How to Get Rid of Black Mold in Your Swimming Pool

Knowing how to get rid of black mold from your pool is essential to keep it an appealing place to swim. By following the correct process, you can ensure that you undertake the process correctly to keep your swimming pool clear.

Step 1 - Identify the Extent of the Problem

To ensure that you are able to get rid of black mold from every part of the pool, the first step should be to examine the entire pool thoroughly. Do not forget the vents, the filter, and any other accessories within the pool. If there are any accessories in the pool that are removable, it is prudent to take them from the pool to clean them and set them aside while the pool is cleaned. The black mold problem should be easy to locate as it can develop and spread quickly without appearing to affect the water.

Step 2 - Clean Filter

During the process to get rid of black mold, do not swim in the pool and, if necessary, cordon it off with the use of barriers and a sign to make everyone aware that the pool cannot be used. Begin by cleaning the filter as this can harbor mold spores, making all your work to get rid of black mold for nothing as the problem will simply return to the pool because it will live on in the filter. If your pool uses a sand filter, replace the sand.

Step 3 - Remove Mold

Be aware that a vinyl sided pool will need to be treated more delicately. After turning off the pump, begin the process to get rid of the black mold by scrubbing at the spots using the brush. Clean away any dislodged particles before applying some concentrated algaecide, in accordance with the instructions, to the same affected areas and leave it in place overnight. This is a better option than using bleach, which fails to kill off mold spores at the source. The next day, scrub the spots a second time and repeat the process of vacuuming the resultant particles to the waste. If black mold remains, repeat this process.

Step 4 - Clean Stains

Depending on the extent of the problem, you may find that even if you get rid of the black mold you will still be left with stains. If this is the case, put a chlorine tablet into an old sock or small drawstring bag along with a few rocks and place this onto the spots where the mold has been cleaned from. Leave it in place for as long as the instructions provide and scrub at the spots once they have done their work. Though this application is sufficient to remove stains, it would prove ineffective to actually get rid of black mold.

Step 5 - Test

Turn the pump back on and test the water to determine the pH balance and the chlorine level. The best way to stop the problem returning is to maintain the correct chemical balance in your pool, as recommended in the manufacturer’s instructions.