There Will Be Algae: How To Beat It

16 Dec There Will Be Algae: How To Beat It

ALL ABOUT ALGAE AND BEATING IT

From Hayward

Anyone who has peeled back the winter cover of their swimming pool after the long winter will know the feeling:  Algae has taken over the pool.  It’s hard to keep algae away when the pool recirculation, filtration, and chemical treatment systems have not been allowed to do their work.  In most cases, Algae is a fact of life that can’t be avoided.  This post from Hayward gives a good primer about what causes Algae, and how to deal with it properly so that it doesn’t become a nagging problem that won’t go away.

Here is an excerpt from the post:

The most common form of algae you’ll find in your swimming pool is green. But there are many more species – algae can be green, brown, yellow, black or pinkish. Most often it is found in hard to reach areas, such as on steps and in corners. Algae likes these spots because water circulation isn’t ideal there, and… if these are sunny spots, that compounds the issue further as sunlight speeds up algae growth.

About algae and how to treat it

Green Algae

Green algae – is a slimy substance that can be found on pool and spa surfaces. First signs of it will be in small clusters on pool steps or lurking in corners. It’s at this stage that you should start to attack it — green algae can grow quickly in 24 hours or less.

Brushing will remove green algae, but it won’t destroy it – super chlorination or shocking your water is required. Maintaining your pool regularly during swim season is key to staying on top of a green algae outbreak.

Yellow Algae

Yellow algae also goes by the appetizing term mustard algae, because of its brownish or muddy yellow color. While yellow algae doesn’t spread as quickly as green algae, it is harder to destroy. Unlike green algae, brushing won’t do much to remove it. Super chlorination and regular maintenance will help kill yellow algae.

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