Will vinegar get rid of algae in a pool?

Table of Contents

Quick Answer

Vinegar can be an effective method for getting rid of algae in pools when used properly. The acetic acid in vinegar has algicidal properties that can kill algae and prevent further growth. However, vinegar alone is often not enough to completely rid a pool of algae, especially in severe infestations. It’s best used as part of a multipronged approach involving scrubbing, vacuuming, chemical treatments, and prevention methods.

What is Algae?

Algae are plant-like organisms that grow in water, forming green, black, or mustard-colored blotches and slime on pool surfaces. Algae thrive in warm, sunny, nutrient-rich water and can quickly get out of control if not treated promptly. The three most common types of algae found in pools are:

Green algae – Dusty green growth on walls and floor

Black algae – Inky black spots on floors, walls and steps
Mustard algae – Yellow, mustard powdery growth in water

Why Does Pool Get Algae?

There are a few key factors that cause algal blooms and allow algae to thrive in pool water:

Sunlight – Algae needs sunlight to photosynthesize and grow.
Stagnant water – When pool water is not adequately circulated, algae can multiply in dead spots.
Warmer temperatures – Algae thrives in temperatures between 60-80°F.

Excess nutrients – Phosphates, nitrogen from swimmer waste, and other contaminants act as fertilizer for algae.
Low sanitizer levels – Chlorine or bromine is needed to kill and prevent algal growth.
Improper pH – Ideal pool pH is between 7.2-7.8. Levels higher or lower favor algae.

Keeping your pool chemistry balanced, running the filter adequately, and shocking regularly can help prevent algae from taking over.

Will Vinegar Kill Algae in Pools?

Yes, vinegar can be used to kill algae in swimming pools. The acetic acid in vinegar disrupts the cell membranes of algae, essentially dissolving the algal cells. A 5% household white vinegar solution is often effective at killing off green, black and mustard algae.

Here’s how the vinegar works to kill pool algae:

Acetic acid in vinegar lowers the pH of areas it contacts, creating an unfavorable environment for algae.
The acidic vinegar solution dissolves and damages the cell walls of algae, causing internal cell components to leak out.
Algae struggle to maintain homeostasis and transport nutrients with compromised cell membranes.

The damaged cells cannot survive and eventually die off.

Vinegar can disrupt algae growth and quickly kill off many types of algal colonies in pools when applied directly.

Is Vinegar Enough to Completely Rid a Pool of Algae?

Unfortunately, vinegar alone is often not enough to fully cure a pool algae problem, especially in severe cases. Here are some reasons why vinegar has limitations:

High algae concentration – Large amounts of algae can overwhelm the vinegar and limit contact.
Reoccurring growth – Vinegar does not prevent regrowth of algae spores left behind.
Green algae roots – Threadlike roots can remain, allowing quick regrowth.

Filter and water treatment – Vinegar does not treat the pool system, which may harbor algae.
Water chemistry – Underlying issues with pH, chlorine, and phosphates still need correction.

While vinegar can kill surface algal growth, whole colonies, roots, and spores often remain in circulation and untreated by the vinegar application. A comprehensive algae treatment plan is required to fully rid a pool of a severe algae problem.

How to Use Vinegar to Treat Pool Algae

Here are some tips on how to use vinegar in your pool algae treatment regimen:

Test pool chemistry first – Balance pH and alkalinity per manufacturer recommendations.
Brush and vacuum pool thoroughly – Remove as much algae as possible before vinegar application.

Use household white vinegar – Dilute to 50% strength with water for large applications.
Spot treat affected areas – Spray or pour vinegar directly onto visible algae.
Let vinegar sit 15-30 minutes then scrub – Scrub with a stiff brush to remove dead algae.

Rinse treated areas thoroughly – Vinegar can affect pool chemistry if not removed.
Repeat as needed – Target new or remaining growth until algae is controlled.
Shock and maintain proper care – Chlorinate to desired range; address underlying issues.

Vinegar works best as a supplemental algaecide used along with treatment products, scrubbing, water replacement, and preventive pool care practices.

Risks of Using Vinegar in Pools

While vinegar can be used to treat pool algae, there are some risks and precautions to be aware of:

Eye and skin irritation – Vinegar has a low pH and can cause burns if not handled properly.

Equipment damage – Vinegar is corrosive and can degrade metal pool parts if not rinsed off.
pH reduction – Unbalanced vinegar applications can lower overall pool pH and alkalinity.
Chemical interaction – Vinegar should not be mixed directly with chlorine, bromine or other chemicals.

Ineffective treatment – Vinegar does not address underlying issues that cause algae growth.

It’s critical to spot treat vinegar only on affected algae growth, rinse thoroughly, and balance water chemistry after use. Only use vinegar as a supplemental treatment and ensure proper safety procedures.

Other Ways to Get Rid of Pool Algae

While vinegar can help, there are other more effective ways to rid your pool of algae and prevent regrowth. Here are some other algae treatment options:

Algaecides

Copper-based and quaternary ammonium algaecides quickly kill algal spores and cells on contact through cellular disruption and enzyme inhibition. They help remove algal colonies vinegar can miss.

Flocculants

Flocculants clump dead algae and suspended particles together so they can be filtered out. This helps remove algal cells, spores and other debris that cause turbidity.

Scrubbing and Vacuuming

Manually brushing and vacuuming algae thoroughly from all pool surfaces ensures vinegar and chemicals have direct contact with the algae to kill it. This also removes algal remains that could lead to regrowth.

pH and Chemical Adjustment

Balancing total alkalinity, pH and sanitizer levels deprives algae of the optimal growing conditions. Maintaining proper water chemistry helps keep algae from initially taking hold.

Filter Cleaning or Replacement

Cleaning or replacing clogged filter media removes algal spores in the system and ensures proper water circulation. Improved flow and turnover rates prevent stagnant pockets where algae thrive.

Shock Treatment

Using chlorine or non-chlorine shock treatments gives the water a strong dose of oxidation that destroys algal cells on contact. Shocking also temporarily disrupts the water chemistry balance algae rely on.

Algae Prevention

Using algaecides as maintenance rather than just treatment, adding a UV sanitation system, maintaining balanced water, cleaning filters regularly are key prevention measures.

A comprehensive plan should be used to completely eliminate algae and stop recurring infestations. Vinegar is helpful but often works best alongside other remedies. Preventive maintenance is crucial as well.

Homemade Vinegar-Based Algaecide Recipes

Some pool owners use homemade algaecide recipes involving vinegar rather than commercial products. Here are a few popular options:

Original Vinegar-Bleach Recipe

1 gallon white vinegar
1 gallon liquid bleach (pool chlorine)

Mix the vinegar and bleach in a plastic container. Use care when mixing, as this reaction generates heat and chlorine gas. Let cool before use. Apply to algae with a spray bottle for spot treatment. Rinse thoroughly after 15 minutes.

Borax-Enhanced Algaecide

1 gallon white vinegar
1 cup borax (sodium tetraborate)
1 quart liquid chlorine bleach

The borax in this recipe helps scrubs off dead algae cells. Mix borax with vinegar thoroughly until dissolved. Stir in liquid chlorine bleach. Allow to cool before transferring to a plastic spray bottle. Spray affected areas and let sit for 15-20 minutes before scrubbing and rinsing away dead algae.

Baking Soda Algaecide

2 cups white vinegar
1⁄2 cup baking soda

1 quart liquid chlorine bleach

The baking soda interacts with the vinegar to produce additional foaming and scrubbing action. Mix vinegar and baking soda first in a plastic pail until foaming subsides. Slowly stir in liquid chlorine bleach. Use care when mixing. Apply foamy solution to algae growth with a stiff brush or scrub pad. Allow to work 15 minutes before rinsing clean.

Always exercise caution when using homemade algaecide blends, as improper mixing can produce hazardous chlorine gas and harmful chemical reactions. Never mix vinegar or acid solutions directly with chlorine or other pool chemicals.

How to Prevent Pool Algae

Using vinegar or other algaecides to treat existing algae is only half the battle. To avoid repeated algae issues, prevention and maintenance are key. Here are some tips to help keep pool algae free:

Maintain 1-3 ppm free chlorine level.
Keep pH between 7.2-7.8 and alkalinity between 80-120 ppm.

Run filter 2-4 hours daily and scrub/replace filter media regularly.
Shock treat weekly and use algaecide as maintenance 2-3 times per week.
Brush entire pool surface weekly.

Vacuum debris from floor thoroughly.
Manage runoff and nutrient contamination from landscaping.
Reduce shade cover and remove leaves frequently.

Ensure adequate pool circulation and water turnover.

Following a strict maintenance schedule and keeping your pool water chemistry balanced at all times is key for preventing algae growth. Supplement with algaecides as needed.

When to Hire a Pool Professional for Algae Issues

For minor algae blooms, vinegar applications combined with scrubbing and shock treatments may control growth. However, if you experience:

Recurring, treatment-resistant algae
Thick algal blooms covering over 50% of surfaces
Mustard algae growth clouding water

Inability to maintain proper chlorine levels
Failed attempts using vinegar and other DIY options

It’s best to hire a licensed pool pro. They have specialized experience and access to advanced algaecides, flocculants and tools like vacuum hoses and pressure washers for thorough algae removal. For chronic, severe algae issues, professional treatment is strongly advised.

Conclusion

Vinegar can be used as a supplemental algaecide when added to a comprehensive treatment plan involving proper brushing, vacuuming, water chemistry adjustment, filtration, shocking and prevention measures. While vinegar does have algicidal properties, it often cannot fully remediate severe algal growth on its own. With repeated use combined with other maintenance steps, however, vinegar can help pool owners control minor algae problems and keep pools sparkling all season long. Just be sure to use vinegar properly and safely when applying to pool water.