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There’s nothing worse than having pool algae invite themselves to your pool party. Green or yellow algae can quickly throw a damper once it appears. And when it starts to fester, is can become a nightmare to get rid of. If you’re struggling to keep algae away from your pool, there could be a few probable factors at play. Here are a few common ones:
Pool Filtration and Circulation
An algae problem often points to a problem with the filter. One of the reasons for reoccurring algae could be organic debris, which act as algae food, or even live algae that are lingering within your filter – this is especially common if you haven’t changed or cleaned the filter in a while.
Also, it’s important to follow instructions that your pool professional has given – that should include keeping your pump on and running, especially during those hot summer months. Though it is tempting to shut things down and save energy, algae loves still water.
Always keep your pump and filter running during the day and always ensure that it’s cleaned or replaced when instructed by your Purewater pool expert.
Phosphates and Nitrates
If your algae levels seem to have skyrocketed overnight, take a look at the surrounding landscape. Look for any signs of soil or mulch that may have been washed into the pool. Chances are this could be your culprit since soil or any form of organic materials contains phosphates and nitrates, which algae feed off of. Especially in early spring when fertilizers are widely used and sprayed, phosphates can easily accumulate in your pool and make a mess of things.
If you’re unsure whether this might be your culprit, you can bring a sample of your pool water to our store for a complimentary water test and we’ll check for phosphates. If phosphates are indeed the culprit, you can use a phosphate remover to get rid of it. Consult with you pool care professional for more instructions.
Regular Oxidation
Especially with the advent of salt water pool treatment systems, many homeowners are not shocking their pool. Your chlorine levels may be good, but over time you will get a build-up of Chloramines, or combined chlorines. This is “useless” chlorine, and in fact this is the form of chlorine that causes the bad smells we usually associate with indoor pools. No matter how you maintain your pool, whether it is Chlorine, Bromine, Salt, UV, or some combination of the above, it is important to regularly shock the pool, especially during hot weather or periods of heavy use. Shocking breaks the bond between the combined chlorine and waste particulate, getting rid of bad smells, and freeing up your chlorine to do its’ job, which includes keeping algae at bay. There are many options for shocking your pool, including some low- or no-chlorine formulas, that allow you to quickly and easily ensure that your water stays clear and algae free; see the pool experts at Purewater for guidance.
If algae keeps appearing and ruining your pool party –it’s time to address it. Take a look in and around your pool to investigate what the source may be and how you can get rid of it for good.
