How To Identify Black Algae In Pool
Black algae is much more likely to occur in concrete or plaster swimming pools. If you have a fibreglass, vinyl liner or inflatable pool, like an Intex pool, youre much less likely to have a black algae problem.
The followings signs indicate the presence of black algae in a pool:
- Blue-green or black spots on the pools surface
- Raised non-floating mold-like heads in the pool water
- Black patches on rough and porous areas in the pool
- If the black spots dont brush off with pool brush
- If the black spots can be scrapped off pool walls
Now, lets check out how these signs indicate black algae presence in the pool.
Eliminate Algae Of All Types
The goal is to never have algae. Test your water regularly, keep your filter clean and in good working order, and be sure to treat your water after big pool parties. Using a floating pool skimmer and chemical dispenser like the Solar-Breeze NX2 or newest Ariel by Solar-Breeze will remove debris from the surface of your pool before it has a chance to sink, decay, and turn into food for algae. With careful pool maintenance, algae can be one thing you do not have to worry about.
Whats It Doing In My Pool
If youre recently taken a dip in the ocean, a lake, or other natural body of water and then jumped into your pool, youre at risk of introducing black algae to it. From chic bathing suits to swim-happy pets, black algae has a whole host of vehicles it can use to hitch a ride to your backyard swimming hole. Its way easier to transfer from a pond or lake than you probably ever realized.
A black algae infestation can happen if someone uses a pool float in a lake or the ocean without spraying it off thoroughly with a garden hose. The aquatic pest can even get into your pool if airborne spores of the species happen to be wafting your way .
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How To Keep Black Algae From Coming Back
Want to make sure black algae doesnt find its way back into your pool? The best way to prevent a return is to keep up a regular pool maintenance routine.
This includes testing your water regularly to make sure your pool chemistry is balanced. Use test strips to check , , and chlorine levels, and make adjustments as needed. You should brush and your pool and run your pump regularly to remove dirt and debris. Continue to shock your pool once a week, and dont forget to clean any pool accessories or toys, too!
Why Do You Have Black Algae In Your Pool
Simple. Someone swam in a natural body of water like a river, pond, lake, or the ocean, didnt wash their swimwear afterward, and then wore that same swimwear into your pool.
Maybe that was you, and you did remember to wash your swimwear in between, but forgot about that inner tube you used to float down the river, and then tossed it into your pool unwashed. You just put out the welcome mat for black algae in your pool.
Its less likely, but black algae can also enter your pool via airborne spores.
Now what? Well, the first step to getting rid of black algae is understanding what it is, because guess what? Its not algae at all.
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Why Does My Pool Have Black Algae
On infrequent occasions, black algae can spread through airborne spores, but the most likely reason is that someone did not wash their bathing suit after swimming in a pond, lake, or the ocean. Keep in mind that sometimes just washing the swimsuits wont cut it. That kickboard, the goggles, the swim toysall need to be adequately cleaned before going back to the pool.
Bathing suits going through the washing machine should be fine to use in the pool the next time you swim. For pool toys, goggles, flippers, etc., use a solution of one tablespoon of bleach for one gallon of water to clean the equipment. Anything less will not stop the spread of algae.
Since you are most likely reading this because you already have black algae, let us dive into how to fix this issue.
How To Prevent Black Algae In The Future
If the pool was exposed to black algae, it will likely grow even if your pool chemicals are balanced and the filtration system is working as it should. In other words, Black algae did not infest your pool because you did something wrong in your daily maintenance. It likely appeared because black algae were transported from a body of water by way of swimwear, toys, or gear.
To prevent this in the future, sanitize everything after youve visited a natural body of water or a pool with past or present algae issues. If the algae happened once, it would likely happen again without taking those precautions.
For the toys and gear, you can use your average spray cleaner.
If you dont have that on hand, a tablespoon of bleach in a gallon of water will work just as well.
Run your pool pump every day, and consider upgrading to a better filtration system. The majority of pool filters arent capable of filtering the small 2-micron width of algae particles. Some claim that they can filter those small algae particles, but some companies exaggerate the capabilities of their filters. It would be a good idea to research user experiences before making any purchases.
You should also scrub and bleach any parts of the pool that might be contaminated. That includes the diving board, ladders, or solar blankets that might have contacted the algae.
Algae is one reason your homes pool rules should include the swimmers and their bathing suits taking a shower before hopping into the pool.
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Test And Balance Water Chemistry
Finally, retest and balance your pool water chemistry before letting anyone back into the pool. Ensure pH and Total Alkalinity are within the ideal ranges, and the chlorine content is between 2.0-4.0 ppm. For best results, bring a pool water sample to your local Leslie’s after the algae is all gone. With our free in-store AccuBlue water test, you’ll get a precise 10-point analysis of your water chemistry, in addition to a detailed, easy-to-follow treatment plan to help resolve water balance issues and prevent black algae from returning to your pool.
How To Treat Green Algae
Green algae is the most common type of algae youre likely to encounter in your swimming pool. This type of algae forms free-floating clouds that make the water appear murky, with a greenish tinge. Green algae also sticks to the pool floor and walls, making them slippery. Green algae is the easiest type of algae to treat and prevent.
To remove green algae from your pool, follow these steps:
- Use a pool water test kit to test your pool for chlorine, stabilizer and pH level.
- Add a pool shock product to boost any residual chlorine in the pool. Follow the label directions carefully.
- Use a pool brush to vigorously scrub any pool surfaces covered in algae, including the walls, floors and steps.
- Apply a green algaecide according to the directions on the label.
- Let the water circulate for 24 hours, then brush the pool surfaces again.
- Vacuum or backwash to remove any remaining dead algae.
Once youve performed these steps, test your pool water again to make sure all levels are within the ideal range:
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Check The Pool For Black Algae
We already know that black algae spores are tiny. However, they are so tiny that they can pass through porous surfaces. Those spores are inaccessible and cannot be scrubbed.
While you might not be able to reach them, chlorine will eradicate a portion of those spores. However, some will almost assuredly be left. The black algae will likely make a return from what remains within those inaccessible regions.
How To Remove Black Algae From Your Pool
There are three methods commonly practiced to remove black algae. They are all effective, but none of them will remove 100% of the black algae from your pool. Black algae are extremely difficult to exterminate. Once you have it and have dealt with it, you will still need to keep a close watch on your pool to step in if there is a resurgence.
We have written in-depth, step-by-step instructions for the first method, scrubbing and shocking. Scrubbing and shocking is the most recognized and recommended method to remove black algae. We have given some notes for the other two methods, but those topics deserve complete separate guides of their own. For now, well give you some basic information to get you started and update the article when we have more to say.
Method 1: Scrub and Shock
Method 2: Replaster and Retile
Method 3: Acid Wash, Bleach Wash, and Pressure Wash
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How To Kill Black Algae
Plain green algae is pretty easy to kill because its a plant, and anyone without a green thumb can attest that you can kill a plant just by looking at it the wrong way. Or is that just us?
Anyway, the fact that black algae in your pool is actually bacteria is what makes it so hardy and hard to kill. And you thought that was just a movie.
The good news is, its not impossible to kill. It will only take a little more effort and persistence on your part.
Before you begin, gather the supplies youll need:
Check Your Pool’s Chemistry
By now, you probably have a good pool-testing kit, but its important you put it to use and check your pool chemistry.
Many new pool-owners dont realize how quickly algae can take over until its overtaken and requiring major cleaning.
Your pools chlorine level should stay between 2.0 and 4.0 ppm to keep bacteria and algae to a minimum.
Algae spores will obviously still enter your pool from time to time, but a healthy level of chlorine will kill them off before they have a chance to bloom.
Likewise, checking and regulating your pools pH levels will help keep spores from blooming.
Algae thrives in a high pH level. The guideline for a pools level is between 7.2 and 7.6, 7.4 being ideal.
This is the same pH level in mucous membranes and human eyes, also making it a safe environment for humans.
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After Visiting Aquafirst Follow These Steps To Clear Black Spot Algae:
Scrape The Black Algae Off The Pool Walls
Black algae though tough to remove completely can still be scrapped off the pool walls. Scraping the black algae off the walls first helps to remove bulk of the black algae heads so the calcium-hypo can be more effective.
Use a putty knife or scraper to scrape off the black algae heads from the pool walls.
If you have a fiberglass or vinyl liner pool, you should be careful with the scrapping intensity. Also, dont use sharp-edged metallic objects on pool walls on vinyl liner pools.
Dont worry if you cant scrape all the algae off. The calcium hypochlorite will take care of the rest.
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Theres Black Algae In My Pool: What Can I Do
Having a pool at home is an amazing way to enjoy your backyard, entertain guests and cool off. Unfortunately, the environment around swimming pools also provides a breeding ground for the kinds of guests you dont want, such as algae. Thankfully, there are steps you can take to get rid of algae and keep it from coming back to your pool in the future.
One of the most frustrating invaders in swimming pools is black algae. This type of algae is also known as blue-green algae. Despite its name, black algae is actually a type of bacteria that looks like black or dark blue-green mold. Not only can black algae make your pool look dirty and uninviting, but it can also be dangerous for anyone who gets in your pool. Swimming in or accidentally drinking pool water thats infected with black algae can lead to serious health issues like liver damage.
The first step in fighting back against black algae is to make sure thats truly what youre dealing with. The best way to do this is to contact a pool professional. These pros have the training and experience to figure out what is growing in your pool. Also, they have the specialized tools and products needed to eliminate black algae and deal with any other pool issues youre facing.
If you would like to try to tackle the issue on your own, there are some signs you can look for that might indicate you have black algae in your pool:
What Is The Fastest Way To Get Rid Of Algae In A Pool
The fastest way to get rid of algae in a pool is to give it the total treatment by brushing your pool surfaces, vacuuming it thoroughly, and shocking it with pool chlorine to get rid of any trace of algae. It is extremely important to note every inch of the pool must be thoroughly scrubbed and the chlorine dosage is correct to kill off all of the algae or else it will just keep coming back.
A good dose of algaecide should also be added 24 hours after shocking the pool to ensure that every trace of algae is killed.
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Shock Again If Needed
If you see any remaining black algae in your pool after taking these steps, shock your pool again using a 2x dose of the manufacturers recommendations.
Run the pump for 24 hours, or 8 to 12 hours at minimum, and brush the pool again. Brushing is important because you dont want to risk the black algae coming back if there is any left.
What Is Black Algae
True algae is an aquatic plant belonging to a group that includes everything from single-celled organisms to seaweed. This is why when you think of algae, you think of it as being something greenit usually is.
Like most plants, green algae contains chlorophyll, the pigment that gives it its green color. Chlorophyll is also the substance that allows a plant to perform , the process by which the plant uses light to synthesize food from carbon dioxide and water.
What we call black algae is actually a bacteria. Specifically, a cyanobacteria, which refers to blue-green algae, hence the cyan part of its name.
So if black algae is cyanobacteria, which is blue-green in color, why is it black?
Cyanobacteria contains chlorophyll, which contributes to its blue-green color. But it can also contain other water-soluble pigments that, when combined with the blue-green pigment, make the bacteria appear black.
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Black Spots In Your Pool Not Algae
It is important to note that black stains in your vinyl pool could also be due to staining be metals. Metals such as iron, manganese and copper can be introduced to your pool from a water source. In a chlorinated pool, these metals oxidize and the resultant precipitates stain the vinyl lining of your pool which appear brown, gray or black. Other sources of metals can be algaesides and fittings made from brass or copper.
To differentiate the two, black spots caused by metal staining cannot be scrapped off. On the other hand, black spots caused by black algae can be scrapped off though with a lot of effort.
How To Remove Black Algae In A Pool
If you own a pool, you know how frustrating it can be to see spots of black algae on the floor and walls when youre ready to take a dip. Routine maintenance and upkeep come with having a pool. Many beginner pool owners learn this the hard way.
Sticking with a preventative maintenance plan is the only way to keep bacteria from forming in the water, and from ultimately leading to that dreaded black mass. The pool professionals at Solda Pools want to remind new and existing owners of the importance of proactivity it is cheaper, less time-consuming, and a whole lot less stressful to prevent problems with your pool than it is to fix them.
With that out of the way, lets talk about the quickest and most efficient way to get rid of that nasty black algae once and for all.
Black Algae Be Gone
The worst thing about black algae is its built-in survival instincts its multi-layered structure makes it virtually impossible for chlorine to get rid of. The top layer might be vulnerable depending on the amount and concentration of cleaner you use, but chances are you arent going to destroy the algae by simply pouring in more chlorine.
If the algae is not gone within 24 hours, wait another few days before re-shocking the pool. Once the water is clean and the algae gone, pick up a bottle of black algaecide for preventative maintenance purposes.
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