Don’t Wait, Open Your Pool Before It’s Too Late
Opening the family pool may be one of the best times of the year. It means that soon there will be warmer weather, sunshine, and afternoon BBQs. Many people wait to open their pool until the weather is warm enough to take a dip. But that may be costing them unnecessary time and money.
If you don’t open your pool at the right time, the higher temperatures may warm the minimal amount of water left in the bottom of your pool, creating a breeding ground for algae and other bacteria. Algae thrive in warm, damp places so if you don’t catch it in time, you’ll have a swampy mess under your pool’s cover in no time.
Types of Pool Algae to Watch Out For
An algae-filled pool is not something anyone would look forward to or even want to swim in. The three most common types of pool algae are:
Green Algae: The most common of the three types, green algae (known as chlorophyta) is the easiest to treat. It’s generally green in color and has a slimy texture. Most of the time, green algae is found in the corners of the pool, along the seam where the wall meets the floor, and on the pool’s stairs or ladder. If left untreated, it will continue to grow on the walls and flooring of the pool. The best way to get rid of this algae is to shock the pool with chlorine.
Yellow Algae: Yellowish-brown in color, these algae are often referred to as “mustard algae” and have a powdery texture. It grows in the same places as green algae, but be warned, it’s a little harder to get rid of. It’s chlorine-resistant and can be carried from place to place on pool toys and bathing suits. One way to destroy yellow algae is with bleach, but be sure to dilute it so it does not ruin your pool and equipment.
Black Algae: The worst type of algae your pool can have, this type is black in color and has a protective barrier, making it difficult to get rid of. Its roots penetrate deep into surfaces such as concrete and plaster. An effective way to break down the algae’s outer layer is to scrub it with a stainless steel brush before treating it.
Treating these nuisances can be quite costly, especially if the problem requires multiple sessions. It also fills your pool with tons of chemicals, which is something no pool owner wants when they’re trying to relax and cool down.
Protecting Your Investment From Harmful Algae
Opening your pool earlier in the season gives algae less of a chance to grow and take over your pool. After opening your pool, you can take some preventive measures to ensure you won’t be battling stubborn slime for the first half of the summer, such as:
- Testing and balancing your pool’s pH levels on a consistent basis
- Manually vacuuming your pool to ensure all areas of the pool are being cleaned
- Shocking your pool from time to time and adding small doses of algaecide weekly
Keeping your pool maintained may seem like a daunting task but don’t fear. The pool professionals are only a phone call away. Contact Aqua Leisure Pools & Spas for all your swimming pool needs today!
Posted by Aqua Leisure Pools & Spas in Pools