Algae Stains in Pools
Algae stains in swimming pools
Our treatments remove algae staining without draining your pool or acid washing the surface. Green algae staining in your pool that won’t respond to chlorine, scrubbing, or algaecides and are often mistaken for living algae, since they’re the same colour. But unlike a living algae bloom, these stains won’t brush away because they’re not alive. This is commonly called algae staining. It’s easy to confuse with living algae because it looks like algae but it won’t brush away.
Our algae stain treatment kit uses commercial-grade polymers and stain-lifting compounds to dissolve these stains — without draining the pool or acid washing. Once the stain is gone, our prevention polymer keeps it from coming back, so your pool stays looking fresh, safe, and clean.
Our before-and-after images show real pools we’ve treated with amazing results. If you have algae stains in your pool, contact us today for help.
This glass bead pool with severe algae staining on the surface, even though the pool water was clear and chlorinated. Our Algae stain kit removed the algae stains without draining the water or acid washing.
5 Common Signs of Algae Stains
If your pool has green stains that sound like the list below we can help you.
- The stain remains even after the pool water is clear and balanced.
- It won't brush or scrub away
- Chlorine, shock treatment, and algaecides don't touch it.
- The colour slowly darkens over time.
- Pool has had green algae in the past
Algae stains can appear in various colours but they are usually green or brown. Over time, algae stains will attract minerals, dirt, and other organic materials that turn algae stains brown.
Algae staining can appear in all pool types, including pebble, tiled, and fibreglass pools. If you suspect that your stains may be caused from copper, please visit our copper stains page, or call us for free help.
Over the past 13 years, we have treated more than 20,000 pools with great success. If you have any questions, please feel free to give us a call.
Fixing your algae stain is easy
Over 90% of our clients use the Pool Stain Remover DIY treatment kit. This is because it’s very easy to do and saves you money.
- Check the pH and chlorine levels
- Pour in the prevention liquid
- Sprinkle the powder around the pool
- Brush the pool (no scrubbing needed)
The kit includes detailed instructions, along with a step-by-step video guide to walk you through the process. It only takes a few minutes to complete. It’s the treatment that removes the stains and calcium, not a technician. So you’ll get the same results that we do.
Best of all, we’re only a phone call away if you have any questions. If you would still prefer a technician, no worries, we can help you.
Algae Stain Removal Options
OPTION 1 Algae Stain Removal DIY kit
- 1 Litre of powerful algae stain prevention formula
- 4 kgs of our algae stain dissolving compound
- Phone support from our technicians
- Simple step-by-step instructions included
- Pool does NOT need to be drained
- Kit delivered and tracked by Aramex Couriers
- Kids are back in the pool in just 7 days
Most Pools $245
OPTION 2 Algae Stain Removal – On Site Technician
- 1 Litre of powerful algae stain prevention formula
- 4 kgs of our algae stain dissolving compound
- The pool does NOT need to be drained
- On-site water testing
- Kids are back in the pool in 7 days
- A technician may be an add-on for $170 once you've ordered the DIY Kit
Algae Stain Price List
| Water Volume | Kit Prices - Inc. GST & Delivery | What You Get |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 40,000 Litres | $245 | X 1 Bottle of SSE + 2 Bags of Stain Compound |
| Up to 65,000 Litres | $295 | X 1 Bottle of SSE + 3 Bags of Stain Compound |
| Up to 95,000 Litres | $345 | X 1 Bottle of SSE + 4 Bags of Stain Compound |
| Up to 120,000 Litres | $395 | X 2 Bottles of SSE + 5 Bags of Stain Compound |
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What if my stains are not algae staining?
Not sure what’s causing your stain? You don’t need to worry. Our products combine seven active ingredients to remove up to 14 different types of stains — including green stains caused by copper, iron, organic matter, algae, salt, and tannins — so even if your pool has more than one stain type, your algae stain treatment handles them all.
Older stains that have combined with minerals and metals over time are often the hardest to shift, but the good news is our treatment works on those too.
Every kit also includes a polymer-based stain prevention liquid to keep the surface clean and stop the stains from coming back.
Frequently Asked Questions
We get asked these questions a lot so here are the answers. Please feel free to call us if you would like further information.
How do I know if I have algae staining or living algae?
If your pool has had algae in the past and green, brown, or black discoloration is still on the walls or floor even after the water is balanced, you likely have algae staining rather than a live bloom. The biggest giveaway is that staining won’t respond to chlorine, algaecides, or scrubbing — because it’s no longer alive, so products designed to kill living algae have nothing left to act on.
Can algae staining go away on its own?
No. Since the staining isn’t a living organism, it won’t clear up with normal pool maintenance, shock chlorination, or time. It needs to be chemically dissolved, which is what our treatment is designed to do.
Will algae staining keep coming back after I remove it?
Not with our treatment. Our kit includes a polymer-based stain prevention liquid that stops dissolved minerals and organic residue from resettling on your pool surface, so once the stain is gone, it stays gone.
How long do we wait before we can swim again?
You can safely swim again after 7 days. Even though our products are safe for swimmers, during the first 7 days the pH is low and it is working hard to break down the stains. It is best to stay out of the water during this time as the low pH may be uncomfortable for some swimmers.
How is your product different from pool store stain removers
At our Strathfield, NSW manufacturing facility, we blend seven active ingredients to create our powerful stain remover. Most pool shop stain removers rely on a single, weak organic acids like citric acid, to remove stains. Our unique, broad spectrum blend is significantly stronger and works on up to 14 different types of stains. We tackle a broader range of stains, which is why almost all of our clients see great results. In 2025, around 8 out of 10 clients had already tried another stain remover before using our product.
What types of pool surfaces can it be used on?
The products work on almost every pool surface type (except small inflatable kids’ pools). It is effective on Pebblecrete Pools, Glass Pebble pools, Quartzon, Beadcrete, Marblesheen, Vinyl Liners, Fibreglass Pools, Epoxy Pools, Tiled Pools, Ecofinish, Painted Pools, and Natural Stone Surfaces. We have treated 20,000 pools since 2013.
I live outside your service areas. What do I do?
We can still help you because we send our kits all over Australia. More than 90% of our clients use the DIY kit because it is so simple. It comes with easy-to-follow instructions and a short video showing you exactly what to do.
Types of Algae in swimming pools
GREEN ALGAE
Green algae is the most common cause of algae staining in swimming pools. It’s one of the fastest-growing algae types, and can turn your pool green or cloudy overnight. It typically starts in corners, steps, and other areas with low circulation or where automatic pool cleaners can’t reach. Low chlorine levels, warm temperatures, and high phosphates create the perfect conditions for rapid green algae growth. We can remove algae stains in under 48 hours — and keep them from coming back.
MUSTARD (OR YELLOW) ALGAE
Mustard algae (AKA yellow algae) is usually easy to brush off the walls and floor of your pool, but comes back very quickly. It grows in shady, low-circulation areas protected from sunlight, and like black spot algae, it’s resistant to normal chlorine levels. The best way to keep it away is to maintain consistent pool water chemistry. Our treatment removes mustard algae in less than 72 hours.
BLACK SPOT ALGAE
Black spot algae is unique in that it grows in areas with low circulation. It spreads slowly and is frequently mistaken for mould, since both form raised spots on the pool surface.
Black spot’s roots (algal spores) can penetrate the pool cement, causing damage and discolouration if left untreated. It also forms a protective biofilm layer that shields it from chlorine, which is why standard algaecides don’t fix it.
Some pool shops mistakenly believe black spot can never be fully removed. Some shops will push acid washing because it’s a profitable service for them. The truth is, it can be removed, and we do it every day, without draining your pool.
If you have black spots in a fibreglass pool, please contact us for further information.
