How to Kill Pink Algae Slime in your swimming pool

Although uncommon, pink algae in your pool can still create a real headache. This type of bacteria can grow quickly and hide in hard-to-reach areas. Here we’ll show you how to get rid of pink pool slime fast and keep it from coming back.

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What is Pink Algae?

Despite its common name, “Pink Algae” is a misnomer; it is not an algae, but rather a bacterial infestation. The primary culprits are typically Methylobacterium or Serratia marcescens—bacteria that produce distinctive pink, red, or coral pigments to protect themselves from UV radiation.

Unlike green algae, these organisms form a heavy, gelatinous biofilm that feels slick to the touch. They have a strong affinity for PVC, which is why you will frequently find them colonizing skimmer baskets, pool cleaners, solar covers, and vinyl liners rather than just floating in the water.

Required Supplies

Standard Brush

Standard nylon pool brush.

Vacuum attachment

Roller/glide type recommended

Swamp Treat

1lb treats 20,000 gallons

View & Buy

Shock

Approximately 2 pounds or 2 gallons of chlorine per 10,000 gallons of pool water (refer to manufacturer's directions).

Step-by-step

Vacuum to Waste

Set your system to “vacuum to waste” and using your pool vacuum remove as much large debris and sludge from the bottom of the pool as possible.

Add Swamp Treat

Add one (1) bottle of Swamp Treat™ per 20,000 gallons of pool water.

Brush the algae

Brush the pool, concentrating on areas with the most algae.

Shock

Shock the pool with your choice of chlorine – using about 2 pounds/gallons of chlorine per 10,000 gallons of pool water. Refer to the directions on your chlorine for “super-chlorination” specific dosing.

Run the filter

Let the filter run, and backwash/clean the filter as necessary. Refer to the filter manual for recommendations.

Add No Mor Problems

Add No Mor Problems regularly to prevent the algae from returning. Just add 5 ounces each time you replace 2 tablets in your feeder, or each time you add a pound or a gallon of your regular chlorine.