Are you struggling to get rid of black algae in your pool? Black algae can be a persistent problem for pool owners, but with the right approach, it can be eliminated quickly and easily. Therefore, this blog post seeks to share a step-by-step guide on how to get rid of black algae in the pool. By following these simple steps, you can enjoy a crystal-clear pool all season long. Say goodbye to black algae and hello to a pristine pool with our easy-to-follow guide.
Check and Clean the Filters
The existence of black algae in your pool signals that it has also infiltrated your filter system. If the infestation is minimal, a backwash (for sand or DE filters) or cartridge rinse should be sufficient. Nevertheless, for a serious problem, you should use a filter cleaner rather than just water. Considering how stubborn black algae is, you may even want to replace the filter medium or cartridge completely to ensure there are no residual black algae in the filter that can re-pollute the pool. This would provide the confidence that the black algae have been entirely removed from your pool system.
Retest and Balance the Water
To ensure your shock treatment for black algae is successful, measuring the right water levels in your pool is essential. Utilizing liquid test kits or test strips, check the levels without needing to focus on parameters such as calcium hardness. This step is paramount in achieving the optimal balance of water.
Focus on testing and adjusting the levels for alkalinity, pH, and sanitizer. The appropriate alkalinity level is 125 ppm, although levels between 100 ppm to 150 ppm can also work. The pH level should range between 7.4 to 7.6. Maintaining chlorine levels between 1 ppm to 3 ppm or the appropriate range for the sanitizer you use is recommended.
If these levels are not optimal, adjusting them before proceeding with the black algae removal process is crucial. It is vital to note that optimal water balance will help maximize the effectiveness of the pool shock treatment and make it easier to keep your pool balanced and clear throughout the season.
Brush the Pool
Brushing the pool is a crucial step in getting rid of black algae from your pool. Algae with a dark hue can affix itself to the walls and surfaces of your swimming pool, making it tricky for the chlorine to penetrate and annihilate the algae. Brushing the pool will loosen the algae and break down the protective layer that the black algae create to shield itself from chlorine.
It is advisable to vigorously scour the impacted zones with a brush that has stiff bristles. Pay close attention to the corners, stairs, and other areas where black algae commonly grow. Remember to brush the areas around the pool skimmer and return jet fittings, as they can be a breeding ground for black algae. Maintaining the cleanliness of your pool through regular brushing is essential in ensuring a balanced water flow. This promotes an even distribution of chlorine, creating a balanced chemical equilibrium in your pool.
Scrub the Spots
Once you have thoroughly cleaned your pool, you may find some areas with stubborn black algae. These need to be treated with more care to guarantee that all traces of the algae have been removed. You can scrub these areas with a pumice stone, putty knife, or handheld wire brush. To make this more effective, wear protective eyewear and gloves and use chlorine tablets. These tablets both provide a surface to scrub with and, at the same time, release chlorine which will start killing the bacteria as you scrub. Take a 3-inch chlorine tablet and break it in half. Hold the tablet firmly and use the broken edge to scrub the black algae.
Add Algaecide
Another method on how to get rid of black algae in pool is to add an algaecide to help kill any remaining algae and prevent future growth. Algaecide is a chemical that is designed to specifically target and kill algae in your pool.
Before adding algaecide, it’s essential to test your pool water to ensure that the pH and chlorine levels are within the recommended range. If the levels are not optimal, adjust them accordingly.
You can add algaecide by following the instructions on the product label carefully. The exact quantity of product needed will vary according to the size of your pool and the level of concentration desired. Typically, you’ll need to pour the algaecide into your pool while the filter and pump are running. This will help to distribute the algaecide evenly throughout the pool and allow it to work effectively. It’s important to note that adding algaecide alone may not be enough to eliminate a severe black algae problem. Algaecide should be used as a supplement to other treatments, such as brushing and shocking the pool. In severe cases, it may be necessary to repeat the algaecide treatment multiple times to fully eliminate the black algae.
Quadruple Shock the Pool
For black algae, it’s recommended to use a quadruple shock, which means adding four times the normal amount of shock to your pool.
You can try using calcium hypochlorite shock, which comes in a powdered form. To use it, follow these steps:
Put on protective gloves and eyewear
Turn on the pool pump and filter
Test the pool water to ensure the pH and chlorine levels are within the recommended range.
Determine the amount of shock needed based on the size of your pool (refer to the product label for instructions)
Dissolve the shock in a bucket of water, following the instructions on the product label.
Slowly pour the shock mixture into the pool, focusing on areas with black algae spots. Use a pool brush to help distribute the shock evenly throughout the pool
Let the shock work its magic for several hours or overnight
Test the water again to ensure that the chlorine levels have returned to a safe level before swimming
It’s important to note that shocking your pool can be a strong chemical process, so always use caution and follow instructions carefully. After shocking, your pool may also need to be back washed, or the filter may need to be cleaned to remove any debris that has accumulated.
Repeat the Process, if need be
If there are still visible black algae spots in the pool, you can repeat the scrubbing process with the chlorine tablet and wire brush to remove any remaining traces. Once you’ve eliminated the black algae, be sure to continue regular pool
maintenance, including monitoring water levels and sanitizer levels, brushing the pool walls, and backwashing the filter regularly to prevent future algae growth.
FAQ
What is Black Algae?
Black algae are a type of organism that thrives on permeable surfaces in swimming pools, such as plaster, concrete, and gunite. It manifests in the form of dark spots. It is named black algae due to its dark appearance, and it can be difficult to remove once it takes hold.
Black algae can appear as small spots or clusters on pool surfaces, such as walls, steps, and floors. It can also form a slippery film on the pool surface, making it dangerous for swimmers.
Why Do You Have Black Algae in Your Pool?
Black algae are commonly introduced to swimming pools by swimmers or pool equipment that has been in contact with contaminated water. It can also be introduced through unclean pool accessories, such as pool floats, or through contaminated pool chemicals.
Once black algae are introduced to a pool, they can quickly spread and thrive in warm, stagnant water with low sanitizer levels. It is also more likely to grow in pools with inadequate water circulation or filtration.
Are Black Algae Harmful?
While black algae are not harmful to humans, they
can be a nuisance and difficult to remove. If left untreated, black algae can spread rapidly and damage pool surfaces, leading to costly repairs.
Further, the occurrence of black algae suggests poor water quality, thereby leading to potential health issues, like skin and eye discomfort and breathing problems, among swimmers.
How to Check Black Algae in Your Pool?
To check for black algae in your pool, look for dark, blue-green spots or clusters on pool surfaces, such as walls, floors, and steps. Black algae can be difficult to remove and may feel slimy or slippery to the touch.
To verify the presence of black algae, a simple chlorine test can be done if you have suspicions about its existence in your swimming pool. First, brush the affected areas to remove any loose algae. Then, add a drop of chlorine to the spot. If the spot lightens or disappears after a few minutes, it is likely black algae. If it remains unchanged, it may be dirt or other debris.
Final Word
How to get rid of black algae in a pool can be an intimidating challenge if you don’t know where to start. Black algae are stubborn and can resist traditional cleaning methods, making it frustrating for pool owners. Utilizing the guidelines laid out in this article, you can take direct action to rid yourself of black algae efficiently and with minimal difficulty. So, don’t let black algae ruin your summer fun; take action today and get your pool back to a pristine condition.
