Everybody loves to look out in their backyard and see a beautiful blue pool, ready for you to dive into and enjoy. However, without proper care, your pool can start to take on a greenish tinge. What causes that color change and how can your pool service help you to combat it?
What is Algae?
Algae is the primary cause of the green water in your pool. Usually, the chemicals within your pool help to maintain the balance necessary to avoid algae growth. But if your water circulation and chemicals are off, then algae can bloom and cause your pool to start changing colors.
Plus, if you have an overgrowth of algae in your pool, it is more concentrated than what is found in natural ponds or lakes, making it more of a health hazard. You do not want to swim in your pool until the algae is under control and the water is clear again.
Getting Rid of Your Pool’s Algae
Algae can be different colors, including green, brown, yellow, black, or pinkish slime. It might look like fur growing on the walls of the pool or stairs. Since your pool is exposed to sunlight regularly, algae often have ideal conditions to grow. Running the pump more frequently can help to decrease the algae. You also want to ensure that the chemicals are balanced, since an imbalance can encourage algae growth.
Here is how you can get rid of different types of algae that can be present in your pool:
Green algae – Brushing will remove this slimy substance to get rid of it completely, you need to use a shock treatment to sanitize your pool. A pool service can assist with this process.
Yellow algae – Looking like a blob of mustard, these algae can be harder to destroy. Brushing will only have a limited effect, so it is critical that you use a shock treatment and regular maintenance with a pool service to kill these algae.
Black or blue-green algae – These algae do not have an outer layer of slime and will penetrate deeply into hard surfaces, like plaster or concrete. You might see black spots at first, so when you do, use a stainless-steel brush to crack the algae’s shell and allow the sanitizers to penetrate it.
Pink algae – This bacterium appears as a reddish-orange slime that is attracted to PVC surfaces, especially piping. Simple brushing and regular sanitizing should keep it under control. But if it gets out of hand, your pool service should be able to use a shock treatment to address this issue.
How Can Your Pool Service Help
With a regular pool service, your chemicals will be checked, thus avoiding the imbalance that often results in algae growth. Additionally, a pool service can provide regular cleanings to get rid of the slime that protects the algae, thus making it easier for the chemicals to do their job of sanitizing your pool.
At Mirage Pool Services, we provide options that include weekly pool cleanings, brushings, swimming pool equipment check, and pool vacuuming. With their regular maintenance package, you can get rid of algae before it has a chance to take a hold. Contact us today to schedule your next pool service.
Mirage Pool Services specializes in pool maintenance, equipment repairs and replacement, chlorine washes, draining pools and pool startups in the Moreno Valley and Riverside, California areas.