Swimming pool contractors and service professionals understand that the best way to address algae in a swimming pool is to take preventive steps to ensure that 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.
There are times, though, when no matter how diligent the care, algae spores will take hold and can take over your swimming pool more quickly than you can address it. If you are a do-it-yourselfer when it comes to pool maintenance and you find algae bloom, it might be easiest to call a pool contractor to help you get the pool water back to swim condition. Consistent swimming pool maintenance can help you avoid algae bloom by keeping the chlorine and pH levels balanced to create an environment where algae isn’t as likely to form.
Here are some algae facts you may not know:
Algae is not anything you will want to swim in, but an algae-infested pool can damage your pool. It won’t make a swimmer ill, but swimming in a pool with algae will limit your line of sight. Algae also could mean the pool water quality is suffering and it may contain dangerous microorganisms. We recommend not swimming until the water is clear again.
Preventing algae is the best course of action. The best way to prevent algae is to keep the pool chemicals in balance, make sure the filters and pumps are fully functioning. Your pool contractor may recommend treating the pool water with an algaecide as an additional preventive measure.
Treating an algae-filled pool. If algae take hold in your pool water, it can take a long time to clear up and could be costly. Clean the pool of the algae. Treat it with an algaecide. You may need to super-chlorinate aka shock – the swimming pool to thoroughly kill algae spores. Many pool owners find that treating an algae-filled pool is beyond their DIY capabilities and call on the services of a pool maintenance professional.
Improperly balanced pool chemicals or neglect can lead to algae growth. It doesn’t matter if you have an above ground or an in-ground pool, it can become filled with algae. Fiberglass swimming pool owners find that algae are less of a problem simply because the pool walls and floors are so smooth it is hard for algae to take hold. Cement (gunite) pools have crevices that are ideal for algae spores to take hold and grow.
Give us a call as soon as you notice algae or a green or blue tinge to your water – we can help get your pool back to swim-worthy condition.
