Controlling Algae in Your Swimming Pool

Controlling Algae in Your Swimming Pool

Controlling Algae in Your Swimming Pool

Imagine that you are about to dive into your swimming pool when you notice that the water looks cloudy. Therefore, you stop and take a closer look. The color of the algae tells you a lot about what is going on with your pool.

Green Algae

Green algae are common in the air, so it often drifts into your swimming pool. It can also be carried to the pool on swimsuits or pool toys, especially if they have been used in ponds, rivers or in the ocean. The first reason that green algae forms are that your pool’s filters are not properly cleaning the water. Therefore, you may need to upgrade your filter system or replace them. Secondly, green algae form when the water in the pool does not have enough chlorine, so hiring a pool service in Winter Park can stop green algae from getting ahead of you. Regular pool maintenance usually keeps green algae away.

Black Algae

Black algae are one of the hardest algae to get rid of in swimming pools because it has many complex layers. It is often found in shady spots, like steps into the pool, and it may grow very rapidly. Using toys and bathing suits in both a natural environment and in your pool without sanitizing them often introduces these algae to the pool. The sides and steps of the pool may need to be scrubbed with a hard-bristled brush to get rid of these algae. Make sure to test your water as your pH balance should be 7.4 and 7.6 while your alkaline level should be between 120 and 150 parts per million. Triple shocking the pool is often required.

Yellow Algae

While green algae like to cause slime on things in your pool and black algae loves to hide in dark corners, yellow algae look a lot like sand, so it can be much harder to spot. Xanthophytes microbes are the culprit in causing these algae, and chlorine has no effect on killing it. The first thing you will want to do is completely scrub any pool toys and equipment with bleach. Then, turn your pool’s filter to the waste setting. Then, you need to brush and vacuum the algae out of the pool. Test your water to make sure that your pH and alkaline levels are correct. Since yellow algae are so persistent, then you need to brush your pool again before triple-shocking it.

If all this sounds like a lot of work, then contact a pool service in Winter Park. The best one is Pure and Simple Pool Care. They know exactly where to spot algae when it is just beginning and will get it out of your pool. Then, you can trust their weekly service to keep your pool clean. Give Pure and Simple Pool Care in Winter Park a call today at 407-538-0284.