How to Get Rid of Yellow Algae

Aug 14, 2020

Welcome to another Fact Friday from ePoolSupply! Every Friday we like to educate our customers with important information regarding their swimming pool and helpful technical tips to make informed decisions to make pool maintenance easier. Today we will be discussing yellow algae and how to eradicate it. Let's dive in!

What is Yellow Algae?

Yellow algae are more commonly found in southern climates. It clings to pool walls, toys, as well as your bathing suits. Contrary to its close cousin green algae, yellow algae are more resistant to chlorine and usually requires assistance from a good algaecide like Sodium Bromide in order to clear and eliminate the bloom from your swimming pool. So where do you start? Let's take a look at the steps required to eliminate the microbe:

Backwash & Remove Equipment

Make sure you are starting with a clean filter. Remove all toys, floats, and pool equipment from the pool.

Brush & Vacuum

Starting with your steps and wall, sweep towards the center of the pool. Stirring up the algae will make it easier for the chlorine and algaecide to kill the algae.

Add Algaecide & Chlorine

Follow the directions carefully according to the manufacturer's specifications. Shocking the pool is most effective when done during the evening or after dark.

Run the Pool

Adjust your suction to pull water directly from the skimmer. The skimmer will cycle and filter water in the fastest method possible. Run the pool at full speed for 24 hours.

Backwash & Repeat the Process

After backwashing, brush and vacuum the pool again in the same method. Most yellow algae treatments will use all the available chlorine within that 24 hours, so you'll have to add additional chlorine shock to finalize the treatment. After adding the chlorine, run the pool again at full speed for 24 hours.

Test & Balance the Pool

Using a chemical test kit, ensure that your chlorine and ph levels are within the optimal range before opening the pool up again. Visually inspect the pool to ensure the yellow algae has been eliminated.

With the information found in this guide, you'll be able to better understand yellow algae and how to remove it. If you have any questions regarding the information found in this blog feel free to reach out to us directly. Our team of Pool Professionals is here to help you through every step of the process. Otherwise, just keep swimming!