The Expert's Guide To Green Pool Cleaning

What Is Pool Algae?

A basic living plant-like organism that lives in water is pool algae. It's essentially a chlorophyll machine whose sole function in life is to convert sunlight into energy and multiply! Yes, we realize that's not a scientific explanation, but that's the gist of what pool algae is for our purposes as pool owners!

Different Types Of Pool Algae.

As pool owners, we normally categorize pool algae based on their color rather than their type. This clarifies things for us, allowing us to realize exactly what we're up against. Which one is simpler to remember, after all? Inquiring about Xanthophyceae with your pool specialist or just stating, "I have a mustard algae problem!" Let's take a look at the various varieties of pool algae and rank them from the most common (and easiest to treat) to the less common (hardest to treat).

• Green Pool Algae

The most common type of pool algae is green algae. The reason it's so common is that it's the easiest to grow in swimming pools. The perfect environment for this alga to thrive and reproduce quickly is one that contains stagnant water, excess nutrients from dirt or other sources, sunlight, high temperatures, and low chlorine levels. The result can be a slimy mess within your pool that looks like pea soup.

• Mustard Algae

Pool algae can also be yellow or mustard in color. The name is derived from the way it appears, but more specifically its resemblance to tiny mustard seeds. It's not as easy to grow and treat as green pool algae because it prefers shaded areas that are difficult for chlorine to reach. The best way to avoid this kind of algae is by draining your swimming pool periodically and maintaining a proper level of algaecide (a chemical used for killing algae) in your water throughout the season so that you don't have any problems with it later on down the road.

• Black Algae

Black or blue-green pool algae is rarer than other types, but don't let this fool you into thinking that it's less dangerous! This type of algae is notorious for being one of the most difficult to get rid of. The spores can attach themselves to surfaces such as grout, tile, and pool filtration systems and are very resistant to chlorine treatments. The only way to really get rid of black algae is by scrubbing it off with a stiff brush–not exactly a task that most pool owners are looking forward to!

• Pink Algae

Pink algae like to grow in the cooler parts of a pool, such as the stairs or deep end. The most effective way to get rid of this type is by adding more chlorine and brushing it off with a stiff brush. The reason why pink algae are so difficult to remove is that it grows on surfaces like tile grout which has been sealed and thus creates an impenetrable barrier for chlorine treatments.

Can We Prevent Algae Altogether?

The answer is yes, but it takes a lot of work. The most important part of keeping algae from growing in your pool is to keep the water circulating and clean. You should also limit the amount of organic material (leaves, plants) that enters the pool.

If you already have algae in your pool, there are some steps you can take to get rid of it:

• Remove any debris from the surface of the water using a net or skimmer

• Add an algaecide according to the instructions on the bottle

• Wait 24 hours and then test the pH level of the pool water

• If necessary, add a pH adjuster to bring it up to between seven and eight

• Keep circulating and filtering the pool water until all of the algae has disappeared

Pool Algae And Health Issues

Most algae in swimming pools are not harmful. The most common type of pool algae is green and it can easily be removed by filtration and brushing. However, some types of algae can cause health problems if ingested. Blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) can produce toxins that can cause skin irritation, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. If these symptoms occur, contact your doctor immediately. Other types of algae such as black molds (Aspergillus spp.) can also release toxins that can cause respiratory problems for people with asthma or other respiratory illnesses. If you experience any breathing difficulties after being around a pool with black mold algae, seek medical attention immediately.

Pool Algae And Pool Damage

Pool algae are not only unsightly, but they can also cause irreparable harm to your pool's surfaces. Because your pool's surface isn't entirely smooth, minute flaws or hairline cracks will constantly go undiscovered. However, once algae have taken root in those fractures, they will grow them and make them more visible once the algae have been removed.

Furthermore, unregulated algae growth can clog your pool filters, reducing their efficiency, which in turn reduces their power in filtering out your pool, resulting in even more algae, clogging, and a vicious cycle that only gets worse.

Pool Algae Prevention Is Always Better Than Cure

While it may seem cliched, prevention is always preferable to cure! Being proactive in our pool care program will always go a long way in preventing all of the troubles that come with green pool water. If you think scrubbing and chemical balancing your pool while it's still crystal clear is exhausting, consider the amount of scrubbing involved in dealing with green pool water and algae blooms.

Algae is a common problem for pool owners and it can be difficult to get rid of. In this guide, we’ve outlined the different types of algae, how they can affect your pool and health, and what you can do to prevent them from growing in the first place. If you have any questions or need help getting your algae under control, don’t hesitate to call Clear Swim Pool Care today. We’re here to help!