5 Best Pool Cleaning Services for Removing Algae That Experts Recommend
Discover the top 5 professional pool cleaning services that effectively eliminate stubborn algae, ensuring crystal-clear water and preventing future outbreaks for a healthier swimming experience.
Battling stubborn algae growth in your swimming pool can quickly turn your backyard oasis into a green, murky nightmare. When DIY solutions fall short, professional pool cleaning services offer specialized equipment and expertise to eliminate algae and restore your pool’s crystal-clear appearance.
Finding the right service provider can save you time, money, and frustration as experienced professionals can not only remove existing algae but also implement preventative measures to keep it from returning.
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Understanding Pool Algae: Types and Why Professional Removal Matters
Common Types of Pool Algae
Pool algae come in several varieties, each requiring specific treatment approaches. Green algae is the most common type, forming slippery surfaces and turning water cloudy. Black algae is particularly stubborn, embedding itself in concrete surfaces with deep root systems that make it difficult to eliminate. Yellow or mustard algae often resembles pollen or sand and can return quickly if not properly treated. Pink “algae” isn’t actually algae but a bacteria that forms slimy deposits along waterlines and in corners.
Health and Safety Concerns
Algae-infested pools create significant health risks you shouldn’t ignore. These organisms provide breeding grounds for harmful bacteria and pathogens, increasing the risk of infections and respiratory issues. Slippery algae surfaces on pool steps, ladders, and floors create dangerous fall hazards. Additionally, algae rapidly depletes chlorine levels, compromising your pool’s overall sanitization and creating a cascade of water quality problems that extend beyond just visible appearance.
Why DIY Methods Often Fall Short
DIY algae treatments typically address only surface symptoms rather than underlying causes. Store-bought solutions rarely penetrate algae’s protective layers, especially with black algae’s deep root systems. Most homeowners lack the specialized equipment needed for thorough removal, such as professional-grade vacuums and filtration systems. Without proper knowledge of water chemistry, DIY treatments often lead to imbalanced pool conditions that can damage surfaces and equipment while creating an environment for algae to return stronger.
The Professional Advantage
Professional pool services bring specialized knowledge and equipment that make algae removal more effective and long-lasting. They perform comprehensive water testing to identify specific algae strains and underlying chemical imbalances. Professionals use commercial-grade algaecides and treatment protocols not available to consumers. Their thorough approach includes cleaning filtration systems, brushing surfaces, and treating water chemistry to prevent recurrence. Many services also offer preventative maintenance plans to stop algae before it starts, saving you money on costly treatments.
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5 Top-Rated Pool Cleaning Services for Algae Removal
When persistent algae takes over your pool, professional services offer the expertise and equipment needed for effective removal. Here are five top-rated pool cleaning services specialized in battling various types of algae.
Leslie’s Pool Service: Best for Green Algae Treatment
ProTouch Pool Services excels in green algae treatment, offering free consultations and detailed water sampling. Their comprehensive approach includes phosphate removers and balanced water chemistry techniques, providing nearly 100% success in eliminating green algae and preventing future outbreaks in your swimming pool.
Quickly eliminate phosphates from your pool or spa with Orenda PR-10000. This NSF-certified concentrate removes phosphates on contact, reducing chlorine demand and algae growth.
Pool Doctor: Experts in Black Algae Elimination
PoolLogic specializes in tackling stubborn black algae problems with professional-grade solutions. Their certified technicians target black algae at its roots, preventing regrowth and ensuring your pool surfaces remain algae-free. Their total satisfaction guarantee demonstrates their confidence in completely eliminating this persistent algae type.
Blue Water Pool Services: Specialized in Mustard Algae Removal
GL Pools offers specialized treatments for mustard and yellow algae varieties that often resist standard cleaning methods. Their tailored approach can be implemented as a one-time service or combined with regular maintenance plans. Their technicians specifically target the unique characteristics of mustard algae for complete elimination.
Crystal Clear Pool Care: Best for Comprehensive Algae Prevention
Enjoy crystal-clear pool water in 24 hours with HTH Clarifier. This fast-acting formula improves filter efficiency and is compatible with all pool types, including saltwater systems.
America’s Swimming Pool Company provides a comprehensive “Green-to-Clean” service that transforms algae-infested pools within 3-5 days. Their certified technicians remove debris, kill existing algae, and restore water clarity through a systematic approach. Their preventative maintenance ensures your pool stays crystal clear long-term.
Poolwerx: Top Choice for Stubborn Algae Problems
Poolwerx offers specialized green pool cleaning and algae removal services with local experts who maximize efficiency. Their technicians handle various types of stubborn algae problems using commercial-grade treatments that DIY methods can’t match. Their expertise saves you time and money while providing lasting results against persistent algae issues.
What to Look for When Hiring a Professional Pool Cleaning Service
Expertise and Experience
When hiring a pool cleaning service for algae removal, prioritize companies with extensive experience in treating algae outbreaks. Services like ProTouch Pool Services and PoolLogic have years of proven expertise in combating various types of algae. Look for companies that can demonstrate their knowledge through case studies or customer testimonials, showing how they’ve successfully eliminated stubborn algae problems in the past.
Customized Treatment Plans
The best pool cleaning services don’t offer one-size-fits-all solutions for algae removal. Instead, they conduct thorough water testing to determine the specific type of algae and underlying causes. Companies like ProTouch Pool Services and GL Pools emphasize field testing and water sampling to create tailored treatment plans. This customized approach ensures more effective algae elimination and helps address the root causes of the problem.
Range of Algae Treatment Options
Different algae types require different treatment approaches, so choose a service equipped to handle various algae species. Top providers like GL Pools offer specialized treatments for green, black, mustard, and yellow algae. Ask potential services about their experience with the specific type of algae in your pool and what methods they use for each variety to ensure they have the necessary expertise.
Preventative Measures
Effective algae removal isn’t just about treating existing problems—it’s about preventing future outbreaks. Premium services like PoolLogic and ProTouch Pool Services implement preventative strategies including balanced water chemistry maintenance and phosphate remover applications. Ask prospective companies about their prevention protocols and ongoing maintenance plans to keep your pool algae-free long-term.
Customer Satisfaction and Guarantees
Choose pool cleaning services with strong customer satisfaction records and service guarantees. Companies like PoolLogic, with over 1,042 satisfied customers, demonstrate reliability through their track record. Look for services that offer satisfaction guarantees, ensuring they’ll return if algae problems persist after treatment. These guarantees reflect a company’s confidence in their algae removal capabilities.
Insurance and Safety Protocols
Always verify that your pool cleaning service is fully insured, like PoolLogic, to protect against potential damages or accidents during treatment. Ask about their safety protocols for chemical handling and application. Proper insurance and safety measures protect both your property and the service technicians while ensuring professional-grade treatment products are used correctly and responsibly.
DIY vs. Professional Algae Removal: Cost Comparison
DIY Algae Removal
- Products: Algaecides and pool cleaning chemicals can range from $10 to $50 or more, depending on the type and quality.
- Time: Significant time is required to manually scoop out leaves, test and balance water chemistry, and apply treatments.
- Efficiency: DIY methods can be less effective, especially for severe algae blooms, and may require repeated treatments.
- Risk: Incorrect use of chemicals can lead to further water imbalance or damage to pool equipment.
Professional Algae Removal
- Cost: Professional services typically range from $200 to $1,000 or more, depending on the severity of the algae bloom and the size of the pool.
- Time: Professionals can complete the job in a few days, depending on the service provider’s process (e.g., ASP’s 3-5 day recovery process).
- Efficiency: Professional services are generally more effective and ensure that the pool is thoroughly cleaned and balanced.
- Additional Benefits: Professionals often provide additional services such as filter cleaning, surface cleaning, and maintenance tips to prevent future algae growth.
Summary
While DIY methods can be cheaper upfront, professional services offer a more efficient and effective solution, especially for severe algae issues. The cost of professional services may be higher, but they provide comprehensive care and long-term benefits for pool maintenance.
How to Maintain an Algae-Free Pool After Professional Cleaning
Balance Pool Water
Maintaining proper water chemistry is your first defense against recurring algae problems. Test your pool water at least twice weekly and adjust the pH level to between 7.2 and 7.6, total alkalinity to 80-120 ppm, and calcium hardness to 200-400 ppm. Imbalanced water creates the perfect environment for algae to return, undoing the professional cleaning you’ve invested in.
Maintain Proper Chlorine Levels
Keep your free chlorine levels between 1-3 ppm consistently to prevent algae spores from taking hold. Install an automatic chlorinator for steady sanitization, or add chlorine manually every 1-2 days. During hot summer months, your chlorine will dissipate faster, so increase testing frequency to ensure levels never drop below the minimum threshold where algae can begin to bloom.
Ensure Good Circulation and Filtration
Run your pool pump at least 8-10 hours daily to maintain proper water circulation. Clean or backwash your filter regularly—weekly for sand filters, monthly for cartridge filters—to ensure efficient removal of microscopic particles that feed algae. Poor circulation creates dead spots where algae can establish colonies despite adequate chemical levels.
Regular Cleaning
Brush pool walls and floor weekly to dislodge any beginning algae formations before they become visible. Skim the surface daily to remove leaves and debris that provide nutrients for algae growth. Vacuum the pool floor at least once weekly to eliminate settled organic matter that can feed algae even when chemical levels appear correct.
Monitor for Environmental Contaminants
Be vigilant about potential contaminants that introduce algae spores. Rinse swimsuits thoroughly between uses, especially after swimming in natural bodies of water. Cover your pool during heavy rainstorms or windstorms to prevent the introduction of nutrient-rich water or debris. Clean pool toys and equipment regularly with a chlorine solution to prevent cross-contamination.
Regular Maintenance Visits
Schedule quarterly professional maintenance visits even when your pool appears clean. Professionals can spot early warning signs of potential algae problems, perform deep cleaning of equipment, and address water balance issues before they become visible problems. These preventative visits typically cost $75-$150 but save thousands in potential remediation if algae returns aggressively.
Conclusion: Investing in Professional Algae Removal for a Healthier Pool
Taking action against algae isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about protecting your investment and ensuring a safe swimming environment. The five professional services highlighted offer specialized solutions that DIY methods simply can’t match.
While professional treatments may cost more upfront they deliver superior results and long-term protection against recurring algae problems. You’ll gain peace of mind knowing experts are handling your pool’s specific algae challenges with proper equipment and commercial-grade treatments.
Remember that maintaining your algae-free pool after professional cleaning is equally important. By following the recommended maintenance practices and scheduling periodic professional check-ups you’ll enjoy crystal-clear water all season long—making that initial investment in professional cleaning truly worthwhile.
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes algae to grow in swimming pools?
Algae grows in pools due to a combination of factors including imbalanced water chemistry, poor circulation, inadequate filtration, and environmental contaminants like rain, wind, and organic debris. Inconsistent chlorine levels or ineffective sanitization also contribute significantly to algae blooms. Warm temperatures accelerate growth, making algae problems more common during summer months.
How can I identify different types of pool algae?
Green algae appears as a greenish film or cloudy water and feels slippery. Black algae forms dark, stubborn spots with deep roots in pool surfaces. Yellow/mustard algae resembles pollen or sand and clings to shady areas. Pink “algae” (actually bacteria) appears as pinkish slime in corners or around fixtures. Each type requires specific treatment approaches for effective elimination.
Why are DIY algae treatments often ineffective?
DIY treatments typically address only surface symptoms without treating root causes. Store-bought chemicals may be insufficient for severe infestations, especially with black or mustard algae. Homeowners often lack specialized equipment for proper circulation and filtration cleaning. Additionally, incorrect chemical application can worsen water balance issues or damage pool equipment, ultimately prolonging the problem.
How much does professional pool algae removal cost?
Professional algae removal typically costs between $200-$1,000, depending on pool size, algae type, and infestation severity. This includes comprehensive treatment, water balancing, filter cleaning, and often preventative measures. While more expensive than DIY options upfront ($10-$50 for chemicals), professional services provide more effective, lasting results and prevent expensive equipment damage or repeated treatments.
How long does it take to clear an algae-infested pool?
Clearing an algae-infested pool typically takes 2-5 days with professional treatment. Green algae usually clears fastest (24-48 hours), while black and mustard algae may require 3-5 days of treatment. Severe infestations might take up to a week. Professional services accelerate this timeline through powerful shock treatments, specialized algaecides, physical removal, and proper filtration cleaning.
Are algae-infested pools dangerous to swim in?
Yes, swimming in algae-infested pools poses health risks. Algae can harbor bacteria and pathogens that cause skin rashes, eye infections, and gastrointestinal issues. Algae makes surfaces slippery, increasing fall risks. Poor water clarity from algae makes it difficult to see underwater hazards or struggling swimmers. Additionally, chemical imbalances often accompanying algae blooms can cause skin and eye irritation.
How often should I schedule professional pool maintenance to prevent algae?
Schedule professional maintenance quarterly for routine prevention, with monthly service during summer or in warm climates. More frequent service (every 2-3 weeks) may be necessary for pools under trees or in areas with high environmental contamination. After treating an algae outbreak, follow-up maintenance within 2-4 weeks helps ensure the problem doesn’t return.
What preventative measures can keep algae from returning?
Maintain balanced water chemistry with regular testing and adjustment. Keep chlorine levels consistent (1-3 ppm) and run your pump 8-12 hours daily. Clean skimmer baskets and backwash filters regularly. Brush pool walls weekly and vacuum debris promptly. Consider using algaecide preventatively, especially during warm months. Cover pools when not in use and trim overhanging vegetation that deposits organic matter into the water.
