Early Detection is Key to Avoiding Swimming Pool Algae Problems

Algae blooms are the number one problem for residential swimming pool owners. Balanced pool water and routine maintenance will prevent most algae, but it can become a problem even in properly maintained pools. To avoid major algae problems, pool owners should incorporate an algae inspection into their pool maintenance routine in order to detect any algae in its early growth stages. Early detection will allow pool owners to take aggressive actions to eliminate the algae problem before it turns into a bigger problem.

It's important for pool owners to understand that no swimming pool is totally immune to algae, even if it gets the proper care. Keeping this in mind, early detection is a key to avoiding major algae problems, so understanding the early signs of the most common forms of algae is crucial. Using this knowledge in a routine pool inspection focused on searching for the early signs of algae will help identify any infant algae blooms before they become a big problem.

Yellow or Mustard Algae - the first signs of yellow algae will show up on the pool steps, pool lights, or on the pool walls in the more shady areas of the pool. Like its name implies, it will show up as a yellow or light brown buildup, and if caught early will easily come off when brushed. But it will return after brushing unless the cause of the problem is addressed. Mustard algae is typically a sign that there is a lack of filtration. Make sure the main pool filter is clean, all baskets are clean, and the filter is running a long enough cycle every day.

Green Algae - the first signs of a green algae bloom is cloudy pool water. But green algae progresses extremely fast and it is real easy to miss this early stage. The most common scenario is after a pool party with a lot of swimmers. All the chlorine gets used up and without chlorine in the pool water, it will quickly turn cloudy which is a sign of a pending algae bloom. If this early sign of green algae is missed, the pool owner could be waking up to a green pool in the morning.

Black Algae - in its beginning stages, Black Algae is a slow growing algae. It will first appear as small black spots on the bottom, sides, steps, or in the tile grout. It can easily go unnoticed in the early growth stage, but if left unchecked, it can soon be spreading rapidly throughout the pool. Often it is mistaken for small pieces of dirt on the bottom of the pool. If these pieces of dirt don't move when brushed, suspect black algae and take action to eliminate it right away.

Avoiding algae problems in residential swimming pools starts with good water chemical balance, proper water sanitation, and consistent pool cleaning routines. The benefit of including a quick inspection specifically looking for algae as part of that routine is early detection of the problem. Pool owners who combine this inspection with knowledge on the different types of algae and its early signs, will find it's not so hard to stay one step ahead of a looming algae bloom and will be able to eliminate the algae problem before it becomes a costly problem. To kill and control green, yellow, and black algae, use Algatec Swimming Pool Algaecide and Clarifier.

 

 

More Articles on Water Problems