Controlling Black Algae In Swimming Pools

Black algae roots bury deep into the surface of plaster quartz and pebble surface pools.

Controlling black algae in swimming pools.

Black algae can get into your pool several ways but one of the most common is from swimming suits that have been in the ocean source. If there s only a small amount of black algae in the pool you can probably get away with backwashing your pool filter for sand or de filters or rinsing the filter cartridge. Nylon brushes will not work. This is the best multi purpose algaecide.

If you have black algae in your pool you have black algae in your filter. Brush every black algae spot with a steel bristle brush to remove the protective layer. Treatment of black algae. If you have a vinyl lined pool do not use a wire brush as this can tear the liner shock or super chlorinate the pool using granular chlorine also known as calcium hypo chloride.

Here are our top tips for preventing black algae from growing in your pool. Responsible pool owners brush their pools on a regular basis. Vigorous brushing and strong chemicals are required to remove black algae. If the algae problem is extensive use a filter cleaner rather than just plain water.

Wash and dry swimming suits after swimming in the ocean. How to remove black algae. Black algae is more likely to come back after an initial outbreak. Prior to and during treatment the algae has to be thoroughly brushed in order to open up the slime layer and allow treatment to reach the roots of your problem.

Next add a copper based algaecide to the water and aim the water return jets at the algae patches. Apply a quality pool shock product and follow the label directions to boost any residual chlorine in your pool. Shock the pool again but this time use a normal dosage. Use suncoast all in one algaecide to prevent future algae breakouts.

Focus on the spot where the algae first appeared and work outwards from there. Following a black algae hit scrub it down four times throughout the following day. Black algae is normally found in the form of spots that range in size from pin head to quarter sized. If you still see black spots brush them again with a brush and a chlorine tablet.

Run the pump for an additional 24 hours. Remember black algae have deep roots that can penetrate the walls of your swimming pool. Use a pool water test kit to test and balance your chemical levels. You then need to balance your pool water and use algicide in severe cases.

Black algae can also attach to tile grout. Using a pumice stone on plaster pools only scrub the black algae to break up the protective layer.