Almost overnight, a pool can show signs of the nasty green algae. You can swim in a pool on day and the next day see signs of the growth. Swimming pool algae occurs for many reasons.
Algae growth can result because of low chemical levels caused by sanitation, poor filtration, and poor water circulation, presences of carbon dioxide, nitrates or the sunlight causes chemicals to evaporate or hot air temperatures. Algae grows very fast and can multiply quickly on hot sunny days. The pool spa care is vital to preventing algae growth.
Four Types of Algae
There are four know types of algae that can grow in pool water. Swimming pool algae can be green, yellow, black and pink. The green alga is common and usually floats on the water surface, but will attach itself to the sides of the pool.
The yellow alga grows in the shaded areas of a pool. This is a hard alga to get rid of in the pool water. The black alga is little black spots and grows deep in the tile or grout of the pool. The pink alga is a bacterium more so than it is a form of algae. The pink is usually found in crevices and corners.
Preventing Swimming Pool Algae
The proper pool spa care is needed to keep algae at bay. Proper use of chemicals can prevent algae from growing in your pool. If the pH is high and chlorine level is low, algae will have a start. You must also keep debris out of the pool, which means general maintenance every day is needed.
You need to brush the sides of the pool and vacuum the debris from the pool when it is needed. Keep the filtration system clean and in good working order. Always test the water and add the proper chemicals when needed.
You must check the copper, chlorine, pH and total alkalinity of the water. This should be done weekly or more often if the pool has heavy usage. Keep enough chemicals on hand, so that you can treat the pool water when the levels are out of the ideal range.
Make sure that the pump and filter system is functioning properly. Old and weathered systems should be checked to make sure that they are still working properly. Preventing swimming pool algae is vital to a clean and safe swimming pool.
If you notice that the water is looking cloudy or you see some start of algae growth, you need to test the water and add the chemicals that are needed to keep the pool safe. Regular cleaning and brushing will prevent the build up of algae in areas that are not reached with the pool vacuum.
Keep the chlorine and pH levels where they belong and swimming pool algae will be stopped before it can start. If the pool is used heavily, regular testing must be done. This will keep the water safe to swim in for all ages. It also prevents any RWI for the swimmers.