Algae Prevention
Note: A newer and more up-to-date version of this article can be found here.
In this Leslie’s Swimming Pool Supplies video, you will learn five things you can do to keep algae out of your pool.
- Circulate and filter the water in your pool
- Have a regular cleaning routine
- Maintain a chlorine level of 1 to 3 ppm
- Keep phosphates out of your pool
- Regularly test your water
If you want to know more about algae, visit lesliespool.com or speak to one of our knowledgeable staff members at one of our 800 stores.
Video transcription:
Hi I'm Peter with Leslie's swimming pool supplies and this video will show you how to keep your pool algae-free. Once you get algae in your pool it's tough to get rid of it and keep it from coming back. Here are 5 important things you can do to keep your pool algae-free.
First circulate and filter the water. Your pool’s pump and filter help mix chemicals throughout the pool and remove dirt and debris from the water. During the summer months you should run your pool’s pump and filter one hour for every ten degrees of outside temperature.
Next have a regular cleaning routine that keeps dirt and debris out of the pool. Every week you should brush the walls and steps. Skim debris from the surface and floor and vacuum the pool. You should also regularly every the basket in your skimmer and the basket in your pool pump.
Next maintain a chlorine level of 1-3 parts-per-million. The easiest way to do this is with the floating or in line chlorinator that use a slow dissolving chlorine tablets. Chlorine help sanitize and disinfect the water by killing bacteria. You may also need to shock or super chlorinate your pool when its low on chlorine. We recommend Leslies Chlor-Bright or Leslie's Power Powder Plus. These products add a larger dose of chlorine that dissolves quickly and helps kill algae.
Next keep phosphates out of your pool. Phosphates are organic matter that come from things like lotions, leaves and debris.
Finally regularly test your water to ensure that it’s properly balanced. We recommend you test your water two times per week during the summer months and every two weeks bring a sample of your pool water into one of our stores for free comprehensive water analysis.
Maintaining algae free water will help keep your pool and spa clean, safe and ready to enjoy.
If you have any other questions about algae, call or visit your local Leslies store to talk to an expert. For more videos and pool care tips visit our website.