Owning a swimming pool is one of the major home improvements any homeowner can have. It is indeed a rare leisure for most people. However, attaining one also comes with a price. Whether it is a basic backyard size or an Olympic-sized pool, all swimming pools must undergo basic upkeeping to maintain its safety, cleanliness, and durability.
A key essential for your pool maintenance is preventing pool algae. Its growth can eventually affect your lifestyle and health.
While some still choose to take a dip in swimming pools with algae, some are still hesitant with questions in their mind. Read on to understand the things you need to know about pool algae.
Pool Algae and What Causes their Growth
Pool algae are plant-like, often green-colored, organisms that grow in swimming pools. It thrives in high-pH water and stagnant areas in the pool that do not get much water circulation.
Pool algae have three common variations such as yellow or mustard algae, black algae (black spot) and the most common one – the green pool algae.
You can typically find them floating in the water, or on the wall and stairs of your pool. Some types of algae can be difficult to remove, while some can be easily brushed off.
A full-blown algae growth in a swimming pool is called algae bloom. This growth is a warning sign of pool contamination, poor sanitization, excessive sunlight exposure, or an improper balance of PH (high PH level and low chlorine levels) in the swimming pool.
Pool Algae Can Make People Ill
While algae are unnecessarily harmful, it makes a strong impression of containing filth in a swimming pool. Therefore, it is not a suitable pool environment for you and your family.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), waters with algae bloom are unsafe to swim in. In addition, it may cause stomach pain, headache, skin irritation, and muscle weakness.
It is essential to contact a medical provider when you have swum or accidentally drank some water from a swimming pool with an algae bloom.
You Can Prevent Algae Growth in Swimming Pools
The most effective way of saving time, effort, and money by getting rid of algae is preventing algae in the first place.
Keeping the right water chemistry and environment of the pool are needed in order to prevent algae growth. This can be done by checking the chemical balance of the water regularly, using the appropriate chemicals, and routinely checking and cleaning the pool filter.
You can keep any swimming pool sparkling clean and algae-free, even during winter. Even though the cold climate can slow down the growth of algae, you should still clean your pool during winter. They can still appear since the water is stagnant and pools are usually covered.
Ways How to Get Rid of Pool Algae
When there is already algae growth in your pool, it is best to treat it as early as possible, for it may cause irreparable damages the longer it is untreated.
The primary treatment for algae is termed “pool shocking”, which is basically treating the water with a high chlorine dosage using a non-stabilized chlorine), and then lower the water’s pH by using pH down tablets or hydrochloric acid. Doing this would make the chlorine more effective. Ensure that your pool’s system is up and running for 24 hours to disperse the shock treatment around the pool.
Clean up any debris captured from the pool filter. Also, test and re-balance the water two to three days later, and make any additional adjustments required. Finally, switch the filtration system back to its normal operating process.
You can also seek help from pool cleaning professionals to ensure that all cleaning agents and cleaning apparatus will be properly used. You can set a regular schedule with them to lessen and prevent the growth of alga in your swimming pools.
Hire Cherry Pool Services in San Diego for Regular Pool Cleaning
If you are in San Diego or nearby areas, check out Cherry Pool Services when you need pool cleaning and pool maintenance services. We are committed to making sure that our clients’ pools are clean and safe for use.
With years of experience in the pool services industry, we can offer you the best solution based on your budget. Aside from pool cleaning, we specialize in pool and hot tub repair and pool equipment installation.
Contact us at (858) 999-1004 or fill out our contact form for a free estimate or for inquiries regarding our services. We look forward to hearing from you.
