ALGAE

Algae is a living aquatic creature that multiplies rapidly on warm, sunny days.  Containing chlorophyll, algae utilise photosynthesis to grow.  That is, they take in carbon dioxide and expend oxygen as a by-product.

WHAT PROBLEMS CAN ALGAE CAUSE?

A: The first noticeable problem is that no one seems to want to go swimming.  The second problem is that it requires work and effort and money to rid the water completely of algae.  It is therefore best to use preventative chemicals and techniques.  Algae can cloud and colour the water, making rescue attempts difficult and reducing depth perception of a diver.  Algae itself is not harmful to swimmers, but pools with algae may also be harbour to pathogens like E-coli bacteria.

In addition to clogging up sanitation pathways in the water, algae also clogs up the pores in a filter, decreasing filter effectiveness and requiring more backwashing or medium replacement.  Algae creates a chlorine demand in the water for itself, actually consuming chlorine that should be working on other contaminants.  Algae are kind of like weeds in your garden.  Unsightly, unwanted space takers that create more work for the gardener and sap up nutrients and resources from the flora we wish to grow.

WHAT TYPES OF ALGAE ARE THERE?

A: There are over 21,000 known varieties of algae!  In the pool business we avoid all of the complication by referring to algae by the colour they exhibit.

GREEN ALGAE: An extremely common variety, green algae will usually rear its ugly head immediately following a hazy condition in the water from a lack of proper filtration and/or sanitation.  It is frequently found free floating in the water, although it also will cling to the walls.  It reduces water clarity and is thereby distinguished from severe copper precipitation, which will impart a clear, green colour to the water.  Varieties of green algae also appear as "spots" on surfaces, particularly rough areas, or places where circulation is low.  They also show up as "sheets", where large wall sections, or even the entire pool, is coated in green slime...UGH!

YELLOW ALGAE: A wall clinging variety, also called mustard algae, is usually found on the shady side of the pool. It is sheet forming, and can be difficult to eradicate completely.  Once begun, a pool owner could spend the entire season fighting yellow algae; reunification is common. This variety is resistant to normal chlorine levels and must be dealt with firmly. Hit it hard!

BLACK ALGAE: Perhaps the most aggravating strain of algae, it has been compared to herpes; "once you've got it, it's there for life". This is not entirely accurate - Barnacle Bill's have successfully eradicated black algae from pools - but the difficulty in treatment is due to the strong roots and protective layers over top of the black algae plant.  Black algae will appear as dark black or blue/green spots, usually the size of a pencil eraser tip.  Their roots extend into the plaster or tile grout, and unless the roots are destroyed completely, a new head will grow back in the same place.  The heads also contain protective layers to keep cell destroying chemicals from entering the organism.  Like yellow algae, black strains can bloom even in the presence of normal sanitising levels and proper filtration.  I was once told that this form of algae commonly enters a pool inside the swimsuit of a person who's recently been to the ocean.

PINK ALGAE: Not really an algae at all, but a form of bacteria.  Appears as spots or streaks in corners and crevices. It is slow to spread and rare that it will bloom over an entire pool.

HOW IS ALGAE PREVENTED?

A: Proper chemical balance and sanitiser residuals will prevent many opportunities for algae to bloom.  High pH and low chlorine (or other sanitisers) can give algae a great start to genesis.  General cleanliness of the pool is also important.  Organic material and bacteria can contribute to algae growth.  Regular brushing of seemingly clean pools is not only good exercise for you but prevents dirt from harbouring in the pores of the plaster, which is a good start for an algae colony.  The use of speciality chemicals or algaecides is recommended to provide a back up to normal sanitation and filtration processes and is completely necessary for many pools.

If algae has been an ongoing problem in your pool for several years you will do well to call BARNACLE BILL'S before draining your pool.  Many years of algae builds up dead algae cells and lots of other solids in the water that contribute to the algae's rejuvenation.  Many people will tell you "Acid washing and/or pressure washing is preferable once drained, to kill the roots of the algae embedded in the plaster.".  BARNACLE BILL'S scrubs the pool getting to the roots before treating the Algae, so you do not have to empty the pool and have it out of use for days.  A well functioning filter will prevent algae.

Another item to look at is the method of sanitation and the type of filtering you have.  Far too many pools out there were sold with marginal filter systems, meant to run 24 hrs per day.  Well, these systems get old and tired, or the new owners only run it 12 hrs per day (or less).  For good algae prevention, we need a combination of good filtration, sanitation and circulation.  It may be time to consider changing the old pump and filter. It's cheaper and easier to pay a little up front for more chemicals, electricity or better equipment than all the money and aggravation spent on fighting algae blooms.