Algae in pools can cause a number of problems, from clogging filter systems to changing the pH balance. But does bleach kill algae? In some cases, it will work as a disinfectant and reduce the amount of algae in your backyard pool. However, chlorine is not effective against all types of algae so you need to be careful when using this chemical if you want to avoid harming your water chemistry.
What is Algae?
Algae are plant-like organisms that live in water. If you have ever seen scum on top of a pond, then you know what algae looks like. They come in many colors and the presence of certain types will actually give your pool water a greenish color since they can sometimes tint the water. The water may also smell bad. Certain types of algae are not harmful but many can cause problems related to clogging filters or changing the pH balance, which can lead to other issues.
How Does Bleach Kill Algae?
Bleach does help control algae in pools due to chlorineβs disinfectant properties. However, bleach cannot kill all types of algae. For example, the green water that develops in pools is often caused by a type of algae known as βCladophora.β Bleach cannot kill this organism and it will not help reduce the color of your pool.
Certain types of algae can be killed off using bleach but if you want to use this chemical for this purpose you need to ensure that your pool is balanced. You can use bleach to help reduce algae in a number of ways.
For example, you can add it directly to the water either using a feeder or by pouring it into the skimmer if you are using an automatic chlorinator. Bleach will often lower chlorine levels temporarily but once they return to normal levels there should not be any harmful effects on the water.
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When you are shocked with bleach ensure that the chlorine level of the pool is still normal before you try to do this. You can simply keep adding chlorine until it reaches the right level (5 parts per million). If you are using an automatic chlorinator, ensure that there is enough bleach in the unit to shock your pool without wasting too much of this chemical.
What Bleach Cannot Do?
Bleach is not effective against all types of algae. For example, it will not work on βBlue-green Algae.β This type can sometimes develop in pools and is actually caused by cyanobacteria, which are the result of excess nutrients entering your pool.
You should also make sure that you do not dump bleach directly into your pool. This can cause a number of problems, including bleaching your poolβs finish. Bleach will also release harmful chemicals into the water so you should always pour it into the skimmer or use other methods that do not require dumping chemicals directly into the water.
Is it harmful to use bleach in the pool?
Bleaching with bleach is not harmful to your pool if you are using it properly. However, you should never dump this directly into the water because it can release chemicals that are dangerous to humans. Bleach may also damage some pool finishes so make sure that you read the manufacturerβs instructions for this chemical before trying to use it in
You should always speak to an expert before attempting to add bleach to your pool if you are concerned about the presence of algae. Bleach can cause problems for your pool if you do not follow instructions or add too much, which is why consulting a specialist can help you to get the best results. In fact, regular testing and maintenance will also go a long way toward reducing algae growth in your pool so you should have this done on a regular basis.
How can I get my poolβs algae problem under control as quickly as possible?
Many people use bleach as a quick way to kill algae in their pools. If you only have a small amount of this type of organism, pouring some bleach directly into your skimmer can be the best method. If you need to reduce chlorine levels quickly, shock your pool with a dose of bleach and water.
Make sure that you still maintain the waterβs chlorine levels. Avoid dumping bleach directly into your pool and do not use too much of this chemical.
As long as you make sure that the water is balanced and you only add the right amount of bleach, this chemical can be helpful.
Make sure that you maintain your poolβs chlorine levels and do not add too much bleach as doing so can damage the water and cause problems. It is also important to ensure that your pool does not have too high a pH level or low alkalinity as this will increase the effectiveness of bleach.
How much bleach do you need to get rid of algae?
Bleach cannot be used to completely remove algae from a pool. However, it can help in some situations. You should add bleach directly into your skimmer when you have a small amount of algae or use it as a shock when you need to quickly reduce chlorine levels.
If you add too much bleach, follow the label instructions carefully and dilute it with water if necessary. Avoid pouring bleach directly into your pool and never attempt to do this without a skimmer as you could damage the poolβs filter.
How will I know if my shock treatment worked?
You can test for chlorine levels after you have added bleach to your pool, but it might be difficult to see whether or not the shock treatment worked. In some cases, adding too much bleach can cause your pool to look hazy and this is not a sign that the shock treatment was effective.
Itβs best to wait three hours after adding the chlorine before testing the water because it will take time for all of the algae and other contaminants to be destroyed. You should always test your pool before adding chemicals, especially if you do not have any bacteria in the water to break down old chlorine.
Check for cloudy water or a hazy film on your poolβs walls after shocking it with bleach. Avoid using too much of this chemical and follow the package instructions carefully.
How should I care for my pool when Iβm treating it for algae?
Itβs important to maintain your pool as you try to get rid of algae. Turn off your pump, cover your pool with a solar blanket, and make sure that the filter is clean. If you have trichlor tablets or another kind of chlorine in the water when you are treating it for algae, remove these chemicals as soon as possible.
Wait before adding chemicals to your pool after shocking it with bleach. If you have a problem with algae once the shock treatment is over, only use a small amount of chlorine and monitor the water on a regular basis so that you can treat it for this problem as quickly as possible.
As mentioned above, chemicals may not be able to completely remove all kinds of algae from your pool, however, they can make this problem more manageable and easier to deal with. Make sure that you maintain your poolβs chemistry levels and do not add too much chlorine as it can cause damage to the water.
How much bleach is required for a pool with a capacity of 10,000 gallons?
A pool with a capacity of 10,000 gallons would need about 0.5 gallons of bleach for a chlorine concentration of 2 ppm.
It is best to use between 100 and 200 ounces of regular-strength bleach per 10,000 gallons of pool water β one gallon is 128 ounces, and many bottles of bleach are available in one gallon or half-gallon sizes.
References:
Avoid Harmful Algae and Cyanobacteria https://www.cdc.gov/habs/be-aware-habs.html