Once a week keeps algae away.

Yes, once a week is usually enough — but only if you’re also keeping your chemistry balanced. Vacuuming removes debris that feeds algae, but it won’t fix a low chlorine level or a pH that’s out of whack.

Here’s the thing: algae grows when there’s food (phosphates, nitrates from leaves and dirt) and not enough sanitizer. Vacuuming helps because it physically removes that food. But if you vacuum once a month and your chlorine is zero, you’re still going to get green water.

In practice, I’d brush the walls and floor before vacuuming — that kicks up settled spores. And if it’s hot, you’ve had a pool party, or there are trees dropping leaves, bump it to twice a week. Your filter and skimmer basket also need love.

Don’t skip the shocking either. A weekly shock does more for prevention than an extra vacuum session ever will.