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algae cleaned from pool screen near pool

How To Remove Algae From The Pool Screen Easy And Simple

It’s very frustrating when you see algae growing by your pool. But after all, it’s the price you pay for having such convenience, isn’t it? However, what if we told you there is an easy method to remove algae from the pool screen?

Having a pool at home is probably one of the best investments you have ever made. Don’t let algae be a problem. In this article, we will show you that dealing with this situation can be easier than you imagined.

What’s The Best Way To Remove Algae From The Pool Screen

Depending on how severe is the pool screen decay level, cleaning may be easier or more difficult. However, in general, vinegar is the best option for this task.

Besides, the substance is not as strong as chlorine bleach, which means less chance of damaging the screen.

To clean the pool screen, first, it’s necessary to dilute vinegar in water. Ideally, the correct proportion is fifty-fifty. Mix the solution, then use a sponge or scrub brush to clean the pool enclosure gently until you remove all algae.

Instead of vinegar, it’s also possible to use dish soap. This substance, like vinegar, is milder and the risks of damaging the pool screen (particularly the paint) are smaller. 

How To Do It

Below you can see the necessary steps to clean the pool screen:

  1. Prepare the solution (mentioned earlier) in a bucket;
  2. Use a brush with soft bristles, soak it in the solution, and gently scrub the surface;
  3. Rinse the pool screen with your garden hose and allow it to air dry;

Repeat the process if you are unable to remove all algae on the first try.

Another great tip is to do the job one frame at a time. Also, remember that the solution must be warm to help remove the algae more easily.

Can You Pressure Wash The Pool Screen

Using a pressure washer is also a popular method of removing algae from the pool screen. But for this to work, some steps and security measures are necessary. 

Most importantly, the water pressure must not be too abrasive; otherwise, it will damage the screen. Furthermore, pressured water alone will not bring a satisfactory result.

To make cleaning with a pressure washer possible, you must first soak a water solution with some product (such as bleach) and let it act on the surface for a few minutes.

However, we don’t recommend this method for a few reasons. First, as we will see below, bleach is a substance that requires care. Second, using the pressure washer badly can damage the pool screen and remove its paint.

Therefore, continue with this method only if you are sure of what you are doing.

Can You Use Bleach?

Another very potent algae removing substance is bleach. However, you should only use the product in those situations where it’s not possible to remove algae conventionally.

When using bleach, it’s crucial to be careful. Always apply the substance in low proportions. Ideally, we recommend using only about one part bleach to 40 parts water.

To clean the pool screen using the bleach+water solution, follow these steps:

  1. Sprinkle the bleach mixture;
  2. Let the solution sit for a minute or two and then rinse it off;

Don’t allow the mix to rest on the surface for longer than 15 minutes; otherwise, it can damage the paint.

Also, remember to wear safety equipment, such as gloves and goggles. Bleach is a potent chemical substance with corrosive properties that can cause serious injury to the skin and eyes.

poolcage_rescreening_2hrescreening
Your Pool Cage Can Be Beautiful Like This One

Is It Worth To Remove The Algae Yourself?

Cleaning your pool screen can be a bit of a challenge; You must handle the surface with care. Sometimes doing it yourself is not worth the hustle, as it’s hard to even get to some places you want to clean.

Besides, pool screens can sustain damage if you clean them the wrong way. If you’re in a hurry, maybe cleaning a pool screen is not the right task for you.

 The amount you’re going to spend on products, safety equipment, and others ends up stacking up. So, it becomes cheaper to hire a company to do the job.

At 2H Rescreening have more than 17 years of pool screen installation and cleaning experience; We know exactly how to do it, providing a complete level of satisfaction and affordable prices.

Nothing motivates us more than our desire to do every job right the first time.

For a free estimate, please make sure you leave us a message or give us a call, and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can.

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how to repair pool panel

How To Replace A Pool Screen Panel

If you live in Florida or another state that’s blessed with nice warm summers, then you definitely know how valuable a screened cage is for a pool owner. You will want to be outdoors, you will want to be inside a pool, but hanging around with mosquitoes and other flying pests might not be your definition of a perfect pool day.

While screening your pool area is the best way of ensuring your in-home outings will be pleasant, it all goes south when you’ve got a damaged pool screen panel. You will need to replace it.

mosquito screen teared

Replacing a Damaged Pool Screen Panel

Whatever kind of damage we’re talking about here (sagging, tears, etc.), if it’s not structural, you can always solve it by replacing the screen of that panel’s section. What we will be doing is: removing the rubber spline that holds the damaged screening in place from its seating, throwing it all away, and fixating a new screen with a new spline as well.

It sure sounds simple, but it will require some skill and the proper set of tools.

You will need:

  • The new screen (sized appropriately)
  • The new spline (sized appropriately)
  • A spline roller
  • A small screwdriver
  • A needle nose plier
  • A stiff-bristle nylon brush
  • A measuring tape
  • A utility knife

You should be able to find all of those things at your local hardware store, but in case they are not, you can always buy them online.

How To Replace A Pool Screen Panel: Step-by-Step

Truth be told, you can use these steps to replace any screen panel, not just a pool one. Nevertheless, let’s keep to the theme here.

Remove the damaged screen and its rubber spline

To remove the old screening, you will need to start by removing the rubber spline that’s keeping it in place. You should be able to do that by pulling from the damaged area or inserting the end of a flat-blade screwdriver into the corner of the panel to lift out the end of the spline.

Use the needle nose plier to pull and altogether remove all the rubber spline holding the screen on the panel. There should be nothing stopping you from throwing the old screen and spline on the trash right now.
Check for leftover thread and clean the spline channel

Check for leftover thread and clean the spline channel

Examine what you’ve done and make sure there are no leftovers on the spline channel, removing any found piece of thread with the nose plier.

Now clean the channel with a stiff-bristle nylon brush, scrubbing lightly until the whole spline track is free of any foreign material.

Prepare the new screen and spline

Cut enough screen to cover the whole area you’re rescreening while allowing at least two inches extra material to both the length and the width.

Pull the new rubber spline from corner to corner along its seating channel and cut appropriately so that there is no excess material.

Fit the new screen

Position the new screen in place, allowing at least one inch of excess material over all four frame edges. Now a helper will be required to help you keep it in place and add tension as you start fixating it with the spline.

Starting at the top edge and using the roller, start inserting the spline on its channel, applying firm pressure, and rolling towards the opposite side.

Now do the same thing to a side edge, then to its opposite, and then to the last edge.

As you roll the spline into its track, make sure your helper is applying pressure to ensure the screen is installed stretched like a trampoline. If necessary, remove the splines and do it again. You don’t want your screen to be sagging. There should be no wrinkles as well.
pool panel screen being repaired

Cut the excess screen

With the utility knife, cut all excess material from all sides of the panel. You should cut it along the outside edge of the spline channel, taking a lot of caution not to cut the spline itself.

If you’ve done it right, then you’re finished.

The secret for a perfect installation

We could share no trick or technique to ensure you will end up with a perfect pool screen panel. The secret is experience, if you don’t have it, it will take 2 or 3 tries before you do it correctly. 

If you want quality, we recommend you count on the help of professionals such as ourselves. We will not only ensure a perfect installation with a 3-year warranty, but we will also help you select the best material and make sure your structure is in good shape.

In the end, it might be cheaper to count on the pros. We offer free estimates, so if you live in Florida in Sarasota or Manatee County, don’t think twice before you call our number.

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