily.

Step 3: Removing Clumps of Algae

Now all clumps have been sunk on the pool bottom. You can use a telescoping pool and leaf rakes to clean the bottom manually. Another easy option is the use a garden hose directly on the bottom and create a siphoning mechanism to suck out the algae clumps from the bottom.

Prevention and Maintenance of algae

But you know, prevention is always better than cure. You can prevent and maintain algae levels under control by following suggestions such as

  • Check your pump to ensure a proper circulation system.
  • Shocking pools regularly will increase chlorine levels and prevent algae.
  • Maintain chlorine or sanitizer level under control
  • Brush the side wall regularly with an effective and suitable brush
  • If possible, use a vacuum to remove dust and debris
  • Reduce Eliminating phosphates for fewer algae growth by using Pool Perfect + PHOSfree.
  • Use algaecide regularly to kill algae
  • Keep your eye open to monitor algae in your pool
  • Cover your pool with a decent winter pool cover when you winterize your pool.

By maintaining these tips, you can protect your pool from algae.

How to keep leaves out of the pool skimmer?

Make sure the skimmer “weir gate,” is in the place that will keep out the leaves. It is the paddle-like flap located in the throat of your skimmer. These will lock leaves inside the basket.

What to do, if my pool is full of leaves and algae?

If you experience excessive leaves and algae, clean all the leaves, dust, and debris at first. Use a vacuum cleaner, leaf bagger, or leaf rake to trap all those leaves. Then test chemical levels in the water and shock your pool. If the algae are too hard, use a brush and garden hose to lose and remove algae.

Final Word

Now you know how to get algae out of the pool without a vacuum. Plenty of ways are there to get rid of algae even if you don’t have a vacuum. Of course, a vacuum makes the job easier and faster. But you will get satisfactory results by investing a little time and effort in cleaning the pool.

An algae-free, clean pool is the ultimate expectation for a pool owner. It provides a hygienic and healthier swimming experience for you and your family. So don’t let yourself down if you don’t have a vacuum. Follow the methods we have mentioned above and remove algae from your pool without a vacuum.

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