How Did I Get Algae?

Even with a properly-working circulation system, sanitizers at their recommended levels, and weekly shocking, algae can still find its way into any pool. In fact, most cases of algae occur in pools that are well-maintained and cared for year-round. This is because there is no way to keep algae spores from getting into your pool. Spores, which can grow into algae blooms under the right circumstances, are constantly getting brought into the water through wind, rain, dust, debris, and even on a swimmer’s body and bathing suit.

Most of the time, these algae spores are quickly destroyed by chlorine, shock, or preventative algaecide, but the spores can occasionally survive by settling in a dead spot in the pool. These dead spots are areas of the pool that the circulation system does not reach, and are commonly found around steps and pool equipment like ladders. Almost all pools have these dead spots, so it is important to maintain a regular brushing schedule for these areas, as well as the entire pool. Brushing and sanitizing your pool should take care of almost all potential algae blooms, but blooms can still develop. If they do grow into full algae blooms, it is best to attack them quickly, before they can grow into a real problem. By using powerful chemicals and vigorous brushing, pool owners should be able to handle most algae problems.

What Does Algae Do To My Pool?

Algae is one of the most common problems for pool owners, and can range from a minor hassle to a major headache, depending on the type of algae and how quickly the problem is taken care of. Algae spores are constantly finding their way into your pool, most commonly through windblown dirt and debris, rain, and even on a swimmer’s body and bathing suit. There is no way to prevent algae from getting into your pool, but with proper circulation and sanitation, and routine brushing, you can keep most algae problems from growing. If you fall behind on your maintenance, or there are dead spots (areas of the pool that the circulation system does not reach, commonly around steps and ladders) in your pool, algae can bloom and cause problems. Algae is not a problem if the spores are destroyed quickly, but if spores are left to grow into full algae blooms, they can be difficult to remove.



Algae can be the cause of many problems, especially if left untreated for extended amounts of time. Problems related to algae include:

• It causes slippery, dangerous pool surfaces
• While non-toxic itself, it harbors harmful, disease-causing bacteria
• It clouds the water, causing unsafe swimming conditions
• It raises the pH of the water, resulting in increased chemical usage
• It creates a very high chlorine demand
• Most of all, it makes the water look green, slimy, and uninviting

Algae Control Leslie’s Algae Control – Made with concentrated, 60% active algae fighter, Leslie’s Algae Control is one of the strongest algae preventers and controllers on the market today. Leslie’s Algae Control both kills existing algae and prevents future outbreaks of blooms, and will not foam up or cause stains in your pool.

Silver Algaecide Leslie’s Silver Algaecide – Leslie’s Silver Algaecide is specially formulated to deal with the tough kinds of algae, mustard and black algae. One dosage should start to kill the algae, and then should be used routinely to keep algae from coming back. Leslie’s Silver Algae should be used instead of shocking your pool.

Copper Algaecide Leslie’s Copper Algaecide – Great for fighting every kind of pool algae, Leslie’s Copper Algaecide works quickly and effectively to kill all algae. Also designed as both an algae killer and preventer, Leslie’s Copper Algaecide should be diluted in a large bucket with water before being poured into the pool.

Black Algae Killer Leslie’s Black Algae Killer – A uniquely blended formula, Leslie’s Black Algae Killer specializes in eliminating both black and mustard algae types. Black algae is the most stubborn and toughest algae to get rid of, but Leslie’s Black Algae Killer destroys it with ease. Use a large 12 ounce dose to initially kill algae, followed by smaller, regular doses to prevent it from coming back.

Green to Clean Green To Clean – Green To Clean is a powerful algae fighter, great for use against floating and wall-clinging green algae, and the best part is that it requires no brushing! In order to make your pool algae-free, Green To Clean works best when your pool’s pH level is at 8.0 or higher. Green To Clean is quick-acting and contains no metal, so it won’t stain your pool.

Yellow Out Yellow Out – Similar to Green to Clean, Yellow Out rids your pool of algae without brushing! Yellow Out is designed to fight every kind of algae, including the tougher kinds like mustard and black algae. It should also be used with a pH level above 8.0 to achieve the best results. Yellow Out, like Green To Clean, is best used as an algaecide rather than a preventer.

PHOSfree PHOSfree – Like all plants, algae need sunlight and food to reproduce. Phosphates, algae’s main source of food, get into swimming pools through debris, decaying leaves, and swimmer waste. A recent development in algae fighting, PHOSfree uses 100% natural and non-toxic enzymes to destroy eliminate all phosphates from your pool. Without phosphates, algae cannot grow and are quickly killed by the sanitizer already in your pool!

Pool Perfect + PHOSfree Pool Perfect + PHOSfree – Combining the phosphate-eliminating formula of PHOSfree with powerful, water-cleaning enzymes, Pool Perfect + PHOSfree is the latest innovation in algae fighting! Designed to not only destroy all kinds of algae by getting rid of their main food source, Pool Perfect + PHOSfree will leave your water looking sparkling clear thanks to the safe and natural cleaning enzymes.

Pool Magic + PHOSfree Pool Magic + PHOSfree – Just like Pool Perfect, Pool Magic + PHOSfree gets rid of phosphates as well as organic contaminants that make your pool look cloudy and dirty. The difference is that Pool Magic + PHOSfree is designed to be used when opening your pool for the summer and closing it for the winter. The strong, natural enzymes in Pool Magic + PHOSfree will help to keep algae away even when the pool is closed

3" Chlorine Tabs 3" Chlorine Tabs – The easiest way to maintain your chlorine levels is with Leslie’s 3-inch chlorine tabs, which dissolve slowly and efficiently, meaning you buy fewer tabs and spend less time keeping your pool in pristine condition.Trichlor represents the most effective and efficient method of chlorinating a pool. Trichlor tablets provide constant and reliable chlorination, ease of handling, and an indefinite shelf life.

Ultima Total Control Ultima Total Control – Combining the power of chlorinating compounds with copper for immediate algae-fighting treatment, Ultima Total Control gives you extended relief from your algae problems. Total Control is designed to fight all types of algae, including mustard and black algae, and comes in a granular formula so there is no mixing or dissolving before adding to your pool. Total Control kills and prevents algae, and leaves your pool sparkling clear!

Power Powder Plus Power Powder Plus – During swimming season, Leslie’s recommends applying a shock treatment to your pool weekly. This shock treatment destroys what regular chlorination cannot remove, including 99.9% of disease-causing microorganisms. Leslie’s Power Powder Plus represents a powerful, yet simple and pain-free method of superchlorination that will keep your pool clean and safe. Leslie’s Power Powder Plus is a chlorine-based shock for your pool. The active ingredient is Calcium Hypochlorite, a strong oxidizer and sanitizer