Algae! It’s not something you want to see in your pool...
Algae can make its way into your pool in several ways, including through deposits of soil, grass, leaves, and dust that can accumulate in the water. It’s a common risk to swimming pools in all regions and climates, but hotter, more humid areas can be especially at risk. But it doesn’t have to be difficult to prevent the onset of algae: Just one gallon of 12.5% liquid pool chlorine in a 10,000-gallon pool will remove algae and prevent any additional growth.
Understanding the different types of algae
Green algae is the most common form of algae—and, unfortunately, it can turn your pool from clear blue to murky green in just a few days. Another common type of algae to watch out for is yellow algae. It looks like a mustard powder or dust and likes to stick around steps, lights, and rails. Maintaining proper water chemistry, regularly brushing your pool and adding HASA liquid chlorine weekly can help you prevent yellow algae from ever starting, but if it appears, using liquid chlorine and having the equipment running is a fast and easy way to remove it.
Black algae, on the other hand, can be much more stubborn to treat. Black algae is most commonly found in concrete and gunite pools and appears in rough spots of the pool surface or in cracks or pitted areas. It can also form upon light rings, in the corners of steps, or along the water tile line where cracks are present. Brushing it off with a wire brush (in concrete or gunite pools) only and then treating it with liquid chlorine or specialized products, like Algi-Ban, is the way to go.
Algae can be costly to deal with if left untreated, so it's best to be proactive. Regularly brushing your pool, maintaining proper water circulation with the pool pump and filter, ensuring a constant level of 2-4 ppm of free chlorine, and shocking weekly with liquid chlorine can prevent algae growth.
If you notice any of these types of algae in your backyard pool, don’t wait to act! Visit your local pool store or consult with a trusted outside pool technician to quickly get the proper treatment to restore your pool water’s health and beauty.
