The SLAM method (Shock Level And Maintain) clears green pools by maintaining high chlorine levels continuously until water clears. Use liquid chlorine to reach shock level based on CYA, maintain 24/7 until overnight chlorine loss is 1ppm or less.
Wait 24-48 hours after shocking your pool before adding algaecide, allowing chlorine levels to drop below 5 ppm. Test your water first to ensure proper chemical balance and maximum algaecide effectiveness.
Most pools don't need algaecide if you maintain proper chlorine levels (2-5ppm FC) and adequate CYA (30-50ppm). Algaecide is mainly useful for prevention during high-risk periods or as backup insurance, not for treating active algae blooms.
Yes, green pool water can make you sick with infections, gastrointestinal illness, and respiratory problems. The algae indicates dangerous bacteria and parasites are present, making swimming unsafe until properly treated.
Pool algae can cause skin rashes, irritation, and other health issues through direct contact or by creating conditions that harbor harmful bacteria. The key is eliminating algae through proper SLAM treatment and maintaining balanced water chemistry.
Pool algae itself cannot kill you, but certain types like blue-green algae can cause serious illness, and algae creates slippery, dangerous swimming conditions that increase drowning risk.
Yes, you can shock your pool after adding algaecide, but timing matters. Wait at least 2-4 hours between applications and always add algaecide first, then shock.
Pool covers are highly effective at preventing algae by blocking sunlight and reducing debris, but they don't eliminate the need for proper chemical balance and filtration.
Cloudy pool water doesn't necessarily mean algae - it can be caused by poor filtration, chemical imbalances, or early algae growth. Proper testing and diagnosis will reveal the true cause.
Pool algae forms when microscopic spores enter your water and find ideal conditions: sunlight, nutrients (like phosphates), warm temperatures, and unbalanced water chemistry with insufficient chlorine levels.
Pool covers don't directly cause algae, but they create ideal conditions for growth by blocking UV rays that normally help chlorine kill algae. Maintain proper chlorine levels and consider removing covers periodically to prevent issues.
You can close a green pool, but it's not recommended as algae will worsen over winter. Either treat the algae with SLAM method before closing, or use extra winterizing chemicals and accept potential spring cleanup issues.
Green pool water can absolutely be fixed using the SLAM method (Shock Level And Maintain). This involves raising free chlorine to shock levels based on your CYA and maintaining that level until the pool clears completely.
Pool algaecides should not be used in ponds as they contain chemicals toxic to fish, plants, and beneficial bacteria. Use pond-specific treatments or natural methods instead.
Pool algaecides work by disrupting algae cell walls and metabolic processes to kill and prevent algae growth. However, proper chlorine levels are more effective for treating existing algae problems than algaecides alone.
