How to Safely Remove Algae from Your Patio and Enclosure

May 9

Why Kick Algae to the Curb?

Algae’s that uninvited guest that creeps onto your patio and pool enclosure, turning your coastal oasis into a slippery, grimy mess. Zapping it pronto is a game-changer:

Coastal Glow-Up: A clean patio and enclosure shine bright, vibing with your wind chimes and potted palms for that Gulf Coast charm.
Safety First: Slippery algae is a fall hazard, especially near your pool—keep it safe for family and friends.
Longevity Boost: Algae eats away at paint, concrete, and screens, costing $500–$3,000 in repairs if ignored.
Storm-Ready: A spotless enclosure stands tough against hurricanes (140–150 mph winds), protecting your lanai.
Wallet Win: DIY algae removal runs $20–$50, a steal compared to $200–$800 for pro cleanups.
Curb Appeal: A pristine patio screams Florida cool, potentially bumping your home’s value by 5–10%.

Let’s blast that green gunk and keep your patio and enclosure coastal-chic, storm or shine!

Gear Up: Tools and Materials

No need for a hazmat suit to tackle algae. Grab these essentials from hardware stores or online:

Pressure Washer: 2700–3000 PSI for heavy-duty cleaning ($100–$300).
Soft-Bristle Brush: Scrubs without scratching ($5–$15).
Spray Bottle: For applying cleaners ($2–$5).
Bucket: For mixing solutions ($5–$10).
Garden Hose: Low-pressure nozzle (under 800 PSI) for rinsing ($20–$50).
Work Gloves: Keep hands clean ($5–$15).
Safety Glasses: Shield eyes from splashes ($5–$10).
Screwdriver: Phillips #3 for 5/16” head Tapcon screws ($3–$10).
Cordless Drill: For screw swaps ($50–$100).
Drill Bit: 3/16” x 6” for Tapcon screws ($5–$10).
Eco-Friendly Cleaner: Simple Green Oxy Solve Deck and Fence Cleaner ($10–$15).
White Vinegar: For blasting algae ($3–$5).
Concrete Sealer (Optional): Water-based, non-slip ($20–$50 per gallon).
Tarp: To protect nearby plants or furniture ($10–$20).
Broom: For sweeping debris ($10–$20).

We’re all about Simple Green for eco-friendly cleaning and Karcher for pressure washers—perfect for Florida’s salty, stormy air.

DIY Algae Removal: Step-by-Step

Ready to send algae packing and make your patio and enclosure shine like a coastal crown jewel? Follow these steps to scrub smart and safe:

Step 1: Clear the Coastal Deck

Kick things off by clearing your patio, stashing furniture, wind chimes, or potted plants to keep ‘em safe from splashes. Lay a tarp to shield your enclosure’s screens (like 20x20 No-See-Um or Florida Glass) from cleaner overspray. Slip on gloves and safety glasses to dodge splashes or debris. Set up your pressure washer on a stable spot, ready to blast algae without stressing your enclosure’s 5/16” head x 3” Tapcon screws.

Step 2: Check Your Enclosure’s Vibe

Give your pool enclosure a quick once-over. Scan the aluminum frame for corrosion or dents, wiping it with Simple Green and a soft cloth to nix salt and grime. Peek at those 5/16” head x 3” Tapcon screws—tighten loose ones with a Phillips #3 screwdriver or swap rusted ones using a cordless drill and 3/16” x 6” bit. Rinse hurricane cables with fresh water to keep ‘em storm-ready. Ensure screens are tear-free to protect your patio during cleaning.

Step 3: Sweep and Spot Algae

Grab a broom and sweep loose dirt, leaves, or sand off the patio—New Port Richey’s coastal breeze loves to scatter stuff! Walk your patio and enclosure, eyeing green or black patches on the deck (concrete, pavers, or stone) and screens. Algae thrives in shady, damp spots, so check corners, under furniture, or near enclosure bases. Note any mildew or mold for targeted treatment.

Step 4: Pre-Treat with Coastal Power

Mix Simple Green Oxy Solve (1:10 ratio) in a bucket for general cleaning. For hardcore algae or mildew, fill a spray bottle with a 1:1 white vinegar-water mix—this stuff’s a beast! Spray vinegar on green patches, let it sit for 5–10 minutes, then scrub with a soft-bristle brush in circular motions. For the deck, apply Simple Green with the brush, hitting 3–5 ft sections. Avoid harsh chemicals like bleach, which can damage screens or strip deck paint.

Step 5: Pressure Wash the Patio Like a Pro

Fire up your 2700–3000 PSI pressure washer with a 25-degree green nozzle. Hold it 6–12 inches from the deck at a 45-degree angle, working in 3–5 ft sections. Sweep in overlapping passes to blast algae without etching concrete or pavers. Keep spray away from the enclosure’s base track to avoid loosening Tapcon screws or splashing screens. Rinse thoroughly with a low-pressure hose (under 800 PSI), ensuring no cleaner residue lingers. Let the deck dry for 24 hours.

Step 6: Scrub Screens with Care

For enclosure screens, skip the pressure washer—it’s too rough for 18x14 or Florida Glass. Spray Simple Green (1:10 ratio) or the vinegar mix on algae-covered screens, focusing on lower panels where moisture collects. Scrub gently with a soft-bristle brush, working in small sections to avoid stretching the mesh. Rinse with a low-pressure hose, starting at the top to prevent streaking. Dry with a microfiber cloth for a crystal-clear coastal view.

Step 7: Seal the Deck (Optional Coastal Armor)

To lock in your deck’s clean look, apply a water-based, non-slip concrete sealer (BEHR Premium, $25). Pour into a roller tray and use a long-handle roller, working in 3–5 ft sections. Roll in one direction for a smooth finish, applying a second coat if needed after 4–6 hours. Let cure for 48 hours. Sealer shields against future algae, UV rays, and hurricane rain, keeping your deck vibrant.

Step 8: Final Coastal Check

Inspect the deck and screens for missed algae spots or streaks. Verify the enclosure’s base track and 5/16” head x 3” Tapcon screws are splash-free. Wipe the track with Simple Green to restore its coastal gleam. Return furniture, wind chimes, and plants, arranging to highlight your sparkling patio. Step back and soak in that New Port Richey coastal glow!

Keep It Clean: Maintenance Tricks

Clean Regularly: Sweep and hose the deck every 3–6 months, using Simple Green for quick algae zaps, especially in coastal New Port Richey.
Spot-Treat Algae: Check monthly for green patches, hitting them with vinegar to stop spread.
Reseal Annually: Reapply BEHR sealer every 1–2 years to keep algae and UV rays at bay, following step 7.
Enclosure TLC: Rinse 5/16” head x 3” Tapcon screws and hurricane cables every 6 months. Swap rusted screws with a 3/16” x 6” bit.
Storm Smarts: Before hurricane season (June 1–November 30), stash furniture, wind chimes, or decor indoors. Tie down heavy items and trim trees to dodge debris.

Hot Picks: Products We’re Obsessed With

Cleaner: Simple Green Oxy Solve Deck and Fence Cleaner ($10–$15, Home Depot).
Vinegar: Heinz White Vinegar ($3–$5, Publix).
Sealer: BEHR Premium Non-Slip Concrete Sealer ($25–$50, Home Depot).
Pressure Washer: Karcher K1700 Electric (2800 PSI, $150–$200, Lowe’s).

Don’t Blow It: Avoid These Blunders

High-Pressure Overkill: Over 3000 PSI etches decks or damages enclosure screens.
Harsh Chemicals: Bleach or ammonia wrecks screens and deck paint—stick to eco-friendly stuff.
Skipping Pre-Treatment: Algae laughs at weak cleaning—hit it with vinegar first.
Storm Slips: Unsecured furniture can scuff decks or tear screens during hurricanes.

Screening DunRite