Swimming season is here and with the summer heat comes algae growth in swimming pools. This is because sunlight and heat speeds algae growth, which appears green, brown, yellow or black and can look furry, spotted, slimy or worm like. Often growing on walls and in shallow areas such as steps and benches where circulation might not be thorough.
Ok, here are the three forms of algae you will find in your swimming pool.
Green Algae
The most common algae looks green and starts in small patches in areas like steps, walls and corners. I’ve seen pool water turn green before visible growth, this is generally because there is algae growing in the filter. Green algae is the easiest algae to remove from your swimming pool if treated when the problem begins. If allowed to get out of control, green algae will spread very fast and could result in draining and chlorine washing your swimming pool to completely eliminate.
Typical Treatment For Green Algae
- Remove all dirt and debris from the swimming pool, including baskets.
- Thoroughly backwash the filter. Cartridge and d.e. filters might need to be completely disassembled and cleaned.
- Adjust pH and alkalinity
- Super-chlorinate
- Brush, brush, brush
- Allow to circulate until clear
Yellow Algae (Mustard Algae)
Also called mustard algae, yellow algae can appear brown in color and can be confused for staining as brushing has little effect. Yellow algae does not grow as fast as green algae, but can be more difficult to kill.
Typical Treatment For Yellow Algae
- Remove all dirt and debris from the swimming pool, including baskets
- Thoroughly backwash the filter. Cartridge and d.e. filters might need to be disassembled and cleaned
- Adjust pH and alkalinity
- Super-chlorinate
- Addition of a algaecide designed for yellow algae elimination
- Brush, brush, brush
- Allow to circulate until clear
BLACK ALGAE!!!!!
This is one powerful plant. Black algae starts off as seemingly harmless spots and gradually spreads while embedding itself deep into porous surfaces. I encountered a pool once that had been neglected for so long the only way to remove the black spots was to drain and use a 1/2″ angle grinder, the process took three days.
Treatment For Black Algae
If caught in time, these spots can be scraped off using a flat screwdriver or sanding disc while following the procedures mentioned above. If the problem is already out of control the only option is to drain the pool and sand the spots while washing with chlorine.
If you have any questions or you’re in need of a professionals assistance please contact us.
Four Seasons Pool Service
Mesa, AZ
480-430-7653