Brown algae

by Raelene
(Viictoria , )

I should have mentioned that it is brown algae I have in the pool, whether that makes a difference to the way I treat it. The water looks a lot clearer now after treating it.

I would like to thank you for replying to my question from a few days ago, it was very helpful.

I am being fanatical with the cleaning of the cartridge, and the pool itself and I am running the pump constantly but in the mornings I am still finding the brown sand on the bottom and sides of the pool, although greatly reduced.

My question is-it may appear to be stupid, but is the algae dead or alive ?

Thank you

Raelene

Thank you for the compliment Raelene. I'm glad your pool is clearing up.

There are no stupid questions, just bad advice from people who call themselves "pool guys".

Algae is alive when it first occurs in the pool but when you do a good pool shock the chlorine kills it.

Pool Shock..How To Shock A Pool..Swimming Pool Chemistry..Care..

Be sure you have properly shocked your pool. I have a Brown Algae page you will find helpful:

Brown Algae..Swimming Pool Chemistry..Care..Maintenance..Instructions..Tips

I would suggest you keep doing what you're already doing, filtering and keeping the cartridges clean. If the pool is clear enough you can also vacuum:

Swimming Pool Vacuums..Above Ground Pool Parts..Care..Maintenance

Also be sure your cartridges are free of any tears or rips. Anything like this and the dirt, debris, and algae will just go right back into the pool.

This is one trick that I use when I sweep the pool at the YMCA. I temporarily turn off the filter so no water is circulating. Then I gently sweep the walls and floor of the pool. This allows the debris and dirt to fall to the bottom. Once the dirt settles a bit I turn the filter back on and either gently sweep the debris to the bottom drain or vacuum it up.

By turning off the filter for a few minutes it allows the dirt to settle rather than hitting the water coming out of the returns and being blown around the pool.

There are some brown algaecides on the market but I would first do the above. Once you keep your chemicals in line there really shouldn't be a need for anything else.

Hope this helps and again, good luck with your pool.

Best regards

Robert