Type of Algae and Treatment

Green Algae – The most common. It is identified by a cloudy green appearance of the water. 

• TREATMENT: Shock treat the pool with IDEAL Sure Shock at a rate of 1 lb. per 5,000 gallons. Add IDEAL Algaecide 60 or IDEAL Algae Killer according to label instructions.

Mustard Algae – A difficult algae to control. It is identified by the cloudy greenish-yellow color of the water.

• TREATMENT: Shock treat the pool with IDEAL Sure Shock at a rate of 1 lb. per 5,000 gallons. Add IDEAL Algaecide 60 or Algae Killer according to label instructions.

Black Algae – Identified by very dark green slippery patches clinging to floors and walls.

• TREATMENT: Shock treat the pool with IDEAL Sure Shock at a rate of 1 lb. per 5,000 gallons. Add IDEAL Algae Killer according to instructions.

Pink Algae – Frequently called “Red Algae.” This is actually a bacteria that cannot be prevented by algaecides. The best prevention is maintaining an adequate chlorine residual.

• TREATMENT: Shock treat the pool with IDEAL Sure Shock at a rate of 1 lb. per 5,000 gallons.

If an algae problem exists, the filtration system should be run continuously for a minimum of 72 hours. The pool surface should be brushed daily. This will remove dead layers of algae and allow the chemicals to kill the remaining layers of algae growth.