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Your swimming pool should sparkle like a gem – no matter what time of year it is. However, when algae pop up in your pool, it can quickly turn your water from a radiant blue to a murky green. Algae is a living, plant-like organism that thrives in wet environments, can show up at any time, brought in by a summer breeze or a rain shower.
If your pool has too many contaminants or too little chlorine algae growth can quickly go from bad to worse. The team at Liquidus Pool Services understands this frustrating issue and would like to provide some much-needed knowledge and assistance on this matter.
1. Green Algae
Green Algae, also known as Chlorophyta, is a slimy substance that can grow on your pool and on any spa surface. Green algae usually start in small clusters on pool steps or in the corners of the pool. While it may seem like a fairly innocent form of algae, it can quickly grow and only takes twenty-four hours to spread.
As algae continue to grow, you may find patches floating on the water’s surface. This in turn gives your pool a greenish tint. This is the most common type of algae found in North Texas swimming pools.
Where Does Green Algae Come From?
Green algae grow best in lakes and ponds. The particles from green algae can get stuck on bathing suits from swimmers who have lately enjoyed a relaxing swim in the lake. Green algae also have an opportunity to grow when pools have poor filtration or if the water has been left unbalanced.
2. Yellow Algae
Yellow algae, also known as mustard algae, has a distinctly pollen-like appearance. It collects in shady areas of your pool because it does not grow well in direct sunlight, preferring shadows and shaded places. This type of algae is chlorine resistant and requires an aggressive shock treatment to be completely removed from the vicinity of your pool.
Where Does Yellow Algae Come From?
Yellow algae are very uncommon in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. For your home or pool to be infected with yellow algae, your home needs to be located near a river that has an ongoing population of yellow algae. Furthermore, yellow algae do not stick to clothing very well and the only likely way for it to arrive in your pool is via a stiff breeze.
3. Black Algae
Black algae are actually not really algae; it is technically a single-celled organism. The reason why black algae are called such is that it behaves like algae and requires a shock treatment in order to get rid of the infestation. Black algae do not require sunlight and can make their own food. As a result, it can grow quickly and aggressively.
Black algae naturally dig into the pool’s walls and floors with their roots. A thorough scrubbing or power washing is needed to remove black algae completely. After it has been effectively scrubbed away, an aggressive shock treatment is needed to completely rid your pool of any remaining black algae particles.
Where Does Black Algae Come From?
This rather aggressive single-celled organism is only found in coastal areas, which makes it exceedingly rare in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.
For black algae to get into your pool, it would have to be because you were at the beach very recently and did not wash your bathing suit before getting into your household pool.
4. Pink Algae
Pink algae are also known by another, less formal name, “pink slime.” Pink slime is particularly aggressive because it can grow quite well inside PVC pipes. Pink algae are also not algae; it is actually a very hazardous form of bacteria that has algae-like characteristics.
Pink algae are not harmful to human beings but they can be quite harmful to your pool. This is because pink algae can clog up the filtration pipes and cause them to burst from too much-trapped pressure.
Where Does Pink Algae Come From?
Pink algae form when the water pH levels are unbalanced. In the dark areas of your pool where there is a slow current, you can expect pink algae to flourish. That’s why if you have PVC plumbing, you need to be on the lookout for pink algae. An aggressive chlorine treatment will be able to eliminate any pink algae growth in your pool or pool plumbing.
Have an Algae Problem? No Worries, Liquidus Pool Services Can Help!
Our team at Liquidus Pool Services provides exceptional pool maintenance and customer service for our customers. We work hard to maintain your pool during the week so you can enjoy a clean and healthy pool on the weekend. If you want help with pool repairs, pool cleaning, remodels, or maintenance, contact our team today!