If you're dealing with persistent algae in your pool, you need to know that regular sanitation and chemicals won't remove it. The sun allows pool algae to spread, and it's easy to overlook when you first notice a small growth on your steps or pool's side. However, if left untreated, pool algae can quickly become a big problem. Here are some tips to help you remove and prevent algae growth in your pool.

The Definition of Pool Algae

Almost any soil or plant material contains cyanobacterial algae. These spores can be carried by the wind directly into your pool water or can cling to your swimwear and be introduced by you. You'll always have algae in your pool, but a few factors can trigger a common algae bloom. Inadequate filtration for your pool's size or low and inconsistent chlorine levels are possible causes. Poor water circulation with dead spots or imbalanced pool chemicals is also a major contributor. Any one or a combination of these factors can trigger a pool algae bloom that spreads throughout your pool within a few hours. Algaecide is an effective way to help with filtration, sanitation, water circulation, and getting rid of black, green, or yellow algae growth.

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The Four Most Common Types of Pool Algae

While there are more than 20,000 types of algae, you can categorize them broadly by color. Here are the four main categories to identify the algae in your pool.

Category One - Black Algae

Black algae is extremely difficult to remove once it has attached to your pool. It has a durable protective layer that makes it resistant to brushing, with strong roots that anchor it to your pool walls. The roots will grow into your tile or grout, and you must remove the entire root to treat it. Black algae appears as a very dark green color with black spots.

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Category Two - Green Algae

Green algae is the most common type, especially in Melbourne or any place in Victoria. Filtration problems or cloudy water can bring it to the surface, and it likes to cling to walls or float in the water. A green algae bloom will give your pool a green appearance. You can see it as algae patches or small clumps floating in your water, and it can form a green slime.

Category Three - Mustard Algae

Mustard algae is actually bacteria that appear in streaks or spots in the corners and crevices of your pool. It grows very slowly and is unlikely to take over your entire pool. It thrives in pools with poor filtration and attaches to any smooth surface such as walls or pool toys. To treat it, you need to raise the chlorine levels in your pool and shock it.

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Category Four - Yellow Algae

Yellow algae likes to cling to your pool walls in shady areas. It is difficult to remove once it has attached and forms in patches. You can spend weeks trying to remove it because it is so easy to recontaminate your pool. Small clumps can cling to pool toys, cleaning equipment, or inside the pool filter, and it is resistant to chlorine.

Pool Algae Causes

Once algae enters your pool water, it can turn into an algae bloom if you have nitrates, imbalanced chemicals, warm temperatures, sunlight, carbon dioxide, or phosphates. Poor water circulation, weak filtration, and lack of pool sanitation also contribute to rapid growth. When it becomes sunny and warm, algae spores take advantage of any present carbon dioxide and deplete the oxygen, creating the perfect growth environment. Algae needs food to grow, and there is plenty in your pool water due to contaminants and debris. They can feed on dead pool algae.

Pool Algae Prevention

Controlling your chlorine levels is the best way to prevent a pool algae bloom. Maintain good water balance, let your filtration system run every day, and add an algaecide to the water once a week. Your alkalinity rating should be 100 ppm, pH should be 7.2, and cyanuric acid levels should be between 30 and 50. These are the ideal levels to stop algae before it attaches.

You want your water to undergo two complete turnovers every day. Keep your chlorine level between 2 and 4 ppm, and your water should circulate continuously. Mineral or ozone supplements and UV treatment can also work well. If possible, add the following to your water:

• Minerals - Copper, silver, and gold are all minerals that slow down algae growth. You can get chelated forms of these minerals that will prevent staining your pool walls, equipment, and floor.
• Chitin - Chitin can stop algae growth by cleaning a wide range of contaminants that algae feed on. It also enhances the efficiency of your filtration system and pool sanitation.
• Phosphate Remover - Phosphate makes up the majority of algae's diet. Fertilizer or leaf debris that falls into the pool can increase phosphate levels, and this chemical removes it.
• Potassium Tetraborate - This chemical prevents algae from turning carbon dioxide into a food source that it uses to grow and spread.

How to Remove Algae from Your Pool Water

Removing algae from your pool involves several components. First, double-check that your pool's sanitation, filtration, and circulation systems are working properly. Also, check your pool's chemistry. Make sure to vacuum your pool at least once a week to remove suspended particles if you don't have a self-cleaning pool. For isolated algae blooms, use granular chlorine to treat it. You can also get a brush, apply algae treatment to the water, and scrub. If you have free-floating algae, you'll need to shock your pool.

Start by balancing your pool water to get your pH between 7.1 and 7.3. Check your filtration and pump systems and turn off your heater if you have one running to lower the water temperature. Adjust the valves on your pump and let it run for 24 hours. You can agitate the algae by turning on your pool cleaners. Get a sturdy brush and scrub against the walls and floors of your pool daily, and vacuum your pool. For green water, apply a flocculant and shock it.

Shock the pool aggressively to remove suspended algae. You need to add enough shock that it gives your pool water a blue-gray color. You're aiming for 30 ppm free chlorine, and you'll need about 2 to 5 kg of shock for every 10,000 liters in your pool. The day after shocking your pool, test the chemical levels, paying particular attention to your pH and chlorine. If your chlorine is below 5 ppm, you need to shock it again.

Before adding algaecide, your chlorine should be below 5 ppm. Once you add it, brush the sides of your pool and vacuum it up once it settles. You can add a clarifier if your filtration system struggles to clear it, and you'll want to test and rebalance your chemicals.

For a black algae infestation, vigorously brush the algae to break its protective layer. This will help the chemicals penetrate the roots and kill it. As long as it's confined to the walls and not free-floating, shock the pool. Add the algaecide, let it work for two to three days, brush again, and vacuum and backwash your filtration system.

Install a Fiberglass Pool

Installing a fiberglass pool can be a viable option to help you avoid much of the work associated with an algae bloom or algae growth. Fiberglass resists algae growth, and its smooth surface makes it difficult for algae to adhere. If you choose to install a Compass Pools Melbourne fiberglass pool, be sure to ask for the Vantage Self-Cleaning System. This system constantly circulates the water, reducing the amount of chemicals you need to use.

It requires the same water balance to work properly, but you'll use fewer chemicals to achieve that balance. The Vantage system removes any dead spots in the pool where algae can thrive, giving you clean and clear water to swim in.

Contact Compass Pools Melbourne Today

Are you ready to have a beautiful pool and avoid a costly and time-consuming algae bloom? If so, contact us at Compass Pools Melbourne. We'll be happy to help you make the best choice and discuss your options.

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Additional FAQs

1. How can I prevent algae from growing in my pool?

   • Maintain good water balance and chlorine levels.
   • Let your filtration system run every day.
   • Add an algaecide to the water once a week.
   • Add minerals, chitin, phosphate removers, or potassium tetraborate to your water.
   • Discuss the Vantage Self-Cleaning System with your pool supplier.

2. How can I remove algae from my pool?

   • Balance your water and test the chemical levels.
   • Ensure your sanitation, filtration, and circulation systems are working properly.
   • Regularly vacuum your pool.
   • Use granular chlorine for isolated algae blooms.
   • Shock your pool for free-floating algae.
   • Apply algaecide and brush the walls and floors.
   • Apply a clarifier and shock the water afterward.

3. Can installing a fiberglass pool prevent algae growth?

   • Yes, fiberglass resists algae growth and makes it difficult for algae to adhere. This reduces the likelihood of an algae bloom. If you install a fiberglass pool from Compass Pools Melbourne, you can also use the Vantage Self-Cleaning System to maintain clean water and reduce chemical usage.

4. What should my water balance and chlorine levels be to prevent algae?

   • Alkalinity rating: 100 ppm
   • pH: 7.2
   • Chlorine level: 2-4 ppm
   • Cyanuric acid level: 30-50 ppm

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