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Tips for Pool Algae
Owning a pool is one of the great pleasures of suburban living.
Anyone who boasts a pool in the backyard, however, knows
firsthand just how much time must be devoted to cleaning and
regular maintenance if you want to expect flawless operation.
Even with dedicated care, it’s not unusual for pools to develop
problems ranging from obstructed filters to algae. Algae can
grow, evolve and aggressively spread without proper
intervention. If your pool has developed an algae problem and
you are on the hunt for solid tips, you have come to the right
place. |
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Why should algae even
command your attention? The simple reason is that it’s often
unsightly – major infestations can cloud the water, climb the walls
and seal the full volume of your pool water under a repellent top
layer. Although most such strains aren’t directly dangerous, algae
can also promote bacterial populations that may pose a risk – algae
lowers the chlorine level in pools simply by metabolic action,
opening the door to a host of nasty pathogens. Given enough time and
space, aggressive strains of algae may ultimately erode your pool’s
walls and filtration system, rendering the entire system unstable.
The first thing to do is identify what kind of algae you have.
Although the different strains of this organism number into the tens
of thousands, most varieties can be broken down into a few umbrella
categories. Pool experts usually refer to these simply by their
colors along a sliding scale of seriousness. Blue/green is the most
common and easiest to eradicate, yellow lies somewhere in the
middle, and black algae usually means you have a chronic problem.
The good news is that each type can be treated effectively given the
proper materials, and in many cases you can have your pool back to
safety in a matter of hours.
Blue/green algae can usually be removed manually, though the most
important step is to check the pH and make sure everything is
chlorinated properly. If you see no more signs of the algae or it
appears to be on the decline, be relentless about cleaning on a
daily basis. You may also need to invest in any one of a number of
consumer algaecides, particularly those rated for your precise color
strain. Once the pool is clear, prevention is as simple as cleaning
often and being sure not to introduce foreign populations into the
pool. Rinse off before you dive, for instance, and do not wear the
same bathing suit you recently wore in the ocean.
Yellow algae aren’t terribly different from bluegreen algae, with
the notable exception that it rarely clouds the water itself. If you
find pale gold or orange populations scaling the sides of your pool,
it may be time to look into more aggressive chemical response. One
of the most popular is potassium tetraborate, which disrupts the
metabolic action of the algae without posing a major risk to family
members. It is important to clean all the water thoroughly and
follow manufacturer recommendations for chemicals such as these,
however, as some take longer than others to clear the system.
Black algae is the one most homeowners dread, and with good reason.
A host of adaptive responses keep the algae hidden from sight no
matter how many times you clean, making it nearly impossible to
ultimately eradicate such a population. Extreme measures may include
draining the pool entirely or introducing a chlorine shock of
sufficient magnitude to destroy all life in the environment. Beware,
however – doses such as these can be terribly dangerous for swimmers
and loungers, so you will need to cordon off the area and work with
professionals to ensure the fumes do not harm anyone in the house.
Pool algae can be prevented, managed and eradicated if you are
willing to devote sufficient time to the task. Speak with local pool
pros about their estimates for this kind of work, and be sure to
follow up often once you have addressed the problem. With proper
care and working mechanicals, your pool should stay clear and
inviting for years to come. |
