My nana taught me this hack to get rid of green pool algae in 5 mins with 0 work. Here’s how it works.

 

My Nana’s Hack to Get Rid of Green Pool Algae in 5 Minutes With Zero Work — Here’s How It Works

Swimming pools are a summer oasis for many of us. But there’s one pesky problem that can turn that crystal-clear paradise into a murky swamp: green algae. This slimy, green film can quickly take over your pool, making it look unsightly and feel unpleasant.

The good news? My nana taught me an amazing hack to get rid of green pool algae in just 5 minutes — with almost zero work on your part. No scrubbing, no hours of waiting, just simple steps that anyone can do. This method has saved my family countless hours of frustration and saved us money on expensive chemicals.

In this full article, I’ll share everything you need to know about this trick, why it works, and how you can apply it to your pool today.

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Understanding the Problem: What is Green Pool Algae?

Before diving into the solution, let’s understand the problem. Algae are tiny aquatic plants that thrive in warm, sunny, and stagnant water. Pools provide a perfect breeding ground when conditions are right:

• Warm temperatures

• Poor water circulation

• High pH levels

• Low sanitizer levels (chlorine, bromine)

Algae begin as microscopic spores and grow quickly, forming a visible green layer on pool surfaces, tiles, and even floating in the water.

Why is green algae a problem?

• It makes pool water look dirty and uninviting

• Algae can clog pool filters and pumps

• It creates slippery surfaces, increasing risk of falls

• Can cause skin and eye irritation for swimmers

Traditional methods to treat algae involve shock treatments with high doses of chlorine or algaecides, which can be time-consuming, costly, and sometimes harsh on your pool equipment.

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Nana’s Hack: The Secret Ingredient — Baking Soda and Salt Combo

The hack Nana taught me is surprisingly simple and uses two common household ingredients:

• Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate)

• Salt (table salt or pool-grade salt)

Here’s why this works:

• Baking soda raises the alkalinity and pH slightly, helping to stabilize pool water and prevent algae growth.

• Salt, when used with a saltwater chlorine generator (common in many modern pools), boosts natural chlorine production which kills algae spores quickly.

Even if you don’t have a saltwater system, salt alone creates an environment algae find difficult to survive in by affecting osmosis in their cells.

The baking soda works as a gentle cleaning agent that loosens algae attachments, making them easier to remove without scrubbing.

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Step-By-Step Guide to Getting Rid of Green Pool Algae in 5 Minutes

What You’ll Need:

• 2 pounds of baking soda per 10,000 gallons of pool water

• 1 to 3 pounds of salt per 10,000 gallons (adjust depending on pool size and salt system presence)

• A pool brush or garden hose with spray nozzle (optional, for stubborn spots)

• Pool test kit (to check pH and chlorine levels before and after treatment)

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Step 1: Test Your Pool Water

Before starting, use your pool test kit to check the:

• pH level

• Chlorine levels

• Alkalinity

This will help you understand the current state of your water and how much adjustment is needed.

Ideal levels for algae prevention:

• pH: 7.4–7.6

• Chlorine: 1–3 ppm (parts per million)

• Alkalinity: 80–120 ppm

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Step 2: Add Baking Soda

• Slowly sprinkle the baking soda evenly around the pool’s edges or into the skimmer.

• This will help raise alkalinity and loosen algae from surfaces.

• Wait 2 minutes to let it dissolve and start working.

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Step 3: Add Salt

• If your pool has a salt chlorine generator, add salt per the manufacturer’s recommended dose.

• If not, sprinkle salt around the pool edges or into the skimmer.

• Salt acts as a natural algaecide and boosts chlorine generation in saltwater pools.

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Step 4: Turn On Your Pool Pump and Filter

• Turn the pump and filter on immediately after adding the ingredients.

• Circulation helps distribute the baking soda and salt evenly.

• It also aids in flushing algae spores to the filter.

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Step 5: Wait and Observe (5 Minutes!)

• Give the water about 5 minutes to circulate.

• Watch as algae begin to break up and lose their grip on pool surfaces.

• For stubborn algae patches, you can lightly brush those areas, but usually, this is unnecessary.

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Step 6: Test Water Again and Adjust If Needed

• Retest your pool water to check pH and chlorine levels.

• Adjust chlorine manually if needed by adding liquid chlorine or chlorine tablets.

• Maintain recommended chlorine levels to prevent algae from returning.

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Why This Hack is Better Than Traditional Algaecides

• Cost-effective: Baking soda and salt are cheap and often already at home.

• Safe and natural: No harsh chemicals, safer for swimmers and pool equipment.

• Quick: Results appear in minutes, not hours or days.

• Maintenance-friendly: Helps balance pool chemistry for long-term algae prevention.

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Extra Tips for Preventing Algae Growth in Your Pool

Even with Nana’s hack, prevention is better than cure. Follow these tips:

1. Keep your pool clean: Skim debris daily and vacuum regularly.

2. Maintain chlorine levels: Regularly check and adjust chlorine.

3. Balance pH and alkalinity: Test water weekly and adjust as needed.

4. Run your pump: Circulate water at least 8 hours per day.

5. Use pool covers: Keep out sunlight and debris that encourage algae growth.

6. Shock your pool regularly: Especially after heavy usage or rain.

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Common Questions About Pool Algae and This Hack

Q: Can I use this hack on any pool size?

A: Yes, just scale the amounts of baking soda and salt based on your pool’s volume.

Q: What if I don’t have a salt chlorine generator?

A: Adding salt still helps, but without a salt generator, chlorine levels won’t increase automatically. You’ll need to supplement chlorine manually.

Q: Is baking soda safe for all pool types?

A: Generally yes, but avoid overusing it to prevent high alkalinity. Test water levels regularly.

Q: How often should I do this treatment?

A: Only when you notice algae growth. Regular maintenance reduces the need.

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A Word of Caution

While this hack is effective, if you have severe algae blooms or very cloudy water, more aggressive treatments (pool shock, professional cleaning) may be necessary.

If you’re unsure, consult a pool professional or your pool supply store for guidance.

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Conclusion: A Simple, Effective, Nana-Approved Pool Care Hack

Green algae can quickly ruin the joy of your pool, but with this easy baking soda and salt hack passed down from Nana, you can reclaim crystal-clear water in minutes — without breaking a sweat.

This natural, budget-friendly solution works by balancing pool chemistry and creating an environment algae hate, all while gently loosening algae grip so they can be flushed away by your pool’s circulation system.

Try this hack next time you spot green algae and enjoy your sparkling pool again — with zero work and no hassle.