How Do I Get Rid of My Algae?

The easiest way to keep your pool clean and algae-free is to destroy the algae spores before they develop into full-on algae blooms. A good circulation system, proper sanitizer levels, weekly shocking, and routine brushing should kill most of the algae spores before they become a problem. In the rare case that the algae does bloom, please follow these quick steps designed to help you get rid of your algae:

1. Balance your water chemistry. When fighting algae, however, Leslie’s recommends keeping your pH slightly higher than usual; somewhere between 7.8 and 8.0

2. Depending on your type of filter, clean or backwash the filter to remove debris and contaminants. You will want to set the filter to run for 24 hours a day while treating your pool for algae.

3. Brush the pool walls thoroughly, especially those areas with visible algae blooms.

4. Be sure to use a brush that is safe for your pools. Wire brushes are great for plaster and gunite pools, but should never be used for vinyl, fiberglass, or tiled pools. If you do not own a plaster pool, using a nylon brush will let you safely brush your pool walls

5. Add a powerful shock, like Power Powder Plus or Leslie’s Chlor Brite. Follow the directions on the shock for proper dosage amounts. Large amounts of algae may require you to add up to 3 doses of shock over a 36-hour period. When using large amounts of shock to kill algae, water may become cloudy. This should not be a problem, and the water should clear up after running the filter.

6. Wait until the chlorine ppm has fallen below 5.0. After this, add an algaecide like Leslie’s Algae Control and brush the pool again.

7. After brushing, vacuum the pool. If large amounts of algae are suspended or floating on the surface, it may be a good idea to add a flocculent like Ultra Bright or Alum. This will cause the particles to bind together and fall to the bottom so they can be vacuumed easily.

8. Continue to run the filter until algae is cleared from pool. If algae persists, continue to shock and brush vigorously until algae is gone. You can also bring a water sample into your nearest Leslie’s store for a water test and advice on clearing up your pool.


Below is a list of the powerful, algae-fighting chemicals that Leslie’s carries that are guaranteed to help you keep your pool clean and safe:

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