What is Pool Algae?
Algae are single-celled plants that contain chlorophyll. They are some of the hardiest and most widespread organisms living on the planet today. They’ve had a long time to evolve and adapt. Scientists tell us they were one of the very first life forms on the planet. Now there are more than 30,000 different types of algae. Their seeds, called spores, are constantly dropped in swimming pools by rain, wind, leaves, and other debris. It doesn’t take much to make algae happy. Give it warm water, sunlight, and carbon dioxide and it will thrive. And algae love pool owners who allow their pool water to sit stagnant for hours. There is no need for stagnant water today with an ultra-efficient pool pump that circulates pool water 24/7.
What are the Types of Pool Algae?
Green Algae: Green algae usually floats, but sometimes it attaches to walls. Water becomes turbid with a green growth that tends to keep swimmers far away from the water. The pool surface usually becomes slippery and it’s hard to see the bottom, both dangerous conditions for swimmers. Before the green shows up, the side of the pool will develop a slick feeling and the water becomes hazy.
Mustard Algae: Also called yellow algae, it usually appears as a yellow powdery deposit on the pool. Most often found in the shady sections of the pool, it is resistant to even large quantities of chlorine (even 4-5 ppm).
Blue-Green Algae: Also called black algae, you can spot the dime to quarter-sized black or blue-green spots clinging to the pool’s surfaces. Blue-green algae are also chlorine resistant. This algae type forms a layered structure where the first layer can be killed by chlorine, but the bottom layers are protected.