Quick Answer

To get rid of algae in your pool fast, you must raise chlorine to shock level, brush the entire pool thoroughly, clean the filter, and run the pump continuously until the water clears. Algae spreads quickly, especially in warm weather, so fast, aggressive treatment is the key to stopping it before the pool turns fully green.

Fast Algae Removal Checklist

If you see algae in your pool, do this immediately:

• Test chlorine and pH

• Lower pH to 7.2–7.4

• Shock the pool heavily

• Brush walls, floor, and steps

• Clean or backwash the filter

• Run pump 24–48 hours nonstop

• Vacuum dead algae after it settles

Types of Pool Algae

1. Green Algae

The most common type. Makes water cloudy or green and spreads fast.

2. Yellow (Mustard) Algae

Dusty-looking algae that clings to shaded walls and steps. More resistant to chlorine.

3. Black Algae

The hardest to remove. Has deep roots in plaster and requires aggressive brushing and high chlorine.

Step-by-Step: How to Kill Pool Algae Fast

1. Test water and confirm low chlorine

2. Adjust pH to 7.2–7.4

3. Add shock to reach high chlorine levels

4. Brush every surface aggressively

5. Run pump continuously

6. Clean filter daily

7. Vacuum dead algae after it drops

8. Re-test and rebalance after 24–48 hours

Why Algae Keeps Coming Back

• Low or unstable chlorine

• Poor circulation

• Dirty filter

• Not brushing weekly

• High stabilizer blocking chlorine effectiveness

Recurring algae almost always indicates a maintenance or circulation issue.

How Long Does It Take to Kill Pool Algae?

• Light algae: 12–24 hours

• Moderate algae: 24–48 hours

• Severe algae: 2–4 days

How to Prevent Algae from Returning

• Maintain chlorine at 2–4 ppm

• Brush weekly

• Keep stabilizer 30–50 ppm

• Run pump 6–10 hours per day

• Shock after storms and heavy use

When to Call a Professional for Algae Removal

Call a pro if:

• Algae returns repeatedly

• Pool won’t hold chlorine

• Water stays cloudy after shock

• You have yellow or black algae

• You want fast guaranteed results

Professional Algae Treatment in Peoria, AZ

If you’re in Peoria or the West Valley, Triton Pools offers fast, professional algae removal with guaranteed results.

• 4.9★ rating with 600+ reviews

• Green, yellow, & black algae removal

• Emergency treatments available

• Full water chemistry restoration

Schedule your algae removal with Triton Pools today.

FAQ: Pool Algae Removal

Can algae grow in just one day?
Yes. In hot weather with low chlorine, algae can appear overnight.

Is brushing really necessary?
Yes. Algae forms a protective layer that chlorine alone can’t penetrate.

Should I use algaecide or shock first?
Shock first. Algaecide is best used as a preventative, not the main treatment.

Will my pool turn cloudy after killing algae?
Yes. Dead algae often clouds the water until it’s filtered out.