Cleaning and Testing Your Pool

• 1). Test the pH level of the pool and make sure it is within the range of 7.2 to 7.8 so that adding chlorine will be more effective.
  
  
• 2). Scrub the sides and floors of the pool with a pool brush to boost the performance of your pool filter. Algae may seem like it's stuck to the sides of the pool, but it is actually free floating and will come away easily.
  
  
• 3). Add a chlorine-based swimming pool shock to the pool. Use the amount recommended for your pool size. Appropriate amounts are determined by number of gallons it takes to fill the pool.
  
  
• 4). Leave the pool pump running continually until the algae is completely gone.
  
  
• 5). Vacuum out the pool and clean the filters thoroughly after 24 hours to remove the dead algae particles.
  
  
• 6). Test the chemical levels in the pool for chlorine content, alkalinity and calcium hardness again, and add what you need to bring them to ideal levels before using the pool.
  
  
• 7). Try an algaecide for more persistent algae problems. There are two basic types of algaecide, metallic and ammonia. Both are effective, but ammonia-based algaecide is usually preferred because it's less expensive and not as likely to leave stains in the pool.
  
  
• 8). Repeat all steps as many times as necessary to restore your pool to its sparkling best.