If I told you that algae is one of the top (and most frequent) complaints of swimming pool owners, I am sure this would come as no surprise to you. Algae is pretty unsightly, causing you not to want to spend time in your pool (and not to want to invite anyone else to do so either). It can truly ruin your ability to enjoy your pool!

So is algae just algae, i.e., is all algae the same? Do you treat all algae the same way and, more importantly, can you get rid of the nasty stuff?

Let’s answer that first question first. Is all algae the same? In short, no.

There are actually over 20,000 species of algae known to man. Only a small fraction of these species, however, are seen in swimming pools. While algae certainly has an unappealing appearance, it is important to know that it does not cause disease.

The most common pool types of algae are black algae, blue-green algae, green algae and mustard algae. Pink algae or red algae-like organisms can be found, but are in fact bacteria.

Now that you know a little bit about algae, let’s talk about how to conquer it and how to be able to get rid of it quickly when it does appear. After all, while not illness-causing, unchecked algae growth can turn a swimming pool cloudy or make the pool water green.

It also results in foul odors and tastes. Black algae, which is more difficult to control than green or blue-green algae, can also stain the swimming pool’s walls and floor. Pretty unappetizing all the way around, right?

Before talking about how to “treat” or get rid of algae, let’s talk about how algae affects the pool chemicals and levels in your pool. When there is algae present in pool water, the chlorine is used up rapidly trying to combat its growth. This process has a tendency to raise the pH, thus decreasing the efficiency of the remaining free chlorine.

So I’m sure that leaves you with one big question: What should you do about it?

When it comes to algae, the prevention is always better than the cure.

Adequate levels of free chlorine will prevent algae from growing out of control. To keep pool water clean, bacteria-free, and safe for swimming, it must be sanitized. Sanitizing kills all microorganisms, including bacteria and algae, and removes unwanted contaminants from the water.

Super-chlorination, or “shocking” swimming pool water, prevents cloudy water, chlorine odor, and eye and skin irritation and is also a good idea in your prevention routine. Shock treatment with chlorine or an algaecide is recommended.

Prevention of algae before it grows is critical to keeping a swimming pool crystal clear and inviting. Maintaining proper sanitizer levels, shock treatments and superchlorination will help to prevent or destroy algae.

The best way to prevent algae is with a good algaecide or phosphate removal chemical. Algaecides perform best as a backup to a routine sanitation program. They also help to kill airborne spores as they blow into the pool.

Taking all these preventative measures, will not only keep unsightly algae from ruining your pool experience, but when algae growth is noticed, it requires harsh treatment. So stay on the offensive, and you can spend more time IN your pool (instead of getting nasty algae out of it).

Filed under: General Information, Swimming Pool Algae, Swimming Pool Chemicals, Uncategorized