Cracking the Case of Green Pool Water: The Ultimate Guide to Eliminating Algae

Algae not only tarnishes your pool's appearance but also adversely affects it. Algae can make pool surfaces slimy and slick, obstruct pool filters, and hinder water circulation, exacerbating the algae issue. Persistent algae can also leave permanent stains on your pool.

A pool heavily infested with algae demands more chemicals to eliminate harmful organisms and sanitize the water. Algae also risks damaging the pool liner and equipment.

Algae is a living entity. Like plants, it thrives through photosynthesis, requiring sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide. However, it lacks the definitive structure of leaves, roots, and stems.

In your pool, algae spawns from spores carried by wind, rain, or debris. These minuscule spores can even hitch a ride on your pool accessories and swimwear. Once in your pool, algae attaches to pool walls and other surfaces or floats on the water's surface. Algae grows swiftly, leading to rapid complications.

Much like diverse plants in our gardens, multiple algae types can invade your pool. Pool specialists categorize algae based on their color.

Green – The most common pool algae is green algae. It may appear blue-green, yellow-green, or dark green. Sometimes a slimy coating on pool surfaces will indicate its presence before it's visible. Green algae can turn a pool green swiftly. Theaddressing it at the earliest, eradication becomes simpler.

Yellow – Commonly referred to as “mustard algae,” yellow algae can easily be mistaken for sand, dirt, or pollen. It often thrives in the shadier parts of your pool. Highly resistant to chlorine, it requires a strong shock treatment to be eliminated.

Black – Though scientifically a dark blue-green algae, black algae appear as slimy black spots within pool crevices. It flourishes in shaded pool areas and is notoriously difficult to remove. Specialized products are typically necessary to treat black algae.

Pink – Actually a bacterium rather than algae, pink algae is found on plastic pool components such as skimmers, ladders, and pool floats. It doesn't form blooms like green algae and can usually be prevented with proper chlorine levels.

No matter which type of algae is in your pool, the treatment process remains consistent.

Removing pool algae involves multiple steps.

Test your pool water: Use a pool testing kit to assess the pH, alkalinity, and chlorine levels. Out-of-balance water chemistry can foster algae growth.

Brush and vacuum: Scrub the pool's walls and floor to detach any algae. Subsequently, vacuum the pool to remove the algae and other debris, setting your vacuum to “waste” to prevent recirculation.

Add flocculent if needed: Introducing flocculent can help address substantial algae issues by causing algae to clump together for easier vacuuming.

Shock the pool: Administer a high dose of chlorine or another sanitizer to kill the remaining algae spores. Follow the manufacturer's dosage instructions based on your pool's size. It's best to undertake this shock treatment at night to avoid the sun depleting the chlorine.

Run the filter: Run the filter for at least eight hours or overnight to ensure thorough mixing of the shock treatment. The water may become cloudy, but continued filtration should clear it.

Unfortunately, algae won't be eradicated immediately. Algae is resilient and requires diligent attention. It may take 48 hours or more to completely rid your pool of algae. Be patient and take preventative measures for the future.

Maintain optimal pool chemistry: To prevent algae recurrence, ensure proper pool chemistry by frequently testing and adjusting pH, alkalinity, and chlorine levels, along with maintaining proper water circulation and filtration. Out of all elements, chlorine is crucial for algae prevention.

Use algaecide routinely: If green algae frequently invade your pool, consider regularly using an algaecide as a preventive measure. Follow the manufacturer's instructions closely to avoid causing other water chemistry problems by overuse.

Algae tend to elevate pool water pH levels, creating a cycle that encourages further algae growth. Keeping pool pH between 7.4 and 7.6 is essential to prevent algae infestation.

Algae can be introduced through external sources like clothing, pool toys, and wind. Advise swimmers to rinse off before entering the pool.

Items such as floats and swimwear used in natural water bodies can carry algae. Regularly wash bathing suits and pool toys, especially after beach visits or river swims.

When not in use, cover the pool to keep algae spores and debris from blowing in.

Brush and vacuum your pool frequently, paying extra attention to high-risk areas like corners, ladder steps, and skimmer boxes.

Keep the filter clean and the filtration system functioning well, as inadequate filtration can allow algae to grow despite proper chlorine levels.

Regularly sanitize your pool to maintain recommended chlorine levels.

Swift action against algae formation in your pool is crucial. This not only safeguards your family's well-being and safety but also helps in avoiding expensive pool upkeep and equipment damage. Plus, you'll experience fewer missed swim days!

Drop by the Christmas Central Pool & Spa store for pool cleaning products, water testing kits, and pool chemicals.