Types of Algae

There are three major categories of algae that cause problems in swimming pools.

Green Algae

Green algae is the most common form of algae in a swimming pool. This usually starts as small spots on the surface or a gradual tinting of the water until the entire pool is green.
There are several many reasons why a pool can form green algae and it is the most common problem in a swimming pool. It is very easy for algae to grow and in the right conditions it can turn an entire pool green in less than four days.
Green algae grows best in still water which is why if you have algae problems one of the first things you should do is increase the amount of time your water is circulating every day. The more your water circulates the less chances you have of getting algae, the more is filtered by your filters, the more goes through your other equipment and the longer it will take to become a huge problem.
The second cause of algae is lack of disinfectant. Most pools use chlorine for a diinfectant and there must be at least a low level of it at all times to kill all of the algae that falls into the pool natuurally on a daily basis from things like trees and insects. Higher amounts of chlorine help protect from the introduction of people and children playing in a pool and the time in between checking and adding more chlorine. This is why you shold be checking your pool levels at least once a week. It is also good to shock your pool oncea week to kill any algae that is forming. Some algae is resistant to lower levels of chlorine.
Conditioner is also needed in sunny areas to protect the chlorine from the sun. The sun makes it much easier for algae to grow because it evaporates the chlorine out of the water very quickly. Some people have covers on their pool for this reason.
The third most common cause of algae is poor PH. This can be caused by a number of things but algae does nto like acid and it likes to grow in basic water.
Other chemical problems can affect things like chlorine and PH as well and lead to more problems. If you are confused just give us a call and wel will be happy to help you.
To get rid of green algae one must treat with algaecide and shock every other day and clean the filters each time until the algae is gone. Scrubbing the sides and vacuuming is also critical to making sure that algae dies. It can help to make your pool water more acidic. Sometimes it can be cheaper to drain the water and replace it. Be careful though because different areas have different laws and water costs!

Yellow or Mustard Algae

Yellow or Mustard Algae is called such because of its obvious color difference from other algaes. This algae takes longer to set but is often much harder than green algae to get rid of. As it forms on the side of the pool it might be impossible to scrub off until treatment begins to weaken the algae's hold. It will lower your chlorine level and help green algae to take over as well.
To treat one must use the same methods as green algae but it is also advisable to treat with a special chlorines developed for this specific purpose.

Black Algae

Black Algae usually starts forming as little black, brown, or yellow spots, usually all grouped in the same area. These spots will spread and grow. Be careful with your brush when treating this kind of algae is you can spread it all over your pool with your brush. Soak your brush in chlroine after scrubbing.
you must use chlroine crystals and special chemicals to get rid of the stronger forms of this algae. We might be able to help you over the phone however treatment of black algae is serious and we resommend an expert if you have more than a few spots.

Green Swimming Pools

When a swimming pool gets too much algae the water and walls become more and more green. Sometimes black or yellow algae forms as well these can teake more time. As soon as you see algae scrub and treat it immediately! Recovery can cost a lot and we will do our best to make it as affordable as possible!
To get rid of the algae in a green pool you basically have two optionsn you can treat the existing water or you can drain the water, scrub the surface, wash and refill. The first method is cheaper in some circumstances, the second is faster. If you have a problem with your green swimming pool please call us and we will be happy to discuss all of your issues. 619-312-4440.
Commercial and Residential pool services are available throughout San Diego County and surrounding areas, including pool service to San Diego, North Park, Hillcrest, Point Loma, Old Town, Bay Park, Ocean Beach, Pacific Beach, PB, OB, UTC, Clairemont, Mission Beach, Mission Bay, The Beaches, La Mesa, Chula Vista, La Jolla, Soledad Mountain, Del Mar, Poway, Santee, and nearby surrounding areas.
Contact Cool Pool Guys or call 619-312-4440 to receive a free, no obligation estimate for your swimming pool’s monthly pool service.

Links

• Wikipedia.org - Algae
• Wikipedia.org - Swimming Pool
• Wikipedia.org - Swimming Pool Sanitation
• Wikipedia.org - Green Algae
• Wikipedia.org - Yellow-Green Algae
• Wikipedia.org - Brown Algae
• Par Pool and Spa - Types of Algae
• Pool Wizard - No Algae
• PoolCenter.com - Algae
• WikiAnswers.com - Is it Safe to Swim in Algae?
• About.com - How to Get Rid of Algae
• eHow.com - Get Rid of Yellow Algae
• Yellow Mustard Algae Problems
• Algae Treatment PDF
• Killing Yellow Mustard Algae
• Aquatic Community - Black Algae
• Swimming Pool Care for Black Algae Spots
• Garden Web Forum- Help! Black Algae Problem
• How to Get Rid of Reoccouring Algae

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

What are my options when my pool turns green?
When your pool turns green you have two options. You can 1. Treat the Water in your pool or 2. Drain the pool, scrub it and start over. The method you want to use depends on how bad your algae problem is and how quickly you need it handled. How much work you can do and how much you need to hire a professional to do depends on how much owrk you want to do.
Treating the existing water in a swimming pool takes a lot of work and scrubbing. The pool must be visited and worked on at least every other day until it is finished and there is often at least one adn usually two hours of work to do each visit. The pool needs to be scrubbed, vacuumed, filter cleaned, water balanced and then shocked and treated with algaecide. There are also a lot of chemicals involved.
if we drain your pool we must find a proper method of draining and leave a pump running over night. We can bring over the proper equipment. The next day we can scrub the pool and start refilling. Keep in mind that you will have a heavy water bill.
However if you treat early it can be very easy. Call us as soon as you see algae!

Can I get rid of the Algae myself?
Yes, anything I can do you can do. It is just a matter of how much work you want to do. Please let me know and I will come over and teach you how to treat your own pool. It can be a lot cheaper if you want to do the work yourself.

What is the best method for getting rid of Green algae?
The best method is to shock scrub and clean every two days until the algae is gone. Or just pump it out.

What is the best method of getting rid of Yellow or Mustard algae?
You must scrub the algae constantly as you treat it. At first yellow mustard algae is very hard to scrub but after treatment with proper chemicals it will be much easier to remove.

What is the best method for getting rid of Black algae?
Black algae can be very difficult because if you aren't careful you will spread it everywhere and it is very resitant to chlorine. You need to get special chlorine products to do it properly.

How do I get a free quote?
Call Matt at (619) 312-4440. You can also send us an e-mail at matt@coolpoolguys.com. We will get back to you as soon as possible to set up a time to look at your pool .
Commercial and Residential pool services are available throughout San Diego County and surrounding areas, including pool service to San Diego, North Park, Hillcrest, Point Loma, Old Town, Bay Park, Ocean Beach, Pacific Beach, UTC, Clairemont, Mission Beach, Mission Bay, The Beaches, La Mesa, Chula Vista, La Jolla, Del Mar, Poway, and nearby areas.

We Service All of San Diego County

Commercial and Residential pool services are available throughout San Diego and surrounding areas, including pool service to San Diego, Clairemont, Santee, Chula Vista, North Park, The Beaches, Ocean Beach, Point Loma, Pacific Beach, Mount Soledad, La Mesa, Chula Vista, La Jolla, Del Mar, Poway, Rancho Bernardo, Escondido, Vista and all nearby areas.

Contact San Diego Pool Services to receive a free, no obligation estimate for your swimming pool’s monthly swimming pool and spa maintenance, cleaning, and repair.