Black algae is a serious problem, particularly during the summer. In the semi-private pool we had, the technician tried to fix the problem with the water in the pool. We ended up [hired a new pool company] having to empty the pool, do the remedial things to the pool surface, replace the sand filter. It was expensive and probably would have been easier to do it the hard way first.
If it is at the bottom, brush with s/s brush turn pump off and add trichlor on top of the algae, let it seat for 2-3 days, brush again. If it is in the walls add silver based liquid algaecide as per manufacturer's recommendations.
"Black Algae" (actually blue-green algae) forms in cracks and crevices on pool surfaces, especially plaster finishes. We normally find black algae growing in, but not limited to, shady areas of the pool.
Black algae is more typically found in concrete or plaster finished pools; it is very uncommon to find it in vinyl liner pools. It is known for a heavy slime layer and "skeletal growths" that make it impervious to normal chlorine levels (1.0 - 2.5 ppm). Black algae can grow "condominium style" providing layers of algae one on top of the other. Slight cracks in plaster or fiberglass walls are perfect breeding grounds for black algae especially when the pool is not properly maintained.
Two ways to get rid of black algae, algaecides typically do not work, mainly just a waste of money. First way is to spread either cal hypo or granular triclor directly on the algae. Lower Ph so the killing form of chlorine is more effective generally 7.0 to 7.4. You first should brush the spots with a ss brush. Do not do this on a dark plaster or vinyl liner pool, chlorine will either bleach or stain color. When doing this turn off pool sweep for a few days. Second and most effective way is to get two cases of liquid chlorine 8 gallons, and two gallon of ammonia hydroxide (most pool stores can order this for you) and muriatic acid. Close the pool for two weeks. Do not let anyone swim or animals drink from the pool for at least two weeks (diarrhea). Lower pH to around 7.0 Add the 8 gallons of chlorine around the pool. Turn on filter pump let run for 24 hours at least. Now you have to add the amonia hydroxide. When you do this make sure that no one hangs around the pool for a few hours (there are some gasses from the mixture of chemicals). let your system run as normal after the 24 hours. Brush pool with ss brush as often as possible. And make sure that the pool is not use. can not stress this enough. Wait till the chlorine residual has lowered to safe levels to reuse pool. At least two weeks. May have to add more chlorine after week one depends on the amount of BA, may have to try method one during this process. What this does is with the combination of ammonia and chlorine raises the residual to around 50 ppm and burns out the BA from the root. Once this is done there will or may be etching in the plaster from were the BA was, to help with this get a sanding block from your local pool store or professional, and sand the areas were the BA was to make the plaster more uniform.
I am a pool professional and have done this on a few pools and works like magic. I have done this to a pool that was covered with black algae, tried everything on this pool and nothing else worked also did the first way that i talked about, only helped a little just slowed down.
Do not scrub the pool with acid, will do nothing other than burn plaster. You can use liquid chlorine to scrub pool, this works to kill the algae and helps to bleach the plaster and disinfects the pool when a pool was not properly sanitized. Muriatic acid is not going to kill the algae, only will temporarily make the algae disappear. If you have your pool re-plastered make sure that the plasterer cuts away the spots were the algae was. I have seen pools that had Black algae before being re-plastered and soon after new plaster was applied it came back. Some times you have to remove the gunite as well.
Caution
Mixing Any type of chlorine product with amonia hydroxide is asking for a dangerous out come. Don't Do It.
Balance your pool water, brush the algae spots with a stainless steel algae brush to break the outer shell, in a vinyl liner pool use a 3M black scrubber pad. Having done this, super shock raising Free Available Chlorine to 5 to 10 ppm add a good copper or silver based algaecide, make sure the product is chelated which will prevent staining and follow the instructions to the letter. These are products that more is not better.
Mustard algae is not harmful to humans. It can, however, affect the appearance and cleanliness of swimming pools. Proper maintenance and treatment can help prevent and eliminate mustard algae in pools.
There are a wide variety of solutions when it comes to controlling algae in swimming pools. The best and most widely used method for controlling algae is by using chlorine.
To kill algae in swimming pools, you can use an algaecide product specifically designed for pool maintenance. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for dosage and application. In addition, regular brushing and maintaining proper chlorine levels can help prevent algae growth in the future.
Yes, a pool can develop orange algae. This type of algae is usually caused by a combination of factors such as insufficient chlorine levels, poor water circulation, and sunlight exposure. It is important to regularly monitor and maintain proper chlorine levels to prevent algae growth in pools.
Red algae is found in all regions of the world. They are attached to the bottom or other hard surfaces, and are often most conspicious in the intertidal region of rocky coasts and in tide pools.
Salt water pools are chlorine pools it just that the chlorine is electronically made from the salt. Salt water pools have problems with algae the same as just freshwater chlorine pools. If you are lucky you may be able to nip algae in the but by over chlorinating but more often then not you would be well advised to throw some algaecide in the pool to kill it of. (Always follow the directions on the bottle.)
Chlorine itself is not visible in swimming pools, but you can see its effects in the form of clear, clean water. Chlorine is added to pools to disinfect and kill bacteria, algae, and other microorganisms that can make the water cloudy or green.
Yes. Chlorine is used to prevent the growth of algae. Some pools use salt.
You can buy pool chlorinating chemicals that prevent the growth of algae and bacteria. You also skim floating debris off the top, and vacuum debris off the bottom. (Outdoor pools tend to get lots of debris; indoor pools get much less.)
Answer: Perhaps you have an algae problem.
No, algae is not a problem in a desert. It only appears for a short time in pools that form after summer rains.
Mustard algae is not harmful to humans. It can, however, affect the appearance and cleanliness of swimming pools. Proper maintenance and treatment can help prevent and eliminate mustard algae in pools.
Phosphate buffers put in cloudy pools will clear it up. The buffer clears the pool by reducing CH levels.
yes algae levels are lower due to the salt levels. Salt water pools are more carrosive to the pools plumbing. PVC may be a better way to plumb a pool as time will tell.
To effectively clear up cloudy water in pools, you can use a pool clarifier to help filter out small particles, regularly clean the pool filter, maintain proper water chemistry levels, and brush and vacuum the pool regularly to remove debris.
Red Algae is a bacteria... not an algae. It shows up on pool surfaces as loose, rust colored specks or clinging, bright red almost like a bright pink patches. Use a double dose of shock treatment.
No, they are usually in-ground. Many prefer fiberglass for it's lower cost, easier maintenance, and better algae control.