An infestation of black algae, green algae, pink algae, mustard, and other organisms in the home pool can be a nightmare for homeowners. It can also infect home aquariums. Simply brushing the algae will not do the trick. Like dandelions, algae must be killed at the roots, which grow on the surface of the pool or aquarium. An algaecide is recommended, but there is more to the process than just pouring an algaecide in and watching it work.
Should I Use Root Killers?
If you have a swimming pool infested with roots, you can opt to shock the pool water. Then you have to scrub the pool walls, floors, and stairs as hard as possible. Using root-killing chemicals may help you speed the process up, but they’ll most likely cause other problems.
How to Get Rid of Roots in the Pool
Follow this set of instructions to get rid of algae roots from your pool.
Step 1
Check the pH level of the pool water to make sure it is normal. Check the pump pressure on the filter. If the filter is not working or has very low pressure, the filter will let in more algae after you have cleaned the pool.
Step 2
Scrub the pool with a brush over any visible algae. Scrub the pool vigorously. While this does not kill the roots of the algae, it does make it easy for the chlorine and algaecide to penetrate the wall surfaces.
Step 3
Disconnect the pump. Because the pump and filter will work against you if they are working. After all, they will filter out the excess chlorine and algaecide that you need to fight the problem.
Step 4
Use chlorine tablets near the affected areas. This will provide initial treatment of the algae and remove almost all visible algae. Drop tablets in the pool near the infected areas and allow them to dissolve completely.
Step 5
Use algaecide in the infected areas. Do not dilute with water. The most effective way to combat algae is to use concentrated algaecide. Root killers may be too dangerous and can be damaging to the pool.
Pour in 12 ounces of algaecide near the infected areas per 10,000 gallons of water. Let the algaecide work overnight.
Step 6
Turn on the pump. Firing the pump up again will allow the algae that have died and are in the pool water to be sucked into the filter.
Step 7
Scrub the pool walls and floor away again to clean the walls of dead algae. This will fall into the pool water and be sucked into the filter.
Step 8
Super-chlorinate the pool. Adding more than the usual amount of chlorine can help prevent algae from reappearing.
Tips and Warnings
- If you have an algae problem in an aquarium, remove fish and other living things before treating them with algaecide, and do not use bleach.
- Repeat steps 2-5 if necessary or if the algae infestation was pervasive.
- Repeat these steps every month to ensure that the algae do not come back.
- Algicide is harmful to fish and other objects of life. Wait 24 hours after treatment before using the pool or adding fish to the aquarium.
- Do not swim in the pool during the treatment.
- Remove all living things from an aquarium, if you are dealing with algae.
Be Careful With Root Killers!
Unless you are dealing with algae that are not removed with the use of chlorine, you should as much as possible steer clear of root killers as they can destroy the pool. If the algae are not getting removed, ensure you’re mindful of the dose used.
Meanwhile, if you want to build a family pool but want to avoid the use of heavy chemicals such as algaecides or root killers, we highly recommend above-ground pools. Root problems and algae are more common with large in-ground pools.