What chemicals should I use to clear an algae bloom in Austin?

“When algae shows up, you need to hit it with the right chemicals, not just more chemicals.”

An algae bloom usually means the pool has had a chemistry problem for a while. The water may look green, cloudy, or just dull before it turns fully swampy. In Austin, the combination of heat, sun, and heavy use can let algae take hold fast.

The Chemistry Stack That Actually Works:

1. Test First: Before you dump chemicals in the water, test chlorine, pH, alkalinity, and CYA. If the pH is too high, chlorine loses a lot of its punch.
2. Brush Everything: Algae clings to plaster, steps, and tile. Brushing knocks it loose so your chemicals can do their job.
3. Use Chlorine Aggressively but Correctly: Liquid chlorine is usually the fastest way to start clearing algae. In a bad bloom, you may need repeated doses over a couple of days.
4. Keep the Filter Running: Dead algae has to go somewhere. Run your pump long enough to capture the debris and clean the filter as pressure rises.

Austin Detail: In Central Texas, warm water makes algae multiply faster than you think. If the pool water is over 90 degrees, even a small chemical imbalance can turn into a green pool overnight.

If you’re not sure whether the problem is algae, low chlorine, or bad circulation, start with a full test and then treat the cause, not just the symptom.

Sent from my iPhone while clearing a green pool in Cedar Park.