How to Remove Algae from Your Pool Without a Vacuum

A crystal-clear pool is the dream of every pool owner. But when algae strikes, that dream quickly turns into a nightmare. Whether it’s the slimy green algae, stubborn black spots, or murky yellow stains, algae infestations make swimming pools look uninviting and unsafe. If you don’t have a vacuum or want an alternative approach, don’t worry—you can still effectively remove algae and recover green pool conditions to restore your pool’s pristine clarity. In this guide, we’ll walk you through a step-by-step process to eliminate algae without a vacuum while ensuring your pool stays safe for swimming.

Why Algae Infestations Happen (And How to Prevent Them)

Algae spores are always present in the environment, but they become a problem when conditions allow them to bloom. The primary reasons for algae growth include:

Poor Circulation - Stagnant water creates the perfect breeding ground for algae.
Unbalanced Pool Chemistry – Incorrect pH, alkalinity, or sanitiser levels weaken the pool’s defence against algae.
Lack of Proper Maintenance – Skipping routine cleaning allows algae to take hold.
Warm Temperatures & Sunlight – Algae thrive in sunny, warm conditions, making pools particularly vulnerable during summer.

To keep algae at bay, regular maintenance, proper filtration, and balanced chemical levels are essential. But if your pool is already overrun with algae, here’s how you can remove it—without a vacuum.

Step 1: Brush and Scrub the Pool Walls and Floor

Before treating the algae, you need to break it free from surfaces. Use a stiff pool brush to vigorously scrub the walls, floor, and steps. For black algae (which has deep roots), a wire brush is more effective. The goal is to loosen the algae so it can be treated and filtered out. Pay extra attention to shady areas where algae tend to thrive.

Pro Tip:

If your pool has rough surfaces, algae can cling tightly. Consider using a pumice stone on stubborn spots.

Step 2: Shock Your Pool with High-Dose Chlorine

Chlorine shock is the best way to kill algae. Without a vacuum, shocking your pool helps sanitise and oxidise organic matter, making it easier to remove. Use a calcium hypochlorite shock or liquid chlorine and follow these steps:

Test Your Water: Ensure your pH is around 7.2 to 7.6 before shocking.
Calculate the Right Dose: Severe algae infestations need a triple shock treatment (3 pounds per 10,000 gallons).
Distribute Evenly: Pour the shock directly into the pool, focusing on areas with heavy algae.
Run the Pool Pump: Keep it running for at least 24 hours to circulate the chlorine effectively.

Important Warning:

Do not swim until chlorine levels return to 1-3 ppm (parts per million).

Step 3: Use an Algaecide for Stubborn Algae

If the shock treatment didn’t fully eliminate the algae, using an algaecide is the next step. Different types of algae require different treatments:

Apply the algaecide according to the manufacturer’s instructions and brush the pool again to help it penetrate the remaining algae.

Step 4: Filter Out Dead Algae

Since you don’t have a vacuum, your pool’s filtration system is your best ally for removing dead algae. Follow these steps:

Run the Pump Continuously – Keep your filter running 24-48 hours after shocking.
Backwash or Clean the Filter Regularly – A clogged filter will slow down the removal process. If using a sand or DE filter, backwash it frequently. If using a cartridge filter, clean or replace the cartridges.
Use a Pool Skimmer or Leaf Rake to manually skim out floating algae clusters.

Step 5: Flocculant Method for Heavy Algae Blooms

If dead algae remain suspended in the water, use a pool flocculant to settle it at the bottom:

Add Pool Flocculant – Follow the dosage recommendations based on your pool size.
Turn Off the Pump – Let the water sit undisturbed overnight so the algae settle at the bottom.
Use a Leaf Rake or Manual Removal – Since you don’t have a vacuum, use a pool net or dustpan to carefully remove the sediment.

Step 6: Balance and Maintain Your Pool Water

Once the algae are gone, prevent future outbreaks by ensuring proper water chemistry:

Maintain Chlorine Levels – Keep it at 1-3 ppm.
Monitor pH & Alkalinity – Keep pH at 7.2-7.6 and alkalinity between 80-120 ppm.
Use a Pool Cover – This minimises debris and sunlight exposure.
Shock Weekly in Summer – Regular shocking prevents algae from returning.

Natural Remedies: Do They Work?

Some pool owners prefer chemical-free solutions. While not as fast-acting, here are a few natural approaches:

Baking Soda: Works as a scrubber but won’t kill algae alone.
Vinegar: Helps with minor algae issues but isn’t powerful enough for major blooms.
Hydrogen Peroxide: Can work in some pools but requires high concentrations.
Barley Straw Extract: An organic algae deterrent, though results vary.

Conclusion

Removing algae from a pool without a vacuum takes effort, but it’s entirely possible. With thorough brushing, proper chemical treatments, continuous filtration, and manual removal techniques, you can restore your pool’s clarity and keep algae from coming back. If you’re struggling with persistent algae issues or need expert maintenance, The One Pool Cleaning offers professional pool care services to keep your water sparkling clean year-round.

By following these steps, you’ll enjoy a clean, algae-free pool without the need for a vacuum—just good old-fashioned maintenance and smart treatment methods. Happy swimming