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Algae
What is Algae?
Algae is a small plant growth and comes in many different types, colours and sizes. The algae spores are either already present in the water or transported to the pool by wind or on debris. Like any plant, it requires nutrients, water, air and light to grow. Most algae thrive when the water temperature is high and it is for this reason that algae problems are most prevalent in the summer period. Some algae types appear in the body of water whilst other types such as Black Spot Algae grow on surfaces.
The majority of algae infestations occur due to a lack of chlorine or effective sanitiser. High pH levels can limit the effectiveness of chlorine so it is very important to ensure the pH is maintained within 7.2 to 7.6 as per Australian Standards.
Algae problems can also be initiated by excessive nutrients entering the pool through garden water run off or other environmental factors. Poor pool filtration and circulation can also contribute to the formation of algae.
In some instances, high stabiliser (Cyanuric Acid) levels will slow the kill rate of chlorine such that algae will thrive. High Cyanuric Acid levels commonly result when stabilised chlorine is used for too long a period.
How to eradicate an algae problem?
Testing the pool water is the first step in the process as it will help you understand why the algae has formed and what chemicals are required to treat it. Ensure a stabiliser test is also performed to check if high Cyanuric acid levels are to blame. If the Stabiliser level is above 100ppm, it may be necessary to drain a portion of the water and re-fill to dilute. Where draining is not practical, a chemical treatment of both chlorine and both fast acting and long lasting algaecides should be used.
When treating a green pool, ensure the pH is correct to ensure chlorine additions work most effectively.
Using both a shock dose of chlorine and a fast acting algaecide and phosphate remover is the quickest and most effective treatment.
The pool will turn from a green colour to a cloudy appearance normally within 24hrs. If you can easily see the bottom of the pool, the filter will should be able to clear the water with the help of clarifiers. If you can not easily see the pool floor, a flocculation treatment may be required to settle the debris for vacuuming to waste.
There are a number of concentrated products that can be sprinkled over the pool floor to quickly kill surface algae.
See your pool professional for advise before performing algae treatments.
Click here to download our step-by-step guide for cleaning up a green pool