Lake Erie isn’t the only body of water that is subject to algae. Sometimes it shows up in your swimming pool as well. The best way to address algae in a swimming pool is to take preventive steps to assure it doesn’t get a chance to take hold. If you’ve seen a swimming pool that has been taken over by algae, and in some cases it seems as though it happens overnight, you know it is a dark green, smelly substance that you want to avoid. Algae creeps up the sides of the pool and down to the floors and infiltrates your equipment and your pool steps. It is difficult, and sometimes costly; to remove and can put your pool out of commission for a week or more.
Swimming pool contractors believe in proactive measures to assure that algae won’t take hold. Being diligent about sanitation and cleaning and maintaining chemical balanced but algae may still form. Algae-causing spores could be carried in from the water that was originally used to fill the pool and can even be carried in on the wind.
Swimming pool owners that have pools with shallow ends may more often be plagued with this because the water heats up faster in the shallow ends and heat helps algae grow and thrive. Being diligent about cleaning the steps of the swimming pool is also advised, as the steps seem to be a favored breeding ground for spores.
As with most molds, algae can be difficult to remove. While some can be brushed or scrubbed away, others take more elbow grease and concentrated effort and professional pool care and copious amounts of chlorine to knock it out. The best way to avoid algae growth and other problems, consider investing in monthly pool service to monitor chemicals and clean your pool to keep it in top condition.
