Does the water in your pool or spa look green, discoloured or cloudy? Algae in your water can be frustrating, making your refreshing personal oasis much less welcoming. What causes algae, and how can you treat and prevent it?
What Is Algae In Water, And What Causes It?
There are many kinds of algae that can grow in pool and spa water, and various forms can be green, yellow, red, black and more. Algae is a microscopic aquatic plant that is often found in bodies of water, including pools and spas. Algae can be brought in by wind, debris or even by clinging to swimwear and pool equipment.
When algae are present in high amounts, they can discolour your water, make it appear cloudy and even make it feel slimy. If left long enough, the algae can grow and become more intense in colour and feel.
While algae itself technically isn’t dangerous, it can subsequently make your water hazardous. The bacteria in water that feed on algae can cause health issues like rashes, fever and infections. Large amounts of algae can also attract mosquitoes, which will eat and lay eggs in the algae.
Along with algae, mould and mildew can also appear as floating white slime in your water or discoloured white or black blotches on the sides of your spa or pool. Mould and mildew are more likely to form in neglected pools and spas.
What causes algae?
- Inadequate Water Circulation: Low water flow or ‘dead spots’ (sections in your pool or spa that receive little to no water movement) in your water can create an ideal environment for algae growth.
- Poor Water Balance: Algae can grow if you have insufficient levels of pH, alkalinity, calcium, etc.
- Insufficient Water Sanitation: Low or inconsistent chlorine levels could contribute to algae growth.
- Not Enough Water Filtration: Short filter run times or an ineffective filter may fail to prevent algae growth.
How To Treat Algae In Your Pool Or Spa
Once you’ve noticed algae in your water, what should you do?
- Shock Treatment. This refers to using a super-concentrated dose of pool sanitiser. You can find non-chlorinated and chlorinated pool shock products, such as our O2 Shock product. This will kill or reduce the algae and bacteria in your water.
- Brush And Vaccum Your Pool Or Spa. Use specialised brushes and vacuums to scrub the walls and floor, dislodging algae and other debris. This will make it easier for your filter to remove them.
- Balance Water Levels. Test your water for your pH level and more, then use balancers to adjust the water. Proper levels will help ensure the chlorine kills off remaining algae and bacteria.
- Run Your Filter. Make sure your filter runs continuously while the water clears up. Backwash or clean the filter when necessary.
- Use Algaecide. Use algaecide to prevent future algae growth and keep your water nice and clean. If your algaecide starts to foam on your water, then this could be caused by the chemicals in your spa or pool, cleaning residue in your water or by using too much algaecide. The algaecide itself may also be formulated with foaming agents.
How To Prevent Future Algae Blooms
Now that your water is clean, you want to make sure it stays that way. There’s always a chance that algae blooms can form, but the right preventive actions can make them far less likely to appear.
What should you do?
- Routinely Balance Your Water Levels. Create a water maintenance schedule and stick to it, including balancing your water levels. Use test kits, like tester strips, to check your water before and after you use balancers. Correctly balancing your water will prevent algae and bacteria growth.
- Check Your Filters Regularly. Make sure your filters are always sufficiently cleaning your water.
- Consistently Clean Your Spa Or Pool. Prevent serious buildup by cleaning your water, spa or pool on a regular basis. Consider a robotic cleaner to make things easier for you.
- Trim Overhanging Foliage. Pruning branches that are leaning over your water will help stop leaves from falling into the water. This debris could contribute to algae growth.
Keeping Your Water Clean In New Zealand
Algae blooms can be off-putting, but you can treat and prevent them by using the right products and taking the right steps. At Crystal Clear Pools, we have everything you need to keep your pool or spa beautiful. Our valet services are perfect if you want to entrust your maintenance work to professionals.
Or, if you’d rather do it yourself, we have plenty of top-notch products in stock.
Get in touch by calling us on (09) 391 0002 or using our site to send us a message.
Crystal Clear Pools: Keep your water welcoming and crystal clear.