Algae Challenges In Swimming Pools

If you’re an owner of a residential or commercial swimming pool dealing with algae it is not uncommon especially after the summer we just had. Typically, as summer drags on and the warm water remains in a swimming pool which it has done in the Orange County area, there are a variety of reasons why algae might grow in your swimming pool. Some of the most common reasons why are the following:

• Lack of chlorine or whatever sanitation you use
• High levels of phosphates
• Unbalanced water chemistry
• Lack of filtration
• High Cyanuric Acid (CYA) levels (typically 100ppm and higher)

The Three Main Types of Algae in Swimming Pools

Before you can start removing the algae you must determine which type of algae you are dealing with. When dealing with swimming pool water, you will either find green, mustard, or black algae. When it comes to this type of algae, green is the most common and black is the most challenging to remove.

• Green Algae – This is the most common algae found in pool water. Green algae will typically show up on the walls of your pool or along the surface of the water in large, floating clumps. If left untreated for a long enough period of time your pool will turn green!
• Black Algae – This is the most difficult and challenging type of algae to remove. Black algae like to form on the interior finish of your pool and deeply root itself in the cracks and crevices. Black algae love Pebble Tec pools the most.
• Mustard Algae – This type of algae is a form of green algae that is highly resistant to chlorine and has a brownish-yellow color. This type of algae is slick and slimy, which can help you distinguish it from dirt, which will have more of a coarse feeling. This form of algae collects on pool stairs, ladders, and near your pool light.

How To Remove Algae

If you have identified that there are algae in your swimming pool you will need to make sure you first balance your water chemistry. This means making sure your pH is between 7.2 and 7.6, that you raise your chlorine levels to 10ppm or higher, and you keep it clean as clean as possible. If you don’t already have one you will need to purchase a steel algae brush to help break up the algae because a regular brush won’t get the job done. Remember, black algae are extremely difficult, so you will need to typically brush it numerous times a day. You will need to also run your pump longer to help filter the water. When checking the water chemistry, if the phosphate or CYA levels are high you’re going to need to lower them because phosphates are a food for algae and high CYA levels prevent chlorine from working effectively.

As long as your pool isn’t green the best way to lower phosphates and high CYA levels are with our Reverse Osmosis (RO) mobile filtration trailer. We are able to lower all of those along with Calcium and TDS which helps to not only balance your water chemistry but give you great water to swim in. This process will also conserve water and prevent the interior finish from being exposed.

If you should have any questions about algae and how to remove it, we highly recommend calling us because we have the ability to support you in all your efforts in getting your pool back in shape.