How Do I Protect My Pool From Algae?
During the final months of summer, swimming pools can grow algae and mold if not maintained properly. The higher temperatures and inconsistency of chemical substances in pools can create algae in your own backyard. Since Algae is microscopic, it takes millions of them to be visible to the naked eye and allows it to linger for a long time unnoticed. Which is why the best way to get rid of algae is by preventing it from happening at all. Algae come in a variety of different shades and colors, each of which must be handled differently as to avoid it from growing.
What is Green Algae?
Most pool owners will encounter the most common algae called ‘Green Algae’. This type of algae floats in the water and gives the water a green tint with a slimy texture. This type of Algae sticks to the floors and walls of pools. When a pool lacks decent filtration without regular sanitation, green algae will thrive. Luckily, this type of algae doesn’t require too much effort to clean. Simply balancing the chemicals in your pool and thoroughly brushing your pool can prevent it from growing and spreading.
What is Yellow Algae?
‘Yellow Algae’, also referred to as mustard algae, has a sandy texture to it. It appears as if you have specks of pollen floating on the surface of your pool or hidden away in small crevices. It’s not slimy like green algae, but it is much harder to get rid of. This type of algae is chlorine resistant and would require cleaning it directly. Vacuuming the pool is the best way to go, you should also ‘floc’ your pool, which would cause all the algae to settle on the bottom of the pool making it easier to clean. Make sure you follow the instructions on the bottle carefully when you “floc” the pool.
What is Black Algae?
‘Black Algae’ is an uncommon type of algae found in swimming pools, but it’s certainly the most aggressive one to deal with. It has a heavy slime layer and can grow rapidly as it has the ability to create and live on its own food. Black algae root itself into the surface of swimming pools, growing out of cracks and crevices especially in pools with a plaster finish. It won’t change the texture or even the tint of your pool, but it does appear as if the pool is littered with black spots. Like yellow algae, it is impervious to chlorine but grows much faster. Make sure that there are no existing cracks in your pools surface in order to prevent it from growing. If it does grow, the treatment process must be aggressive. Before you shock the pool, it is important to scrub the black algae and break through the ‘slime layer.’ If you do not do this often and aggressively, the algae will continue to grow from the roots.
What is White Water Mold?
The most common mold found in pools and hot tubs is called ‘White Water Mold.’ This type of mold can occur in any place with water. For most cases, this type of mold develops due to a lack of proper cleaning and filtering. This mold looks like tiny pieces of tissue paper are floating around the surface of the pool. The mold clings to common pools objects, giving them a white and glossy look. It’s often found on ladders, pool toys, and skimming baskets. The mold is non-toxic to humans but can clog up pools and cause harm to filtration systems. It’s very resistant and requires a lot of chemical treatment and attention in order to dispose of it properly before it rapidly returns. A pool with white water mold should be cleaned by hand, heavily shocked with chemicals and left alone for a 24-hour period. If whitewater mold is still present in the pool, repeat the cleaning process until it is completely gone.
Remember, simple pool maintenance is the best way to keep any type of mold or algae out of your swimming pool. So make sure you vacuum regularly and check the chemical balance often to keep your backyard pool healthy and clean! Visit Shoreline Pools on HOUZZ for more tips on how to manage your swimming pool.
