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Algae
What
causes Algae problems?
Every pool owner has, at one time or
another, done battle with the occasional
algae bloom. Algae spores constantly
enter the pool, brought in by wind, rain
or even contaminated swimsuits or
equipment. When conditions are right, an
algae bloom can occur seemingly
overnight. These conditions include out
of balance water, warm temperatures,
sunlight and presence of nitrates and/or
carbon dioxide. Of course, a lack of
proper circulation, filtration and
sanitation may be the primary cause of
the algae. The best process is one of
elimination.
Algae is a living aquatic creature that
multiplies rapidly on warm, sunny days.
Containing chlorophyll, algae utilizes
photosynthesis to grow. That is, they
take in carbon dioxide and expend oxygen
as a byproduct.
What
problems can Algae cause?
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, described later. Algae can
cloud and color 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 harbor 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?
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 color they exhibit.
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 color 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!
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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; re-infection is common.
This variety is resistant to normal chlorine levels and must be dealt with firmly. Hit it
hard!
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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, but the
difficulty in eradication 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
sanitizing 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.
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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?
Proper chemical balance and sanitizer
residuals will prevent many
opportunities for algae to bloom. high
pH and low chlorine (or other sanitizer)
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 harboring in the pores of the
plaster, which is a good start for an
algae colony.
The use of
specialty chemicals or
algaecides is
recommended to provide a back up to normal sanitation and filtration processes and is
completely necessary for many pools. These chemicals are described below:
This chemical, when added to the pool water in proper dosage, prevents
algae from converting carbon dioxide into the fuel it needs for growth. Manufactured under
the trade name Proteam Supreme. An extraordinary product.
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