After months of discussion and deliberation, you finally decided to get a pool. You then started the long process of finding the right contractor and design for your pool. The construction process took place thereafter, and you finally have a pool of your own. Imagine getting your pool infected with algae and rendered unusable after this entire ordeal. Sounds depressing, doesn’t it? However, pools getting infected by algae are not something unheard of. Different types of algae may infect your swimming pool. To help you with this, we bring you a list of the types of algae which can grow in your pool.
1. Green algae
This particular kind of algae is commonly found in stagnant water bodies. They are found abundantly in nature and they grow liberally in enriched water bodies. They are called green algae because they are green in colour and make the water body appear green. Green algae can grow in your pool if the water circulation is low. It usually appears when pool sanitizer levels are below the desired concentration. Green Algae makes the pool water appear cloudy or murky. The good news is that it is the easiest type of algae to treat. However, if it’s left untreated, it can cover the surface of the pool floor. They are hazardous since they make the surface slippery. To avoid green algae contamination, maintain proper chemical levels in your pool. Wash swimsuits and water toys before using them in your pool.
2. Black algae
These algae are known as Black algae as it appears as black spots on the pool floor. It grows abundantly wherever calcium deposits are present. Poor water circulation in those areas helps to enhance black algae growth. To tackle black algae, you need to immediately scrub the affected area and scrape off the algae. You may have to scrub the affected region over days until the algae disappear. Black algae can become a huge problem unless it’s treated properly. You can use a copper-based broad-spectrum algaecide to treat black algae. You can even use trichlor to treat black algae. Get your pool water tested for metal levels to avoid over saturation of the water with metals.
3. Yellow/mustard algae
This type of algae the most difficult to eradicate. It may also be difficult to visually recognise yellow algae. This is because, in a blue pool, yellow alga can look green. However, if green algae are present in the pool, then the water will look cloudy or murky. Yellow algae look like dirt or Pollen. Unfortunately, yellow algae can also grow in a well-balanced and chemically treated pool. It can be introduced into your pool from natural water bodies or rain. You will have to use a chlorine enhancer or an algaecide to treat these algae.
4. Preventive Measures
To control algal growth in your pool, you will have to take various measures. Your pool should have the appropriate level of chemicals. The chlorine and pH levels of your pool should be within the desired ranges. The free chlorine in your pool should be around 1-4 ppm and the pH should be between 7.2 and 7.8. Ensure that your pool is regularly brushed or vacuumed. The mechanical agitation will prevent the algae from settling on the surface of the pool and making it a substratum. Make sure that the pool filters are clean. Algae easily grow on rough surfaces so ensure that your pool doesn’t have any broken tiles or cracks.
All this sounds like hard work doesn’t it? Fortunately, there is an easier way. Pool management services like United Pools, manage your pool for you after its construction. This ensures that you can enjoy your pool without worrying about its maintenance continuously.
