How to prevent and eradicate algae in your swimming pool

What exactly is algae?

Algae is a common problem that swimming pool owners are all too familiar with.  Algae is an aquatic living creature that multiplies rapidly on warm sunny days.  Algae contains chlorophyll which is uses to photosynthesise and to grow.  Algae itself is not dangerous but it does convert sunlight into food which releases wastes that become a feeding ground for bacteria and other harmful micro-organisms such as E.coli bacteria. Algae growth may appear as a greenish growth on the floor and walls of your swimming pool and the water may also take on a greenish tint.  The only way to successfully tackle an algae infestation is to use a chlorine based product that will ‘shock’ the pool.  Elevated levels of chlorine makes water conditions unliveable for anything organic and so the algae will start to die off.

Types of algae you may come across:

There are over 21,000 different types of algae but not all of those can inhabit your swimming pool.  When it comes to the swimming pool business, the algae present in swimming pools is identified by its colour.

ŸGreen Algae:

 Green algae is the most common form of algae that makes itself at home in swimming pools.  Green algae usually shows up when sanitation or filtration have been left to slacken slightly so it is important to always stay on top of your swimming pool maintenance.  Green algae is often found free floating in the water but can also be observed on the sides of the pool and in sheets where it looks like the whole pool is covered in a green slime.   

ŸBlack Algae:

 If you find yourself having to tackle an outbreak of black algae you are extremely unlucky.  Black algae is known as the hardest variety of algae to eradicate due to a strong root system and a protective layer over the algae itself.  The root system of black algae will actually bore its way into the plaster and tile grout and the roots must be destroyed to prevent the algae from returning.  Even with correct filtration and maintained sanitation levels, black algae can flourish.  It will appear as black or bluish spots on the walls of the swimming pool.

ŸYellow Algae:

 Also commonly known as mustard algae, yellow algae will cling onto the sides of your swimming pool and is also quite hard to fully eradicate.  Re-infection of yellow algae is very common and pool owners could find themselves fighting this type of algae for a long time.   

ŸPink Algae:

 Pink algae isn’t really an algae at all, but a type of bacteria.  It will appear as spots or lines in crevices and corners of a swimming pool but is slow growing and will not normally end up covering an entire pool.   

Preventing pool algae

By maintaining proper water balance and sanitation levels, you can ensure that any algae spores entering the pool’s water cannot take hold.  If the pH level of the water is allowed to rise and not enough sanitizer is added to the pool’s water, you are providing the perfect environment for an algal bloom. As well as maintaining the desired water chemistry for your swimming pool, ensure to keep your swimming pool clean.  Regularly brush down the sides of your swimming pool even if it looks clean as this will prevent dirt and bacteria from harbouring in the body of the pool and in the tile grout.  Make sure your filtration system is working efficiently and that it is being run for adequate time periods daily to ensure proper circulation of chemicals and to prevent dead spots from harbouring bacteria and algae spores.

The use of shock treatments and algaecides is recommended to provide a backup to normal sanitation and filtration processes.

How to destroy algae

If your preventative methods are left to slacken even slightly you may currently be faced with an algae problem.  There are a few steps you can take to rid your pool of this problem.

• Ÿ  Ensure the pH level of your swimming pool is within the 7.2 to 7.4 range as chemical compounds have been proven to work more effectively within this range.  If the pH level is left to rise above or drop below this level the algae spores will be able to take root
• Ÿ  Treat your swimming pool with a high quality algaecide following manufacturers guidelines and ensure the algaecide will treat the type of algae you have present in your pool
• Ÿ  Shock your swimming pool to restore chemical levels and to remove any residual chemicals
• Ÿ  Run your filtration system for 24 hours a day and circulate the water until the problem clears up.  Backwash the system to clean the filter after treatment and continue this process regularly.
• Ÿ  Clean your pool brushing the sides and bottom to rid your pool of any algae still present.  Follow this up daily until you have resolved the problem
• Ÿ  Maintain a desired water chemistry and test your water quality every couple of days.  Elevated levels of nitrates, ammonia and other contaminants can limit chlorine activity.

Why do I have a reoccurring algae problem?

If you have a problem with reoccurring algae growth then you are not fully eradicating the problem the first time around or conditions are favourable for algal growth.

When treating a pool with an algae problem, it is important that all parts of the pool receive a dosage of algaecide or chlorine based product that you are using to eliminate the algae altogether.  Some types of algae are also able to survive outside the water for long periods of time and these algae spores can re-infest the pool’s water if they come back into contact with the main body of water. It is therefore important for all cleaning products to be submerged in the swimming pool while it is getting the required ‘shock’ treatment.  If you do not take these necessary precautions then you run the risk or re contaminating your pool every time you use your cleaning equipment.  Ensure enough algaecide is added to the swimming pool to fully eradicate the problem and follow up with preventative maintenance which will involve regular doses of algaecide added to the water to keep algae at bay.

If you have been shocking your pool and being sure not to re-contaminate the water with algal spores and you are still having problems then you need to look at whether the algaecide is being fully circulated around the pool.  Poor circulation is another major cause of reoccurring algae problems.  Dead spots can occur in your pool which are areas where no water is being circulated.  By directing your returns downwards or sideways you can help to eliminate reoccurring algae blooms as this will ensure circulation on the bottom and sides of the walls.  If you find yourself having persistent problems with algae you may need to run your filter system more to increase the circulation.  A more fun and cost effective way to ensure proper circulation is to get everyone in for a swim.  This will ensure that all of those dead spots are covered.

If you have been battling algae for many years and it seems to be an ongoing problem, you may have to look into draining the pool entirely.  Many years of algae builds up dead algae cells and lots of other solids in the water which may contribute to reoccurring algae problems.  Acid washing and pressure washing can then be used to kill the roots and dead algae cells that are embedded in the plaster and grout.

For efficient algae prevention you need a good combination of filtration, sanitation and circulation.  If you doubt that all your algae busting methods are in vein you may also have to consider better equipment if you are dealing with old worn parts.  A visit from a qualified professional will reveal how to tackle algae problems head on with successful results.

If you would like more information on preventing and eliminating algae in your swimming pool, please feel free to contact PSP today through our contacts page and you can also see how our current customers feel about our services by viewing our testimonials page.

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