What you need to know about algae

Algae is probably the most obvious sign that something is wrong with it maintenance of the pool. Proper maintenance will not only make your pool water look great, but it is also the best prevention against algae growth.

What is algae?

There are two main groups of algae:

Black algae is the common name given to the dark blue-green algae that grow on pool surfaces. Black algae grows in specific areas such as along the wall, in the background, in the corners or around obstacles such as steps and betrays poor water circulation and insufficient disinfection.

Algae that float and are usually green or mustard in color. Most of the time they float across the water. Mustard algae hangs close to the pool walls and is easily removed by brushing. Green algae are visible throughout the water, giving it various shades of green depending on the extent of the contamination.

The growth of these two forms of algae can be easily prevented by using quality algaecides as part of routine maintenance and proper water circulation. It takes far less algaecide to prevent algae growth than it does to treat it if it occurs.

Regular use of algaecide is also recommended to prevent problems that can be caused by a failed sanitation program. Because of the unique nature of chlorine or bromine, these residues can often be lost very quickly in the pool due to equipment or mishandling, heavy rainfall, or bather waste. Improper water balance can contribute to the disinfection system's ability to work properly and prevent algae growth. If this happens without an algaecide, rapid algae growth can occur in a matter of hours. However, its existence will act as a prevention for the growth of algae until the sanitary system can function normally again.

Despite your efforts, algae problems usually exist and need to be dealt with properly. When algaecide becomes necessary, the following factors must be taken into account:

The amount of algae present

It is important to add an appropriate amount of algaecide so that the algae are removed at once. Using only a small amount of the required algaecide will not kill some of the algae. Therefore, follow the instructions for proper use found on the package.

The age of algae

The older the algae get, the more difficult it becomes to manage. Treat the problem as soon as you notice it.

Sunlight and water temperature

It is best to remove algae as it grows. Sunny and high days water temperature are the most suitable.

The type of algae

Different types of treatment are needed for different types of algae.

Green algae

The most common type of algae found in swimming pools is green algae. He is a very opportunistic type, meaning he takes advantage of any failure in the sanitation system and quickly contaminates the pool. One can very easily notice green algae problems even overnight after a heavy rainfall. This is due to the fact that rainfall provides food for the algae in the form of nitrogen. Nitrogen not only feeds the algae but also destroys chlorine residues. Green algae should not be confused with the minerals present in pool water. Metals, especially copper, give the water a clear green hue. The best way to get rid of green algae is to prevent it. Use an algaecide as part of your regular maintenance program. This will prevent algae growth even if there is a problem with the pool's sanitary system. It is always easier and more effective to prevent an algae problem than to try to cure it. If it still happens, fight it immediately. The longer you wait before fighting, the more difficult and expensive the process will be. Choose an algaecide that will both kill existing algae and prevent new ones from forming. Follow the instructions on the package and maintain circulation during the fight.

Yellow or mustard algae

Yellow or mustard algae are similar in appearance to green algae, but grow at a much slower rate and are deficient in chlorophyll, which gives the yellow color. They are easily recognized and can be removed from the pool walls and floor by brushing. Because yellow algae grow at a slow rate it is very difficult to destroy them. When they are noticed it means they have been in the pool for several weeks. In addition, since yellow algae do not contain chlorophyll that needs sunlight, they can live and grow in dark areas of the pool such as the plumbing system and filters. This is one of the factors that make them particularly difficult to control. To fight mustard algae choose the appropriate algaecide. Make sure it is a product specifically made to control this form of algae. Copper-based algaecides are highly suitable for controlling yellow algae. You may have to fight them more than once until you get the desired result.

Black algae

They are often considered the most difficult form of algae to treat. However, it is extremely easy to prevent. Black algae typically predominates in areas where the pool lacks proper circulation. Areas such as corners or deep spots are considered places where black algae can grow and are almost impossible to eradicate. More often these areas suffer from insufficient circulation and so little or no fresh water or disinfectant reaches them. One of the best ways to prevent black algae growth is to correct water circulation problems first. As soon as their formation begins, the black algae create special cells which are hidden in the pores of the surfaces. To control them effectively they must all be killed. This is impossible to happen with only the use of chlorine because each colony of black algae develops a defense mechanism. The upper layers of the colony produce a waxy covering that prevents chlorine and algaecides from getting into the colony and killing it. Therefore the algaecides used must contain a penetrating agent. This agent will help the algaecide to penetrate the pores of the pool surface and cut the wax coating with a special action that chlorine does not have.

With the following steps we can bring black algae under control:

•Fix any problems with pool water circulation.
•Clean the black algae colonies with a brush as this will destroy the waxy covering that protects them.
•Add algaecide suitable for combating black algae.
• Brush the colony area daily as this will remove all dead cells from the surface to expose the algaecide and subsequent layers.

By following these simple steps you will be able to not only successfully fight black algae, but get rid of it forever.