Tips for Pool Algae

Owning a pool is one of the great pleasures of suburban living. Anyone who boasts a pool in the backyard, however, knows firsthand just how much time must be devoted to cleaning and regular maintenance if you want to expect flawless operation. Even with dedicated care, it’s not unusual for pools to develop problems ranging from obstructed filters to algae. Algae can grow, evolve and aggressively spread without proper intervention. If your pool has developed an algae problem and you are on the hunt for solid tips, you have come to the right place.

Why should algae even command your attention? The simple reason is that it’s often unsightly – major infestations can cloud the water, climb the walls and seal the full volume of your pool water under a repellent top layer. Although most such strains aren’t directly dangerous, algae can also promote bacterial populations that may pose a risk – algae lowers the chlorine level in pools simply by metabolic action, opening the door to a host of nasty pathogens. Given enough time and space, aggressive strains of algae may ultimately erode your pool’s walls and filtration system, rendering the entire system unstable.

The first thing to do is identify what kind of algae you have. Although the different strains of this organism number into the tens of thousands, most varieties can be broken down into a few umbrella categories. Pool experts usually refer to these simply by their colors along a sliding scale of seriousness. Blue/green is the most common and easiest to eradicate, yellow lies somewhere in the middle, and black algae usually means you have a chronic problem. The good news is that each type can be treated effectively given the proper materials, and in many cases you can have your pool back to safety in a matter of hours.

Blue/green algae can usually be removed manually, though the most important step is to check the pH and make sure everything is chlorinated properly. If you see no more signs of the algae or it appears to be on the decline, be relentless about cleaning on a daily basis. You may also need to invest in any one of a number of consumer algaecides, particularly those rated for your precise color strain. Once the pool is clear, prevention is as simple as cleaning often and being sure not to introduce foreign populations into the pool. Rinse off before you dive, for instance, and do not wear the same bathing suit you recently wore in the ocean.

Yellow algae aren’t terribly different from bluegreen algae, with the notable exception that it rarely clouds the water itself. If you find pale gold or orange populations scaling the sides of your pool, it may be time to look into more aggressive chemical response. One of the most popular is potassium tetraborate, which disrupts the metabolic action of the algae without posing a major risk to family members. It is important to clean all the water thoroughly and follow manufacturer recommendations for chemicals such as these, however, as some take longer than others to clear the system.

Black algae is the one most homeowners dread, and with good reason. A host of adaptive responses keep the algae hidden from sight no matter how many times you clean, making it nearly impossible to ultimately eradicate such a population. Extreme measures may include draining the pool entirely or introducing a chlorine shock of sufficient magnitude to destroy all life in the environment. Beware, however – doses such as these can be terribly dangerous for swimmers and loungers, so you will need to cordon off the area and work with professionals to ensure the fumes do not harm anyone in the house.

Pool algae can be prevented, managed and eradicated if you are willing to devote sufficient time to the task. Speak with local pool pros about their estimates for this kind of work, and be sure to follow up often once you have addressed the problem. With proper care and working mechanicals, your pool should stay clear and inviting for years to come.