What Causes Algae in Pool and How to Deal with It
Algae can be an unwelcome sight in the family pool. While swimming in green waters might not be particularly unhealthy, it can understandably make some of your poolside guests uncomfortable.
Most pool owners know that getting rid of algae is more complicated than it first might appear. This article will go more in-depth on the most common types of algae in pools and how to eliminate them.
What causes algae?
Algae spread by spores or cell division. While the process of cell division requires algae to be present in the pool to begin with, spores can be introduced into the environment by swimwear or other objects that have been in a natural body of water recently. Additionally, wind and small animals can be very useful carriers of algae spores over long distances. Algae in the pool may have originated in a body of water that's relatively far away from the house.
There are two main types of algae: yellow and green. While green algae are more common, they're also notoriously difficult to completely eradicate, as they are abundant and can be introduced into the pool water over and over again. Yellow algae are more chlorine resistant but are relatively rarer.
Black algae aren't actually algae, but cyanobacteria, an organism that makes its own food and can root itself in concrete, which means an infestation might require a lot of scrubbing.
How to get rid of algae fast
When encountering an algae bloom, conventional preventative measures won't work. Here are some steps to take to eliminate algae in bloom:
Vacuum the pool: While automatic cleaners filter the pool, they won't be enough to clear an entire colony of algae. Vacuuming the pool manually also bypasses the filters, preventing loose algae from sticking in hard-to-reach places where they can prosper again.
Brush the pool sides and floor: If algae have set in, they'll develop roots on the pool's surfaces. Scrubbing them away with a stiff brush is the only way to loosen the roots and prevent more growth. Be careful when using a metal wire to scrub at the pool, as it can damage the surfaces if used too vigorously.
Balance the water: Algae removing solutions need proper pH levels to work best, so use a water testing kit to ensure the water has suitable alkalinity and pH levels before getting out the chemicals.
Shock the pool: Even a chlorine dispenser won't do much against blooming algae. Use multiple shocks to get rid of algae in bloom. Cyanobacteria (black algae) might take up to four doses of shock. Additionally, always shock the pool at dusk or night. Sunlight will absorb chlorine and make it less effective in removing algae from the pool.
Filter out the algae and re-test the water: Once shocked, murky water needs to be filtered out, and the water pH levels brought back to normal again.
Clean out the filter: To get rid of remaining algae that might linger after the process, clean the filter after you're done.
Prevention beats a cure: Keep a chlorine dispenser in the pool to prevent algae mishaps in the future, and use a pool cover when not using the pool for an extended period of time to avoid errant spores from dropping into the water.
East Coast Pool Care provides Tampa and surrounding area pools with quality pool and spa care with exceptional expertise at an affordable cost. We provide biweekly rates for cleaning and maintenance service. Other services we perform include troubleshooting, diagnostics and pool equipment repair, including pump repair, filter repair, pool heater repair, salt systems repairs, pool lighting repairs, and spa equipment repairs. We service fountains and water features.Emergency service is available. Call (813)755-8544.
