Results for "yellow algae"

Algae Green Pool Medium 3-5 days 257 👍 1

Can Pool Algae Be Brown? Types, ID & Treatment Guide

According to my pool guy I've done everything right — shocked twice, scrubbed every surface, ran the pump nonstop — but this mysterious brown crud keeps coming back. I know green algae is the usual suspect, but this stuff is definitely more brown/yellowish. Is that even a thing with pool algae?

I'm trying to figure out if I need to shock it like regular algae or if there's some other treatment I should be doing. Don't want to waste a bunch of chemicals if I'm treating the wrong problem!…more

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Salt Water Medium 2-5 days depending on severity 388 👍 1

Do Salt Water Pools Get Algae? Prevention & Treatment Guide

Converted to salt water two seasons ago and thought algae would be a thing of the past. Woke up last Tuesday to green patches forming on the shallow end walls despite my salt cell running full blast. Starting to wonder if salt pools are really as algae-proof as everyone claims.…more

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Algae Green Pool Medium 15 minutes reading, varies for application 294 👍 1

How Pool Algaecide Works: Complete Chemistry Guide 2026

I replaced three different algaecides in two months, my 20,000-gallon pool still gets green spots weekly, AND my perfect chlorine levels aren't preventing anything. I've tried copper-based and polyquat algaecides, but I'm curious about the actual chemistry behind how these products work to kill algae.

My current chlorine levels are around 2-3 ppm and pH is 7.4, but I still get green spots forming on the walls every few weeks. The pool guy says algaecides work differently than chlorine, but he couldn't explain exactly how. I'd love to understand the science behind what's happening at the cellular level when algaecide contacts algae, and whether I should be relying more on higher chlorine levels or these specialty chemicals for prevention and treatment.…more

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Algae Green Pool Medium 2-4 hours 252 👍 1

Does Cloudy Pool Water Mean Algae? Diagnosis Guide

Walked out to my 20,000 gallon inground pool this morning and the crystal clear water from three days ago is now completely cloudy. They've been asking to use the pool, but I'm worried this cloudiness might mean we have an algae problem that could make them sick.

I'm not sure what's causing the cloudiness - could it be algae starting to grow, or might there be other reasons? How can I tell the difference between algae and other issues that cause cloudy water? I want to make sure I properly diagnose what's wrong before letting the kids back in the pool.…more

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Algae Green Pool Medium 15 minutes reading 253 👍 1

How Does Pool Algae Form? Understanding the Science Behind It

Since my neighbor's pool sparkles like a resort while mine transforms into a green lagoon every month, what's their secret to preventing algae takeover? The staff always tries to sell me multiple expensive bottles of shock, algaecide, and clarifiers, claiming I need their whole treatment system. But I want to understand what's actually causing this algae to form in the first place so I can prevent it myself.

What are the root causes that allow algae to take hold and multiply in pool water? I'd rather tackle the problem at its source than keep throwing money at treatments that only seem to work temporarily.…more

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Algae Green Pool Medium 4-6 hours 1,274 👍 16

Can I Shock Pool After Adding Algaecide? Complete Guide

Spent all morning watching my pool turn green with algae patches and now I'm holding bottles of algaecide and shock with no clue which to use first. But I'm not sure about the timing - can I add both in the same day? Should I put the algaecide in first, or does it matter?

Also, if I can use both, how long should I wait between adding them? Don't want to mess up my water chemistry or waste expensive chemicals by doing this wrong!…more

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Filters Easy 45-90 minutes 358 👍 2

Can I Vacuum Pool on Waste? Complete Filter Setting Guide

Halfway through prepping for our pool party this Saturday, I realized I have no clue which filter setting to use when vacuuming all this debris. I've got some pretty heavy debris that's settled on the bottom of my pool after a storm, and I'm worried about clogging up my filter if I vacuum it all up normally.

The guy at the pool store mentioned something about using the "waste" setting when vacuuming, but I didn't really understand what he meant. Does this actually work, and when should I be using waste instead of the regular filter setting? I don't want to mess anything up since I'm still learning all this stuff.…more

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Maintenance Medium 2-4 hours 188 👍 1

Do I Need Pool Shock? When and Why to Shock Your Pool

During last week's heavy storms and downpours, my pool water turned cloudy and now I'm worried it's not safe for my kids to swim. My free chlorine levels seem to be dropping, and we've had some heavy rain lately plus the kids and their friends have been using the pool constantly this summer.

I keep hearing about pool shock but I'm not sure when I actually need to use it or what type is best. I just want to make sure the water is properly sanitized and safe for swimming. What are the signs that tell me I need to shock the pool, and how do I do it correctly?…more

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Above Ground Easy 30 minutes 389 👍 1

Do You Need to Shock Above Ground Pools? Complete Guide

I'm wondering if I'm about to waste my money on pool shock for my above ground pool since I keep getting mixed advice on whether it's even necessary. Some people tell me that above ground pools don't need to be shocked as often as inground pools, while others say they need the same treatment. My chlorine levels have been staying around 2-3 ppm with regular chlorine tablets, but I've noticed the water getting a bit hazy after heavy use on weekends.

I'm wondering if above ground pools have different shocking requirements compared to inground pools, or if the maintenance routine should be exactly the same? Should I be shocking weekly during swim season, or is there a different schedule I should follow for an above ground setup?…more

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Water Chemistry Medium 2-4 hours initial treatment 341 👍 1

Can You Shock Pool With Liquid Chlorine? Complete Guide

Replaced my pool's chlorine tablets with liquid this season — planning to shock my 10,000 gallon pool Saturday, what supplies do I need ready? Have liquid chlorine on hand but not sure if it's effective for shocking or if I need granular shock instead.

How much liquid chlorine would I need to properly shock? Want to raise chlorine levels by about 10ppm.…more

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Filters Easy 15 minutes 469 👍 1

How Long Do Pool Cartridge Filters Last? Replacement Guide

Between my pool store saying 2-4 weeks and everything online claiming 2-4 months, I'm completely lost on when to actually replace my cartridge filter. How long between cleanings? When do I throw them out completely and buy new ones?

Running my pool daily during summer. Want to stay on top of maintenance but not waste money replacing too early.…more

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Cloudy Water Medium 2-5 days 1,907 👍 1

How to Clear Cloudy Pool Water: Complete Step-by-Step Guide

Pulled off a perfect shock treatment on my old above-ground pool for this exact cloudy water mess, but my new inground pool still looks like milk. I can barely see the bottom and it's honestly embarrassing with summer parties coming up.

I'm pretty sure I need to do something with the chemicals and maybe run the filter more, but I have no idea what the right steps are or how long this is going to take. Should I be testing the water first? Adding chlorine? Help me get my pool back to that beautiful clear blue!…more

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Water Chemistry Medium 45 minutes 412 👍 2

Pool Shock vs Chlorine: Do You Need Both? Complete Guide

Planning my spring pool opening, the same pushy sales pitch starts at the pool store — they insist I need chlorine tablets AND shock treatment AND algaecide. My pool maintenance costs are getting out of control.

Do I really need to buy separate shock products if I'm already using chlorine for regular sanitization? I'm starting to think they're just trying to squeeze more money out of me. Can't I just use one product that does both jobs? I'd rather go the DIY route and simplify my chemical routine if possible.…more

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Filters Easy 15 minutes 323 👍 1

How to Tell If Your Pool Cartridge Filter Is Bad - 7 Signs

Nobody can explain why my test strips show perfect chemistry levels but my pool water looks like chocolate milk. Filter cartridge looks grayish and the pleats seem a bit beat up. Tried cleaning it but water quality isn't improving.

How do I know when it's actually time to replace the cartridge versus just needing a better cleaning? What should I be looking for?…more

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Pump Problems Medium 2-3 hours for assessment and calculations 255 👍 1

Do I Need a Bigger Pool Pump? Complete Sizing Guide 2026

Turned out my husband was right when he said our pool water looks like weak tea despite perfect chemical levels, and now I'm questioning if our pump is actually doing its job. My pool is about 20,000 gallons and I have no idea how long it takes for all the water to cycle through.

I want to make sure the filtration is strong enough to remove bacteria and contaminants effectively. How do I know if I need to upgrade to a more powerful pump? What should I be looking for to ensure the water is turning over frequently enough for safe swimming?…more

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