How to Keep Your Pool Algae-Free During the Hottest Months
There’s nothing better than diving into a crystal-clear pool on a scorching Texas afternoon. While you’d rather be sunbathing by the poolside with a margarita, the Texas heat creates the perfect environment for pesky algae growth. Staying on top of algae is easy with ongoing pool maintenance and cleaning.
In this blog, we’ll go over some preventative tips homeowners should keep in mind.
What Is Pool Algae?
Algae are microscopic plant-like organisms that thrive in warm, sunny, stagnant water. Add in a little debris, unbalanced pool chemistry, or poor circulation, and you’ve got an algae bloom on your hands.
Here are the most common culprits:
- High heat and sunshine – Algae use sunlight for photosynthesis, which makes Central Texas summers prime algae season.
- Low chlorine levels – Not enough sanitizer means bacteria and algae have free rein.
- Poor circulation – If your pool pump isn’t running long enough, water stagnates, giving algae a place to grow.
- Debris in the pool – Leaves, grass, and even rain can introduce algae spores.
Read Our Blog: How Heat and UV Rays Impact Your Pool’s Chemical Balance
The Trouble with Pool Algae
Algae isn’t just ugly—it’s unsafe. A slimy surface increases the risk of slips and falls, and algae can harbor harmful bacteria like E. coli. In severe cases, your pool water can turn into a cloudy, green mess that requires costly repairs if ignored.
Types of Pool Algae You Might See
- Green algae – The most common type, turning water cloudy or green and spreading fast.
- Mustard (yellow) algae – Usually appears in shady areas, stubborn and chlorine-resistant.
- Black algae – Hard to kill, clings to plaster or concrete pool walls, and penetrates deep into surfaces.
More commonly, you may hear about algae in Austin’s waterways. The constant up and down of toxic algae does make pools favorable during the long summer months.
No matter which kind you’re dealing with, prevention is always easier than treatment.
Read Our Blog: Why Hiring a Pro for Pool Maintenance Beats DIY (and Saves Your Sanity)
Pro Tips to Keep Your Pool Algae-Free
Stay on Top of Water Chemistry
Test your water at least 2–3 times per week during peak summer heat. Keep chlorine levels in the proper range and balance pH and alkalinity to prevent algae growth.
Run Your Pool Pump Longer
In the hottest months, run your pool pump 8–12 hours per day to keep water circulating and filtered. Poor circulation is one of algae’s best friends.
Brush and Vacuum Regularly
Algae like to hide in corners, steps, and cracks. Brushing these spots weekly (or more often if temps stay above 100°) prevents spores from taking hold. Vacuuming keeps debris from fueling algae growth.
Shock Your Pool When Needed
If your water starts looking dull or cloudy, hit it with a chlorine shock treatment—especially after a pool party, rainstorm, or heavy use. Shock works best at night, so sunlight doesn’t burn it off too quickly.
Use an Algaecide for Backup
Think of algaecide as your insurance policy. Adding it weekly during the hottest months gives you extra protection against blooms.
Keep It Covered
Use a pool cover when you’re not swimming. A pool cover reduces debris, stabilizes water chemistry, and blocks spores carried by wind and rain.
Pool Algae Prevention Checklist
Want a quick reference? Here’s your algae-fighting routine:
- Ensure your pool circulation and filtration system is working properly
- Regularly empty and clean the skimmer and pump strainer baskets
- Clean or backwash your pool filter
- Run your pool pump for 10–12 hours daily when temperatures are above 80°F
- Keep sanitizer levels in the ideal range for Central Texas pools
- Maintain chlorine levels between 2.0–4.0 ppm
- Eliminate phosphates to prevent algae growth
- Brush walls, steps, and floors on a regular schedule
- Pay extra attention to shady or low-circulation spots
- Vacuum often to remove dirt, debris, and dead algae
Consistency is the key to algae-free swimming.
If your pool turns murky green or black spots keep coming back, it’s time to call in a pool repair and maintenance expert. Professional treatments and deep cleaning can restore your pool quickly — and prevent algae from returning.
Swim Worry-Free All Summer
With a bit of consistency, your pool can stay clear and inviting even in triple-digit Texas heat. Round Rock Pool Pros offers pool maintenance plans designed to keep algae out and your pool sparkling all year long.
Ready to protect your pool? Contact us today and dive in with confidence!
