If you’ve been around a pool for any length of time, then you know the dreaded feeling of seeing algae creep up around different areas of your pool. First, it’s a little bit green, but before you know it, algae can bloom out of control and ruin your backyard oasis. Luckily, there are several steps you can take to prevent algae from the get-go. Read on to learn more about how algae can be prevented.
About Pool Algae
Pool algae is actually a living plant organism that can develop within your swimming pool. More than just looking a bit gross, it can also clog filters and lower the overall effectiveness of the chemicals you work so hard to put in. According to the Home Depot, several factors can contribute to algae showing up in your pool, such as low chlorine, heavy rains, and high heat. Contrary to popular belief, there are actually several types of algae that can appear in your pool. While green algae is the most common, you can also see mustard algae (which is more yellow) or black algae (which, as the name implies, is dark in nature).
Once you get algae in your pool, there are a few measures you can take to get rid of it. It’s a good idea to use a pool brush and then a vacuum to get rid of it. This also needs to be coupled by boosting any chemicals that have gotten off balance as a result of the algae. Treatment is all well and good, but let’s talk about prevention and never letting algae around in the first place.
There are several methods and steps you can take to help prevent algae in your pool, such as the following:
Ensure Chemicals Are in Check
Perhaps the most important step you can take to prevent algae is to ensure your chemicals are in balance at all times. The best method to ensure this is the case is to test it using chemical strips. Your free chlorine should stay between 1-4 ppms. If this gets off balance, be sure to apply the appropriate chemicals to bring it back to equilibrium.
Get Good Water Circulation
Getting good water circulation is important to ensure algae is prevented. If the pool has not gotten swim activity in some time, be mindful of this and try to stir up the water a bit.
Watch Your Filter Time
Good water filtration generally includes two turnovers per day. If your pool water is not being filtered on a regular basis, it will be more prone to getting algae and allowing it to bloom excessively.
Include Algaecide in Your Routine
Finding a good algaecide with weekly application can help this, too. This is a particularly good idea if you live in an area with high rain and hot temperatures. These, as discussed previously, can create a breeding ground for this unwanted plant!
Shock Your Pool
Apply a pool shock to attempt to kill any beginnings of algae. This also helps your pool to be clearer in general.
Clean Your Filter
Ensure your pool filter is cleaned regularly, too. This can be done by backwashing or chemically cleaning the filter. Read up on your pool’s owner’s manual for specifics that will work best for your pool.
McCallum’s Pool Service Can Help
If you are in the Scottsdale area and want support in preventing algae in your pool, McCallum’s Pool Service and Repair may be able to help. Our owner, John McCallum, has been in the industry for over 23 years, so you can know that you and your pool are in good hands with our team. John’s knowledge of the industry is used to support over 300 weekly customers and has expanded to a great staff of service professionals. Our passion is delivering excellent pool service in a professional manner to all pools in our community that seek our help.
Call Us Today
If you are looking to get additional help with algae prevention, give us a call today at (480) 734-2495. We love chatting with our community about how we can help support you in creating or maintaining the pool of your dreams.