Q: I have a saltwater pool that I have had the salt content test and made correct. The chlorine level is good, even on the high side. The filters have been cleaned recently but still have green algae on the pool sides. The bottom is clear, just the sides. The pool is heated daily for a special needs child. Is that the reason for the algae? I did shock it a few weeks ago and cleared it up. Do I have to continue with that?
Thank you for your help.
A: If you have algae I would shock the pool (or use your salt cell to boost production to 100% for 24 hours), brush down the walls and floor of the pool, and then circulate nonstop until it starts to go away. You can also use liquid chlorine for fast acting relief from algae, also brush it down well.
You can also add an initial dose of an algaecide (get from your pool place) and then a maintenance dose every week is a good idea.
If you continue to have algae after doing the above, you may need to treat for phosphates (food for algae) to help get rid of it. That is a product you can also ask for at your local pool place. PhosFree by Natural Chemistry is a good one to look at.
It would also be helpful to get in the habit of doing a shock, or superchlorinate, once a week or at least every other week to help keep the pool free of algae.
Good luck!