White Algae in My Pool
Algae often occurs in pools that are not cleaned properly and whose chlorine balance has dropped. Maintaining free chlorine levels between 1 and 3 parts per million (ppm) will prevent the growth of algae. Usually green algae appears, but white algae sometimes does, followed by a pink algae that grows on top. Although these are often called algae, they are in fact fungi (Paecilomyces lilacinus) forming on the water. They are treated in the same way as most algaes.
Skim algae off the surface of the pool as much as possible, using a pool skimmer. Rinse the end of the skimmer with bleach to kill the fungi that attach to it.
- Algae often occurs in pools that are not cleaned properly and whose chlorine balance has dropped.
- Maintaining free chlorine levels between 1 and 3 parts per million (ppm) will prevent the growth of algae.
Vacuum the pool with your pool vacuum. Vacuum then brush the sides of your pool with the pool brush. Vacuum again. Rinse everything in bleach to kill the fungi.
Place a rubber glove over your hand and take a water sample from elbow depth. Pour the water into your water testing kit and add the chlorine sampling solution. Compare the color of the water to the color chart to determine the chlorine level.
- Vacuum the pool with your pool vacuum.
- Pour the water into your water testing kit and add the chlorine sampling solution.
Compare the chlorine level to the side of your pool shock bag and measure out the amount of pool shock needed for your pool. Pour it into a bucket of water and add to the pool according to package directions. Cycle the pool filter for 24 hours.
Test the chlorine levels again. The water is safe to swim in once chlorine levels reach 1 to 3 ppm. You may need to clean the water several times before the fungus goes away.
Black Algae In My Pool?
Of the many types of algae that can grow in a swimming pool, black algae is the most troublesome. It's an example of a cyanobacterium which also grows in swimming pools. Algae love dirty water, and pool water can become dirty enough to support them if the filter isn't doing its job -- even if you maintain the proper chemical balance. Getting rid of black algae isn't easy. Using pool shock is part of a comprehensive remediation program, but to make it work, you have to scrub the algae to remove this coating. So if the packet recommends 1 pound per 10,000 gallons of water, use 3 pounds. If you have a light-colored pool, you can supplement this treatment by sprinkling granular chlorine on the surface of the water near the black spots. Once you start the filter, let it run from 24 to 48 hours. If you still see black spots, brush them again with a brush and a chlorine tablet. Shock the pool again, but this time, use a normal dosage. Run the pump for an additional 24 hours.
- Compare the chlorine level to the side of your pool shock bag and measure out the amount of pool shock needed for your pool.
- If you have a light-colored pool, you can supplement this treatment by sprinkling granular chlorine on the surface of the water near the black spots.
