Pool algae treatment that actually stays gone.
Algae is the number one reason Houston pools go from clear to green. Long summers, warm water, afternoon storms that dilute chlorine and shade from oaks and pines all favor it. Treatment depends on the type: free-floating green algae, the powdery mustard (yellow) algae that clings to shady walls, and black algae that roots into plaster.
There are two tiers, and the test is simple: can you see the bottom of the pool? If you can, the standard algae treatment is a flat $300, chemicals included. If the water is dark green, black or swampy and the floor is invisible, it needs the severe algae treatment at $600, which covers the extra visits, chemicals and vacuuming that a full recovery takes.
Which treatment does your pool need?
You can still see the bottom of the pool. The water is green, cloudy or teal, or mustard algae is clinging to shady walls. Usually two to three visits over about a week.
You cannot see the bottom. Dark green, black or swampy water, usually after weeks without circulation. Repeated heavy shock treatments, full-depth brushing, extensive vacuuming to waste and filter cleaning across several visits until the water is clear.
Not sure which one? Book the standard treatment. The technician confirms on the first visit and tells you before anything changes, and we never move you to the higher tier without your agreement.
Step by step, in the order it happens
Signs it is time
- Green, cloudy or teal water
- Yellow-green dust on shady walls that returns after shocking
- Black spots on plaster that will not brush off
- A slimy feel on steps or walls even when the water looks fine
Good to know
Mustard and black algae take longer than green algae; the technician sets expectations after the first visit.
Pool toys, floats and cleaner parts can re-seed mustard algae; we ask you to leave them in the pool during treatment so they get treated too.
What is the difference between algae treatment and green pool cleanup?
Same price and same technician. “Green pool cleanup” is what most people search for when the whole pool has turned; “algae treatment” covers that plus the stubborn mustard and black algae cases where the water may look almost clear.
When do I need the severe algae treatment instead?
When you cannot see the bottom of the pool. Dark green, black or swampy water needs several visits, repeated heavy shock treatments and a lot of vacuuming to waste, so it is $600 instead of $300. If you book the standard treatment and your pool turns out to need the severe one, the technician tells you first and you decide.
Is algae dangerous?
Algae itself is mostly a nuisance, but a pool with algae has low chlorine, which means bacteria are not being controlled either. We recommend not swimming until the water is clear and chlorine is back in range.
Why does my pool keep getting algae every summer?
Usually low stabilizer (chlorine burns off in the sun), high phosphates, poor circulation, or a filter that is overdue for cleaning. Weekly chemistry and a filter cleaning every three to four months fix all four.
Book it in about a minute.
Pick the service, choose a day 5–30 days out, pay online. An insured technician does the rest.