Many people who own their own swimming pool will be very familiar with the problem of algae growing in their water. Algae are marine creatures which multiply rapidly when the weather is hot and sunny because they grow and thrive by photosynthesis. Although algae develop naturally, an algae-infested pool is not a pleasant or hygienic swimming environment, and knowing how to get rid of algae in pool environments is essential to keep your pool clean and safe to use.
What Causes Algae in a Swimming Pool?
Algae may find its way into your swimming pool through wind, contaminated equipment, swimsuits, and rain. If the conditions in the pool are not properly balanced, algae can bloom overnight, and poor filtration, sanitation, and circulation are major causes of algae.
Algae can block the pores of the filters, stopping the filter from being effective and requiring you to increase your backwashing. It also consumes the chlorine that you add to the water, therefore resulting in a higher demand for chlorine. Although algae aren’t harmful to swimmers, it provides a haven for E. coli bacteria and other pathogens which could make you ill.
How Do You Get Rid Of Algae?
There are a number of ways in which you can eradicate swimming pool algae; however, proper pool algae identification is necessary to treat the problem effectively.
• First, brush off any algae from the sides and floor of the pool as this will break it up, allowing the chemicals to work more quickly.
• Next, use chlorine to double shock the pool, or triple shock it if there is a large number of algae. If the pool water has turned a black-green color, you will need to quadruple shock the pool. Blend the chemicals with water to dissolve them before adding them to the water. Repeat this process until all algae are cleared.
• You can use an algaecide to treat your pool. Although ammonia is probably the type used most often, metallic algaecides are also effective and will not foam up. Black algae can only be removed using a specific type of algaecide which is designed to eliminate these especially tough algae.
Why Use Algaecide In Your Pool?
Not only does algaecide kill unwanted algae, but it also prolongs your filtration system’s lifespan as there will be reduced amounts of plant material to block the pump intake and filter. It also purifies the water making it a more pleasant and hygienic swimming environment.
Using Shock and Algaecide Treatments Together
One especially effective way to eradicate swimming pool algae is to use an algaecide first and then shock the pool to achieve the desired result. Once the algae are dead, it can then be vacuumed from the pool. This is easy to achieve since algae become fluffy and soft once they are dead. You can set your pool filter to waste in order to vacuum out the algae and then use a test strip to ensure the chemical levels in the pool are correct.
Long-Term Maintenance to Eliminate Algae
Maintaining the correct balance of sanitizer and chemicals in your pool will prevent any opportunity that would otherwise allow algae to grow. Low chlorine levels and high pH levels create an optimal environment for algae to multiply, so maintaining your pool’s cleanliness is key. You can do this by brushing the pool’s bottom and sides regularly, even if the water does not appear to be cloudy. By keeping your pool well maintained you will avoid having to use algaecides and will never have to drain your pool to eliminate an algae problem.
Looking for a reputable pool maintenance company to help you with your swimming pool algae problems? Contact Skovish Pools & Spas. We have 2 locations: Luzerne, Pa & Shickshinny, Pa. Our happy customers come from those areas and well beyond. Contact us today to help you. We are ready to serve you.
