Pelican Pool's system of chemical care guarantees
a crystal clear, algae free pool. Unfortunately, even when chemical levels
are properly adjusted, algae will occasionally appear in a customer's pool.
Alage comes in a variety of forms, and appears for a variety of reasons.
WHAT IS ALGAE?
Algae is an aqautic, plant-like organism. It is
introduced to pool water as an airborne spore. There are
three main types of algae:
- GREEN ALGAE, or
chlorophyta,
Green algae is the most common form of algae. It
appears as a streaky, slimy buildup, first
noticeable on steps, in corners, and on the
plastic surfaces of skimmers and return fittings.
YELLOW
ALGAE, or phaeophyta
Yellow algae, also known as brown algae or
mustard algae, has the same slimy texture as
green algae, but it is more difficult to remove.
Yellow algae loves shade, and will often appear
in covered pools. This form of algae grows in a
long, streaky pattern, appearing on pool walls,
in corners, and on steps and love seats.
BLACK
ALGAE, or cyanophyta
Black algae is the least common form of algae,
but once it blooms in a pool, it is extremely
difficult to eradicate. Black algae is usually
the result of chronically low chlorine levels: it
is often found in leaky pools, where near-daily
replenishment of the pool water is necessary. As
hundreds or thousands of gallons of fill water
are added to the pool, chlorine and stabilizer
levels drop, allowing black algae to gain a
footing.
Black alage first appears as small specks, often
at the deepest part of the pool, These specks
rapidly develop into large, dark blue to
blue-green colored buttons, slimy to the touch
and virtually impossible to brush away.
Untreated, black algae will quickly spread across
the entire surface of the swimming pool.
Another pool problem, Pink Algae, is not an algae at
all, but a bacterial growth. It is slow to grow,
and is easily killed by chlorination.
WHAT CAUSES ALGAE?
Algae spores are everywhere: these microscopic
single-celled structures are blown into the pool by the
wind, washed into the pool by rainfall, or carried into
the pool on swimmers' skin or bathing suits. Under the
right conditions, tiny spores will bloom into those
dreaded bright green, mustard yellow, or blue-black
discolorations.
Here are the key factors in algae growth:
- Algae can
develop when little or no chlorine is present. Over time, heat,
sunlight, and water loss wil drive down chlorine
levels. The lower the chlorine level, the more
likely that algae will bloom. High water
temperature is a common problem in the Gulf coast
climate. Weekly chlorine "shocking,"
coupled with application of stabilizers designed
to shield residual chlorine from the effects of
heat and sunlight, helps ensure that there is
always sufficient chlorine in the pool. Spas,
which are often heated to temperatures well above
100 degrees, are especially susceptible to algae
growth.
- Yellow algae
thrives in shade. Covered pools are an
inviting place for certain strains of alage. If
you cover your pool, you can help minimize algae
growth by periodically pulling back the cover,
affording the water some sunlight and
circulation.
- Algae loves
a dirty pool! Leaves and dirt offer a great growth
medium for algae spores. The longer you allow
leaves and other debris to sit on your pool
floor, the more likely that you'll see algae. In
an extremely dirty pool, algae will continue to
bloom, even when residual chlorine levels rise as
high as 8 to 10 parts per million!
- Inadequate
filtration will lead to algae growth.Water clarity depends
on daily circulation and filtration. Anything
that impedes water flow from the pool to the
filter -- clogged skimmer baskets, a dirty or
damaged filter, a defective pump motor, or a
failure to run the pump for an adequate amount of
time each day -- will encourage algae growth. The
first warning sign of a filtration problem is
hazy, milky water. Left unchecked, cloudy water
can quickly lead to a full-fledged algae bloom.
WHAT CAN YOU DO
TO PREVENT ALGAE?
- Immediately after
using the spa, turn the valves so that the pool
water will flow into the spa for 20 minutes. This
will replenish clorine-dissipated spa water with
chlorinated water from the main part of the pool.
- Remove your pool
cover one day per week to allow the water to
"breathe".
- Make sure baskets are free of leaves and debris.
- Check water
circulation. Clean or backwash your filter if
necessary.
- Make sure the pump
timer is set to run for an adequate amount of
time -- 4 to 5 hours each day in the winter, and
8 - 10 hours daily during the summer months.
- Call Pelican Pool Service -- we'll
dispatch a troubleshooter to double check chemical levels and, if necessary,
re-treat the pool! There is never a charge for troubleshooter services!
- Make sure your
filter is clean and your return lines have strong
water flow.
- Some spots of dead
algae may remain on your pool walls, even after
chemical treatment. Brushing the pool walls with
a nylon bristle pool brush will remove dead
algae, and help keep live algae from forming.
IF YOU GET
ALGAE, DON'T PANIC! Algae is always curable! |
