WHAT IS ALGAE?
Algae is an aqautic, plant-like organism. It is introduced to pool water as an airborne spore. And there are three main types of algae:
1. GREEN ALGAE, or chlorophyta,
Green algae is the most common form of algae. It appears as a streaky, slimy buildup, first noticeable on steps, in corners, and on the plastic surfaces of skimmers and return fittings.
2. YELLOW ALGAE, or phaeophyta
Yellow algae, also known as brown algae or mustard algae, has the same slimy texture as green algae, but it is more difficult to remove. Yellow algae loves shade, and will often appear in covered pools. This form of algae grows in a long, streaky pattern, appearing on pool walls, in corners, and on steps and love seats.
3. BLACK ALGAE, or cyanophyta
Black algae is the least common form of algae, but once it blooms in a pool, it is extremely difficult to eradicate. Black algae is usually the result of chronically low chlorine levels: it is often found in leaky pools, where near-daily replenishment of the pool water is necessary. As hundreds or thousands of gallons of fill water are added to the pool, chlorine and stabilizer levels drop, allowing black algae to gain a footing.
Black alage first appears as small specks, often at the deepest part of the pool, These specks rapidly develop into large, dark blue to blue-green colored buttons, slimy to the touch and virtually impossible to brush away. Untreated, black algae will quickly spread across the entire surface of the swimming pool.
4. PINK ALGAE,
But this not an algae at all, but a bacterial growth. it is slow to grow, and is easily killed by chlorination.
WHAT CAUSES ALGAE?
Algae spores are everywhere: these microscopic single-celled structures are blown into the pool by the wind, washed into the pool by rainfall, or carried into the pool on swimmers' skin or bathing suits. Under the right conditions, tiny spores will bloom into those dreaded bright green, mustard yellow, or blue-black discolorations.
here are the key factors in algae growth:
HOW DO I PREVENT ALGAE?
Algae is an aqautic, plant-like organism. It is introduced to pool water as an airborne spore. And there are three main types of algae:
1. GREEN ALGAE, or chlorophyta,
Green algae is the most common form of algae. It appears as a streaky, slimy buildup, first noticeable on steps, in corners, and on the plastic surfaces of skimmers and return fittings.
2. YELLOW ALGAE, or phaeophyta
Yellow algae, also known as brown algae or mustard algae, has the same slimy texture as green algae, but it is more difficult to remove. Yellow algae loves shade, and will often appear in covered pools. This form of algae grows in a long, streaky pattern, appearing on pool walls, in corners, and on steps and love seats.
3. BLACK ALGAE, or cyanophyta
Black algae is the least common form of algae, but once it blooms in a pool, it is extremely difficult to eradicate. Black algae is usually the result of chronically low chlorine levels: it is often found in leaky pools, where near-daily replenishment of the pool water is necessary. As hundreds or thousands of gallons of fill water are added to the pool, chlorine and stabilizer levels drop, allowing black algae to gain a footing.
Black alage first appears as small specks, often at the deepest part of the pool, These specks rapidly develop into large, dark blue to blue-green colored buttons, slimy to the touch and virtually impossible to brush away. Untreated, black algae will quickly spread across the entire surface of the swimming pool.
4. PINK ALGAE,
But this not an algae at all, but a bacterial growth. it is slow to grow, and is easily killed by chlorination.
WHAT CAUSES ALGAE?
Algae spores are everywhere: these microscopic single-celled structures are blown into the pool by the wind, washed into the pool by rainfall, or carried into the pool on swimmers' skin or bathing suits. Under the right conditions, tiny spores will bloom into those dreaded bright green, mustard yellow, or blue-black discolorations.
here are the key factors in algae growth:
- Algae can develop when little or no chlorine is present.
- Yellow algae thrives in shade.
- Algae loves a dirty pool!
- Inadequate filtration will lead to algae growth.
HOW DO I PREVENT ALGAE?
- Immediately after using the spa, turn the valves so that the pool water will flow into the spa for 20 minutes. This will replenish clorine-dissipated spa water with chlorinated water from the main part of the pool.
- Remove your pool cover one day per week to allow the water to "breathe".
- Make sure baskets are free of leaves and debris.
- Check water circulation. Clean or backwash your filter if necessary.
- Make sure the pump timer is set to run for an adequate amount of time -- 4 to 5 hours each day in the winter, and 8 - 10 hours daily during the summer months.
- Make sure your filter is clean and your return lines have strong water flow.
- Some spots of dead algae may remain on your pool walls, even after chemical treatment. Brushing the pool walls with a nylon bristle pool brush will remove dead algae, and help keep live algae from forming.
- Call 214-295-5973- we'll dispatch a technician to double check chemical levels and, if necessary, and re-treat the pool! We normally do not charge for this services if you are on a weekly service!
