I have an above ground pool. Can I use household bleach to kill algae? My pool is overrun with green algae. Thanks.
By leveman3 from Lebanon, TN
No on chlorine bleach! It's not healthy for humans or the environment! Go to your local pool supply company and ask them what products you need to get rid of the algae and what products for maintenance thereafter. They also carry long poles with special pads on them that you run along the bottom and side pool surfaces that help loosen the algae and should also be used for regular maintenance.
Never mess around with chemicals, unless your pool dealer has them in stock. The first step is to bring a sample of your water to determine the right course to clean up the algae, or other problem you may have. Otherwise you are making a possible toxic soup which may harm humans, or destroy the pool. Trying to save a few dollars may cost bigger bucks in the end. I have a friend whose well meaning, but clueless husband "dumped" every product they had bough for the pool, all at once!
Here are the questions asked by community members. Read on to see the answers provided by the ThriftyFun community.
I am constantly getting green and cloudy water in my pool. I shock and algaecide about once a month. Lately every 3-5 days I run the filter 12 hrs a day.
The last two weeks I have also been adding Clear View and also vacuuming about 2-3 times a week and then backwash after vacuuming.Chlorine will get rid of the algae.
There are tons of questions Id have to ask prior to giving a solid answer on this one. Questions regarding chemistry, pump, frequency of chemicals, etc.
Have you ever drained the pool and started fresh?
I second what kdaniels says that this is not an easy answer.
When you are buying your supplies from your local pool supply place, talk to them and get their suggestions to resolve this issue.
We have been having so much rain in my area that everyone with pools is having issues. They can keep their pools clean until the next storm and then it all starts over again. One friend said covering the pool helped, but that isn't always an option.
Post back what you learn as your info may be better than what my friends are getting around here!
Good luck!!
You have a chemical inbalance in your pool and need to test your water with a test kit. The test dit will help you determine how much more chemicals you will need to add t othe water to get rid of your algae problem. I have a small above ground pool and holds around 900 gallons of water. I do not use chemicals in the pool because it is not that hard to change the water once a week. I do find that adding some vinegar to the water during the real warms months of the years helps to control the algae longer and I do not have to emapty and change the pool so often. I know it sounds bad to most people to dump 900 gallons of water once a week. However, where I live is in the topics and the amount of rain we receive here makes it possible for me to do just that.
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We have a very large above ground swimming pool. Does any one know how to get them clean after algae has gotten in? We have used Shock It and chlorine and clarifier. Still green. Sharyl
