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What Causes Algae In Pool

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How To Prevent Algae In Pools

What Causes Algae in a pool & How to Treat and Prevent It

How do you control or prevent algae? Pool algae also requires that your circulation, water balance, sanitation and filtration are all in full operation. If one of these is underperforming or inconsistent, it makes a good environment for algae to bloom.

The best way to prevent algae in pools is with consistent chlorine levels of 2-4 ppm, with long, effective daily filter runs, good water balance, and weekly use of a good pool algaecide. In short, you can control and prevent algae in pools if you create a harsh environment for algae:

  • Good water balance pH 7.2, Alk 100 ppm, Cal 200 ppm, Cya 30-50
  • Good water filtration two turnovers per day, 16-18 hours total run time
  • Good water circulation brushing, eyeball fittings, pool cleaners can help
  • Good water sanitation keep consistent daily chlorine levels of 2-4 ppm
  • Supplemental Sanitizers can help Minerals, Ozone or UV treatment
  • Good quality pool algaecide weekly maintenance doses

Tips To Preventing Algae

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, or so they say, and that couldnt be truer than it is with algae.

If you can stay ahead of the problem and keep it from overtaking your pool, you will save yourself hours and hours of unnecessary headache.

But how do you prevent a seemingly unavoidable nuisance?

Well, its not easy, because its true that algae finds its way in, sometimes despite all your best efforts.

However, if you take the precautions we lay out here, you will be miles ahead of the game and able to eradicate algae before it moves in with its whole family.

How To Prevent Pool Algae

If you want to prevent the development of pool algae in the future, there are numerous steps that you should consider taking. The main prevention steps for pool algae include:

  • Make sure that you always have some kind of sanitizer in stock for your pool
  • Regularly inspect your circulation system to determine that it works properly and will continue to clean your water
  • Use algaecide whenever you treat your pool water
  • Shock the pool weekly with chlorine, which should keep bacteria and algae growth at bay
  • Consider using a vacuum when removing any debris from the pool
  • Make sure that you use a brush that wont damage the walls of your pool
  • Create a brushing routine that will allow you efficiently remove the algae or bacteria from your pool

There are many great products that are available through water filtration companies to help you prevent algae or treat your pool water. At Sensorex, we offer extensive water sensors that can identify both the pH and chlorine levels in your pool. If the water is imbalanced, these sensors will provide you with precise readings that will allow you to determine if the water needs to be treated. The pH sensors available at Sensorex are varied and can accommodate many needs.

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Why Is There Algae In My Pooland What Can I Do About It

If your pool is seeing green and youre wondering how you can get algae out of your pooland why its happening in the first place!youre certainly not alone. And lets face it, no one wants to plunge into a pool with green-tinged water or telltale dark spots on the walls that indicate black mold.

The challenge is, because of the tropical climate in South Florida and The Keys, all plants are constantly growing. The moist, warm air is a ripe environment for algae. Not to mention, there are a number of factors within your pool that can cause algae. Remember, your pool is a delicate system that demands proper balance for clean, healthy water.

So, why is their algae in your pool water, and what can you do to get rid of it? Lets talk about some common algae triggers and how a pool professional can take care of the problem.

How Black Algae Is Specifically Treated

What You Should Know About Swimming Pool Algae

The treatment for black algae is very similar to the treatment used for yellow algae. Once youve analyzed the water, it is essential that you brush the algae thoroughly, which is particularly important with black algae in order to break the slime layer. If you skip this step, the rest of the treatment wont work as intended. As with yellow algae, you will likely need to heavily shock the pool water with chlorine if you want to eliminate the algae. High amounts of Algaecide 60 should be added to the water as well. This process should be repeated at least three times. Make sure that you brush the pool after each treatment.

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What Causes Swimming Pool Algae

Algae spores enter your pool all the time. Wind, rain, or even contaminated swimsuits and pool cleaning tools can carry spores. When conditions are right, an algae bloom can occur in a matter of hours.

These conditions include out-of-balance water, warm temperatures, and sunlight. The presence of nitrates, phosphates, and carbon dioxide can spur their growth. A lack of adequate circulation, filtration, and sanitation is usually a contributing or even primary cause of pool algae.

Should Phosphates Be Removed

Some pool professionals and chemical salespeople sell the idea that algae bloom can only be controlled by removing phosphates from your pool. Because of this, many pool owners overspend on swimming pool phosphate remover, thinking that this solves the problem. Because there are other components factored into the relationship between phosphates and algae, merely using a swimming pool phosphate remover is not the answer.

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Is Dead Algae A Problem

Aside from looking aesthetically unpleasing, leaving dead algae in the pool means theres particles still floating around in the water, which your filter will try to clean up.

This can lessen the lifespan of the filter (depending on how much algae is present. Additionally, dead algae can stain your pool surface if left on it too long.

How To Remove Algae From Your Pool Water

What Causes Green Pools & Algae Growth in Swimming Pools? We Can Help Explain – Chlorine King

Removing algae from your pool involves several components. First, double-check that your pools sanitation, filtration, and circulation systems are all working. Check your pools chemistry too. Make sure to vacuum your pool at least once a week to remove debris if you dont have a self-cleaning pool. For an isolated algae bloom, use granular chlorine to treat it. You can also get a brush, apply algaecide to the water, and scrub. If you have free-floating algae, youll have to shock your pool.

To start, balance your pool water to get your pH between 7.1 and 7.3. Check your filtration and pump systems, and shut off your heater if you have one running to lower the water temperature. Adjust the valves on your pump and let it run for 24 hours. You can stir the algae up by switching your pool cleaners on. Get a stiff bristled brush and scrub at your pools walls and floors every day, and vacuum your pool. For green water, apply a flocculent and shock it.

Shock the pool vigorously to get rid of suspended algae. You should add enough shock that it turns your pool water a blue/grey colour. Youre aiming for 30 ppm of free chlorine, and youll need roughly 2 to 5 kg of shock for every 10,000 gallons in your pool. The day after you shock your pool, test the chemical levels, paying close attention to your pH and chlorine. If your chlorine is below 5 ppm, you have to shock it again.

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When Brushing Isnt Enough

If algae have been an ongoing problem in your pool for several years, you may do well to drain the pool. Many years of algae can build up dead algae cells and lots of other solids in the water that contribute to its rejuvenation. Acid wash or chlorine wash the pool to kill the roots of the algae embedded in rough plaster.

For pools with repeat algae blooms, you may also test for phosphates in the pool. Look for sources of contamination from fertilizers or soil washing into the pool during heavy rainstorms. Also, look closely at the water balance and sanitation practices you have in place.

What You Need To Know About High Phosphates In Your Pool Or Spa

If you own a pool or spa, you understand the delicate balance of keeping the water clean and algae-free. For many pool owners, a swimming pool phosphate test kit is a fact of life to ensure water purity. But regardless of how many tests youve performed, you may not know just what phosphates are and how they relate to the health of your pool or spa water.

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How To Prevent Swimming Pool Algae Outbreaks

Algae flourishes when plenty of dirt and other organic material are left unchecked in a pool. Its tougher for algae to grow when pool water is efficiently circulating, and when water is regularly filtered and treated with the right mix of chemicals.

The pool environment is even less hospitable for algae when its kept clean with solid maintenance practices. What helps further is an automatic pool cleaner that continually removes debris and other organic matter from the water.

So, it comes down to this: Guarding against algae invasions fall into three main battle strategieseffective pool circulation and filtration, proper water chemistry, and consistent cleaning and maintenance. Each of these involves its own set of tactics for holding the line against algae incursions.

How To Get Rid Of Algae In The Pool Quickly

How To Clean &  Control Pool Algae

There are some questions you have to answer about algae and pools before youll know how to treat your problem. The first, and obvious, clue that you may have an algae problem is that your pool water is green. With green algae, your pool water will look green or yellow. If you know you have algae, you will need to shock the pool. You cant put a little shock in the pool, however. You will need to shock it a lot to get rid of the algae. Sadly, once you shock the pool, it is going to be a while before you can use it. If you shock the pool with granular shock, you will have to wait between 24 and 48 hours to swim. Thats because the chlorine levels will be too high.

After you shock the pool, you will need to brush down the walls of your pool. A lot of people recommend you brush all the surfaces of the pool. This helps to get rid of the algae. You also need to vacuum out the pool. Dont use your robot vacuum. It is not as effective. Use a manual vacuum. Then, you will need to filter, filter, filter. Your pools filter helps to get rid of the algae. While it is more expensive to run your filter a lot, it is worth it when you are battling algae.

Are you having stubborn pool trouble? Are the algae winning? Let us help! Contact Atlantic Pool & Spa, in Lake Hopatcong, N.J.

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The Smart Way To Kill Algae In Your Pool Quickly

Pool algae is caused by low chlorine levels, poor water chemistry, or bad filtration. It can also be introduced into your pool by swimwear or toys that were used in natural bodies of water. If you notice the early stages of algae, its time to act fast. Leave it for too long and it will multiply rapidly, turning into a full-scale algae bloom.

Unfortunately, typical doses of chlorine will not kill pool algae. And running your pool filter will not eliminate algae spores.

To get rid of algae in your pool, follow these step-by-step deep cleaning procedures. Then avoid algae blooms in the future by using these smart pool algae prevention measures.

Watch the step-by-step video tutorial below or keep reading for the complete troubleshooting guide on how to get rid of algae in your pool.

What Are The Types Of Algae And How Do You Remove Them

  • Green algae can cling to the wall or float in the water. Get rid of it by brushing the pool, shocking, and adding Algaecide 60.
  • Black algae looks like black spots and feels slimy. Get rid of it by aggressively brushing the algae and adding Algaecide 60.
  • Mustard algae looks like sand in the bottom of the pool. Get rid of it by aggressively brushing the algae and adding Algaecide 60.
  • If the pool is full of algae, add a flocculant to the water and vacuum up the coagulated algae that settles on the bottom of the pool.

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What Causes Algae Problems

Algae spores constantly enter the pool, brought in by wind, rain or even contaminated swimsuits or pool cleaning tools. When conditions are right, an algae bloom can occur in a matter of hours. These conditions include out of balance water, warm temperatures, sunlight and presence of nitrates, phosphates and/or carbon dioxide. A lack of good circulation, filtration and sanitation is usually a contributing or the primary cause of pool algae.

Algae are a living aquatic creature that multiplies rapidly on warm, sunny days. Containing chlorophyll, algae utilizes photosynthesis to grow. That is, they take in carbon dioxide and expend oxygen as a byproduct. Algae can grow in the shade or sun, but most pool algae strains need some light to grow.

Algae need food to survive, and in a swimming pool there is no shortage of tasty food for algae. Nearly every contaminant or windblown speck of dust can feed pool algae. In pools with high bather count, or pools with high levels of debris or dissolved solids, algae has a smorgasbord of nutritious food. Even the dead cellular remains of previous algae blooms provide sustenance to future generations of pool algae.

Algae are always present in swimming pools, even clean and blue pools, at a microscopic size. It waits patiently for the opportunity to bloom â when the chlorine level dips and the pH rises or the pump or filter is not operating effectively.

Keep Your Filter Clean

How to Eliminate Algae in Your Swimming Pool

Maintaining the filter by cleaning it regularly is important not just for algae prevention, but for general pool maintenance as well.

The filter is usually working an average of 8 hours every day, so make sure youre cleaning it out before it becomes ineffective and problematic.

Depending on your filter type, you can backwash a sand or DE filter, whereas a cartridge filter will have to be manually cleaned.

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The Facts About Swimming Pool Algae

When you head to your backyard to take a dip in the pool, the last thing you want to see is a green pool caused by algae growth. Algae can be frustrating for pool owners. It comes on quickly and looks terrible. Most pool owners also assume that it is tough to fix, which is at least partly true. But before you despair, its time to get the facts about swimming pool algae. There are some simple steps you can take to prevent algae growth. Just follow these tips from the pool cleaning experts at The Pool Butler, and you can enjoy a sparkling clean pool all season long.

What Can I Do About It

Since its too late to prevent algae, youre going to have to kill it.

How do you eliminate it while ensuring that black algae or mustard algae dont infiltrate your pool again?

Below is a list of steps you can take to get your pool back to its former glory and ensure that the algae blooms no more:

  • Test the pH and chlorine levels
  • Balance the pH level in your pools water
  • Check that the filter and pump are in good working order
  • Run the pump and filters until the pool is clear
  • Turn the pool cleaners on
  • Brush the pool walls and floor
  • Vacuum the pool regularly
  • If your pool fills up with debris on a regular basis or you have recurring algae issues, you may want to drain and refill it to ensure that the water is thoroughly clean
  • Buy a new filter cartridge for your filter or a new pool filter if yours is in poor condition

Having your pool inspected is a great first step because the inspector can give you advice on how to best handle your algae problem. Then, you can refer back to this article as a guide to ensure that youre keeping up with proper maintenance of your pool.

Always remember, ensuring proper filtration, sanitation, and circulation is crucial.

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Pool Algae Health Issues

Is algae in the pool harmful, or can you swim in a pool with algae? You can, but you may not want to, especially for young children, or others with under developed or compromised immune systems.

Small patches of algae here or there is not a health concern, but if the pool is having a full blown algae bloom, with low water clarity and low chlorine levels, it may not be healthy for swimming.

If the chlorine is not killing the harmless cyanobacteria algae, the chlorine is probably also not killing harmful pathogenic bacteria that may also be present in the water.

How To Get Rid Of Green Algae In Swimming Pools

Causes of Green Algae in Swimming Pools

If you have green algae in your swimming pool, there are several methods you can try to get rid of the problem. If your pool water is green and you can see visible clumps of algae floating in the pool, you will need to try chlorine cleaning first because your pool didnt have enough chlorine to kill the algae on a daily basis. Chlorine might also be used at the beginning of the season. Using a large dose of chlorine is called shocking, and it will return your pool to a more sanitary state. Shocking the pool usually takes from one to three days. But, be prepared, it may take as long as a week if your pool was in poor sanitary condition. Before you use the chlorine, however, make sure you vacuum or sweep up all the algae on the bottom of the pool, as well as the off the pool walls and around the ladders.

While chlorine works for getting rid of swimming pool algae, there are other methods as well. The others listed below are faster than chlorine for removing algae. But, if you have an underlying sanitation issue, these methods wont be able to fix it. While chlorine is hazardous and needs to be used with the proper safety precautions, the alternative methods are more expensive and have side effects that chlorine doesnt have.

With a little work and preventative cleaning, you will have a clean and algae-free pool to enjoy all summer.

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