Algae growth in swimming pools is a common problem that can be both unsightly and frustrating for pool owners. Algae are microscopic organisms that thrive in water and can quickly multiply under favorable conditions. Understanding the causes of algae in pools is essential for effectively preventing and managing their growth, ensuring crystal-clear and inviting pool water for a refreshing swim.
Causes of Algae in a Swimming Pool
Natural occurrences of cyanobacteria, the most common algae type, are usually green and blue. It can be found in soil and plant debris of all kinds.
Swimwear that is not correctly cleaned can introduce algae spores into your pool.
If, for example, the swimmer used the same swimming suit while swimming in the ocean, it is possible that the algae spores were introduced to the pool. In the simplest terms, you should assume that there is always algae within the pool. It will only bloom when certain conditions are met.
Poor Water Circulation
Poor water circulation is one of the most common reasons and causes of algae growth in a swimming pool. While swimming, you may not have noticed that water constantly moves through the pool, from the pool to the filter, and back again.
If the filter does not work correctly or if you use a smaller filter for a large pool, there may be dead spots in some areas. These quiet areas or low-flow areas can encourage algae growth.
As long as you keep the water flowing, there’s no need to worry. This is more of a problem for large pools.
It is crucial to test the pool regularly to see if the water flows consistently throughout the entire pool or if certain areas have a reduced flow or are dead spots.
Poor pH Balance in the Water
You should also check the levels of alkalinity and cyanuric calcium. How long has it been since the pool water was tested?
Algae can grow in pools with a high pH. This is because if the chlorine level is low, the water will have a higher alkalinity. It is essential to balance these levels, as certain minerals like calcium actively combat algae growth in swimming pools.
Low Levels of Sanitation in the Pool
Extremely low or inconsistent chlorine levels often cause algae growth in swimming pools.
When added to swimming pool water, chlorine creates hypochlorous acids, a weak acid. This acid can kill harmful bacteria like salmonella and E.coli. It also kills germs that cause diarrhea and other illnesses.
All over the world, swimming pools are chlorinated. The process uses a variety of chlorine-based compounds, from sodium hypochlorite and chlorine gas to chlorinated isocyanurates.
These compounds release hypochlorous acids when they come into contact with water. This acid is effective in cleaning the water and removing the first causes of algae in a pool.
The pool could rapidly become a breeding ground for algae if the chlorine level is too low.
Low Water Filtering
Filtering the water regularly is essential. It would be best if you considered extending the period for which the filter is run in the pool.
If the water level in your pool is higher than the size of your filter, it’s time to replace the entire unit.
Install a filter of the right size on your swimming pool so that you don’t get algae growing in it.
You will want to eliminate the algae as soon as possible, no matter how it was introduced. Water discoloration is the most apparent sign of algae in your swimming pool.
The color of your pool may vary depending on the type of algae infecting it. The color could be blue-black or yellow.
Let’s now discuss the best ways to remove the algae.
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How to Remove Algae From Your Pool
Prevention is key to keeping algae at bay. Regularly clean your pool, maintain proper water balance, and use preventative algaecides to minimize the chances of algae growth.
Manual Vacuuming Is the Best Method
Many people use automated or robotic cleaners for their pools to prevent algae. You should be aware that they are not as effective and that there is the possibility that they will miss some areas.
Consider vacuuming the area directly and dumping the entire thing in the trash.
You can bypass the filter system this way and avoid any recirculation. It would be best to focus your manual vacuuming on the areas with dead spots to eliminate the causes of algae in your pool.
Brush the Pool Properly
Algae can settle on the walls of your pool. It is essential to scrub the algae off the wall so that the sanitizer can penetrate deep into the remaining alga.
When you use a quality brush to brush the pool walls, you can remove all the sediments that have become lodged.
It is best to use a stiff pool brush on the pool’s wall and floor. The corners and other shaded areas should be brushed carefully since the likelihood of algae growth is higher in these areas.
The water will become cloudier as you clean, and this will also block your vision. This is why you should begin with these areas.
Balance the Water and Test It Regularly
You can test the water using a variety of tools like digital kits and testing strips to determine the pH of water.
You can test for alkalinity and determine if the water’s chemistry is correct.
We have already discussed the ideal conditions that encourage algae growth. Now you must balance the water’s chemistry to keep algae at bay. You should test the sanitizer’s effectiveness before adding it to the water.
It’s unlikely that a low-quality sanitizer will be sufficient to eliminate the algae. A low alkalinity (a high pH value) will reduce shock in the pool.
Shock Treatment
Certain types of algae require a shock treatment to eliminate the problem. If you’ve never used calcium hypochlorite before, you should consider it if you’ve never employed chlorine shock.
Hypochlorite is the best option if your infection is severe. You can find the instructions on the package at the back. They will tell you how much shock to use based on the size and shape of your pool.
Using stabilized chlorine in your pool is not a good idea, as it will likely result in an excessive amount of cyanuric acids. This will reduce the stabilizers’ effectiveness and bring back the causes of algae back into your pool. On top of that, It could also cause more complex problems.
Filter It Out
The water will turn cloudy blue when the shock treatment kills the algae. The filter must be run continuously for eight hours to remove all the algae from the pool.
Consider adding some pool water clarifiers to speed up the process. It’s essential to check the water supply before you start the pump.
Clean the Filter – Don’t Just Rinse It
Most people end up rinsing the filter thoroughly when they clean it. The filter should not slowly release particles into the pool. This will result in algae if the conditions are met. You can also soak your filter in muriatic acid diluted to remove the tiny particles.
Schedule a Consultation
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