Our Commercial Pool Has Algae, What Do We Do?

Posted by admin on May 4th, 2008 at 12:06am

How Can We Get Rid of Algae in Our Commercial Swimming Pool?

It happened so fast! One day our swimming pool was fine, the next day it was green! – As a commercial pool supplier in the Twin Cities, MN we hear that a lot during the summer months.

First, Can You Still See the Main Drain in Your Pool?

If you look in the deep end and are able to see the main drain, you might be able to QUICKLY treat it, and not have to close your pool. IF YOU ARE UNABLE TO SEE THE MAIN DRAIN – CLOSE THE POOL IMMEDIATELY! For obvious safety reasons, anyone near the pool must be able to see all the way to the bottom at all times.

To get rid of green algae, you need to have a basic understanding of what causes algae in the first place.

6 Ideal Conditions for an Algae Bloom in Your Pool:

Low chlorine levels

High phosphate levels

High pH levels

High cynauric acid levels

Low flow rate

Dirty, old or inadequate filtration

Chances are, if you have green algae, one more of the conditions are present in your pool.

Dave’s “Green Algae Quick Fix” for Commercial Pools:

Address the problem – One or more of the conditions mentioned above, played a part in your algae bloom. Make the neccessary adjustments to balance your pool.

Shock the Pool - Ideally with a non-chlorine shock such as oxone monopersulfate. If you don’t have any on hand, use liquid chlorine. It is important to reach breakpoint by raising FAC (Free and Combined Chlorine) to 10 ppm above the current level..

Eliminate phosphates – Sea Klear has a very effective phosphate remover. Think of phosphates as “algae food”.

Bring the pH down – Use muriatic acid to lower the pH. If the pool is closed, lower it to 7.0

Partially drain the pool – Lower cynauric levels by adding fresh water.

Backwash the filter – If there is a lot of algae, it will plug up your filter fast, so keep an eye on the filter pressure.

It is imperative that you act quickly. Waiting will only make the situation worse. Call your commercial pool supplies vendor and ask them to come out to give you additional ideas. If your pool is in the Twin Cities and you don’t have a pool supplies vendor, call me. I will gladly come out FREE OF CHARGE to help you get things straightened out.

Tags: algae bloom, commercial pool supplies, commercial swimming pool, green algae, phosphates