What Causes Algae in Pools?
Algae colonies are unsightly, make the water unsafe, and can be difficult to remove.
Swimming pools are an excellent way to beat the summer heat and have fun, but algae can ruin the fun. Algae colonies are unsightly, make the water unsafe, and can be difficult to remove.
This article discusses the major causes of algae in swimming pools.
High levels of nutrients
Algae thrive in environments rich in nutrients, such as phosphates and nitrates, which they use as food. These nutrients can enter a pool from various sources, including fertilizers, leaves, and grass clippings.
Poor circulation
Like most aquatic organisms, algae need still waters to establish a conducive habitat for growth and reproduction. So, when there's inconsistent water circulation in a pool, the resulting dead spots will create a stable environment for the proliferation of algae.
Still water can arise from heavy debris such as sand, twigs, or wood logs. An improperly sized filter can also impede consistent water circulation.
Poor pH balance
The pH balance measures a substance's level of acidity or alkalinity. A pH of 7 is neutral, a measurement below 7 is acidic, and above 7 is alkaline. Most swimming pools have a pH of between 7.2 and 7.8.
Algae thrive in alkaline environments, so when the pH is too high, they will begin to reproduce rapidly. In addition, a high pH makes chlorine-based chemicals less effective against algae and other aquatic organisms.
Poor pH balance can also corrode metallic fixtures or pool hardware, such as ladders or handrails, creating sediments that impede consistent water circulation. This further encourages algal blooms.
Too much sunlight
Sunlight is essential for photosynthesis - a process that allows plants (including algae) to produce nutrients from light energy. Therefore, when a pool's surface gets too much sunlight, algae can quickly increase and spread all over the pool.
Poor filtration
Suppose the filtration system is not functioning as it should. In that case, pollen, dust, leaves, bacteria, and other foreign particles can find their way into the pool and create a hospitable atmosphere for algae to grow. Such an environment has plenty of dead spots where water circulation is poor. It's also unlikely to have a good pH balance.
An experienced pool cleaning and maintenance service can help
Algae can be a significant headache for pool owners because it makes the water murky, slimy, and uninviting. Although one may try to scrub away the algae, this method cannot completely eradicate this unwelcome condition.
Pool cleaning and maintenance services are experienced in dealing with various types of algae cultures and have access to specialized tools–including brushes, vacuums, and chemicals–that have proven effective. They will clean debris from the pool to make treatment more successful while regularly inspecting the filter and other components to increase circulation and ensure proper filtration.
Why wait? Call a professional pool cleaning and maintenance service right away.
Dog Days Pool Service is a pool service company serving Clearwater, Safety Harbor, and all surrounding areas. We offer pool cleaning, maintenance, troubleshooting and more and would love to hear from you! (727) 791-6012
