What is algae, what are the different types of Algae & how is it
successfully prevented and treated. Algae is a
single-celled plant form. Some forma of algae are aquatic (live in water),
some are not. Algae utilizes the process of photosynthesis to manufacture
its own food. Algae comes in very wide variety of colors and forms making it
adaptable to almost any condition. Although some forms are virulent, most
are harmless and pose no more than a nuisance to most pool owners.
Due to algae's microscopic size, it takes
millions of these plants to accumulate in order to be noticed by the human
eye! By that time it may be too late and very costly to correct this
problem. Prevention of algae blooms is the best solution.
Click here for all of our
Algae treating products.

This is "Black Algae".
"Black Algae" (actually
blue-green algae) forms in cracks and crevices on pool surfaces, especially
plaster finishes. We normally find black algae growing in, but not limited
to, shady areas of the pool. Black algae is more typically found in concrete
or plaster finished pools; it is very uncommon to find it in vinyl liner
pools. It is known for a heavy slime layer and "skeletal growths" that
make it impervious to normal chlorine levels. As shown in the photograph,
the water remains relatively clear, however, almost all customers notice a
high chlorine demand (use much more chlorine than normal).
Treatment:
Have water properly analyzed. BALANCE
THE POOL WATER. Prior to and during treatment, the algae MUST be thoroughly
brushed in order to "break open" the slime layer.
Failure to do this critical step will prevent
the treatment from working. Pools
treated with chlorine or bromine should aggressively shock with chlorine
(PoolBoss Vinyl Shock)
and use a good quality algicide such as
Formula 500 or
Formula 6000 algicide.
Follow up either method with
PoolBoss Soft Touch.
Treating algae with Sodium Bromide. Click here for
all of our Algae treating products.
This
is "Green Algae".
Green algae (varies in color from blue-green to yellow-green to dark-green)
can be free floating in the water (turning the water a hazy-green) or can be
wall-clinging (patches of green). Wall-clinging varieties range in severity
from small patches on pool walls and bottoms to virtually covering the
entire pool surface. Green algae has the ability to clog filters and may
even cause surface damage if left untreated. Green algae can be treated
fairly simply and quickly with a proper, aggressive shocking & algicide.
A relative of regular green algae is "small-celled green algae" (SCGA).
The difference is seen in these areas: 1. The water remains relatively
clear. Many treat the problem (without proper analysis) as a copper or
mineral problem, however the metal chelants will show no effect. 2. When
treating with chlorine, chlorine seems to "disappear". SCGA is very
resistant to even high levels of chlorine.
Other mid-summer types of
green algae noticed is "green spots" all around the pool, especially in
shady areas. The water is almost always "very clear". The water can have a
"stinging" sensation. This is normal green algae, typically brought about by
lack of homeowner care; i.e. not following a weekly maintenance routine such
as our Clean & Clear program combined with very low pH and very low Total
Alkalinity.
Treatment:
Have water properly analyzed. BALANCE
THE POOL WATER. Prior to and during treatment, the algae MUST be thoroughly
brushed in order to "break open" the slime layer.
Failure to do this critical step will prevent
the treatment from working. Pools
treated with chlorine or bromine should aggressively shock with chlorine
(PoolBoss Vinyl Shock)
and use a good quality algicide such as
Formula 500 or
Formula 6000 algicide.
Follow up either method with
PoolBoss Soft Touch.
Treating algae with Sodium Bromide. Click here for
all of our Algae treating products.
This
is "Mustard Algae".
"Mustard Algae" is probably the MOST misdiagnosed kin of algae. Mustard
algae is an incredibly chlorine-resistant form of green algae
(yellow-green to brown in color) typically found in sunbelt areas (Florida,
southern California, Arizona, Texas, the Deep South). It often resembles
dirt or sand on the bottom or sides of a pool. In our local area
(Fairfield county CT), the number of TRUE Mustard Algae cases that we treat
can be counted on ONE HAND in most seasons. Mustard Algae has certain
characteristics: It can be brushed away very easily, but returns quickly to
the same location. Although it usually creates a large Chlorine demand, it
has been known to survive in high levels of Chlorine.
It is extremely important
to remove mustard algae growth from equipment (including the back of
underwater lights & ladders) and bathing suits to avoid cross or
recontamination of other pools.
Pool equipment can be left
in the pool during product application or cleaned separately with a mild
cleaning solution. Bathing suits should be washed with detergent as
directed on garment label.
Treatment:
Have water properly analyzed. BALANCE
THE POOL WATER. Prior to and during treatment, the algae MUST be thoroughly
brushed in order to "break open" the slime layer.
Failure to do this critical step will prevent
the treatment from working. Pools
treated with chlorine or bromine should aggressively shock with chlorine
(PoolBoss Vinyl Shock)
and use a good quality algicide such as
Formula 500 or
Formula 6000 algicide.
Follow up either method with
PoolBoss Soft Touch.
Treating algae with Sodium Bromide. Click here for
all of our Algae treating products.
Treating algae problems with Products containing Sodium Bromide
(products such as Yellow Out, Yellow Treat, Mustard Free, Defense or Drive
Out) should be done cautiously. If you're using a product such as
BioGuard Soft Swim or Baquacil, do NOT use this product, it's completely NOT
compatible. Adding sodium bromide (as little as 0.5 ppm) to pools treated
with chlorine can cause high chlorine demands and will cause the chlorine to
become unstable, increasing chlorine consumption. Since sodium bromide
cannot be removed from the water, you effectively transform the pool to a
"bromine" treated pool. Unfortunately, many consumers may not be aware
of the increased chlorine demand and may not check
chlorine levels as often as necessary. This could result in a drop in the
chlorine level leading to subsequent Algae blooms.
Q. My pool is horribly green! Shouldn't I just
drain it, clean it & refill it, starting fresh?
A. NO.
NEVER DRAIN your pool. The
liner will shrink, voiding the warranty and could cause damage to your pool.
In gunite, plaster, or even fiberglass pools removal of the water from the
pool could result in the pool structure "floating" and causing serious
damage to the structure.
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