Algae are microscopic organisms that thrive in water environments. Perfect sunlight exposure and nutrient-rich water in swimming pools bolster algae growth.
Different types of algae can infest pool waters:
- Green algae.
- Black algae.
- Mustard algae.
- Pink algae.
These could spread and multiply, left unchecked, turning the pool water green, cloudy, and slimy.
The pool water must be cleaned and cared for to ensure a safe and enjoyable pool experience. Algae can damage infrastructure such as filters and pumps and harm swimmers.
Algae removal is necessary as it can lead to skin irritation, allergies, and even respiratory problems. Apart from the health hazards, algae make the pool look unappealing.
This blog will explore algae removal and pool care in depth. It will discuss the damage algae can cause in detail and provide necessary information on how pools can be safeguarded from an infestation.
Understanding Algae
Algae are plant-like organisms that inhabit all sorts of aquatic environments.
A few types of algae that inhibit swimming pools are:
- Green algae: This is the most common type and causes a green discoloration of pool water.
- Black algae: These are dark patches that stick to pool surfaces.
- Mustard algae: These are found on pool walls and steps. They are yellowish and brownish.
- Pink algae: This bacterium infests areas with low circulation and sunlight exposure.
Factors Contributing to Algae Growth
- Sunlight: Since algae use photosynthesis to produce energy, pools exposed to sunlight provide the best environment for algae growth.
- Warm Temperatures: Warmer temperatures provide the most suitable environment for algae growth.
- Chlorine Levels: Chlorine helps cleanse the water from algae; however, inadequate chlorine levels can cause algae to grow.
- pH Imbalance: pH levels can significantly affect the effectiveness of chlorine, which can promote algae growth.
- Poor Circulation and Filtration: Stagnation opens the gateway for algae to spread.
Health Risks:
- Skin Irritations and Allergies: Contact with algae-infested water can lead to skin irritations, rashes, and allergic reactions.
- Respiratory Problems: Algae spores can cause breathing issues or exacerbate preexisting respiratory issues.
- Waterborne Diseases: Algae-infested waters harbor harmful bacteria. These illnesses can cause gastrointestinal and respiratory problems.
These hazards are what make algae removal necessary.
Effects of Algae on Swimming Pools
Algae infestations can cause massive aesthetic issues. They give water a murky and cloudy appearance and slimy and slippery coatings can form on pool surfaces, which is displeasing and potentially hazardous.
Impact on Water Quality
Algae removal can battle the introduction of organic matter and byproducts of algae. They also significantly impact water chemistry by consuming oxygen and releasing waste products.
Algae-infested waters are a breeding ground for organic contaminants such as:
- Chloramines
- Ammonia
- Byproducts of algae metabolism.
These give birth to odor and taste problems.
Poor water quality is a virtue of algae infestations, but it can also pose health risks, increasing the chances of exposure to harmful pathogens.
Damage to Pool Infrastructure
Algae cause problems with mechanical and structural equipment. Colonies of algae clog pool filters and impede water circulation, reducing the functionality of filtration and sanitation systems.
Biofilm and scale are by-products of algae infestation. They leave stains on the pool floors, walls, and steps. Black algae can cause permanent staining as they sink their roots deep into porous surfaces, making them extremely difficult to remove.
Algae’s acidic metabolic by-products can corrode pool ladders, handrails, and pump fittings.
The effect of algae on swimming pools is severely detrimental, which underscores the importance of algae removal.
Health Concerns
Skin irritation is a massive concern, especially in algae-infested pools. Contact with algae can lead to redness, itching, and irritation. Individuals with sensitive skin can be subject to dermatological issues.
The presence of algae can cause eczema or psoriasis due to irritants released by algae, which makes it more of a reason to enforce algae removal.
Respiratory Problems due to Algae
Algae spores are aerosolized and dispersed into the air above the surface as part of their reproductive process. Swimmers who inhale algae spores report symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath.
Individuals who suffer from conditions such as asthma, allergies, and pre-existing breathing conditions are highly susceptible to respiratory problems due to the algae spores.
Waterborne Illnesses
The risk of waterborne illnesses increases as algae-infested waters harbor harmful bacteria. Common bacterial contaminants found in algae-infested waters are:
- Escherichia Coli (E. coli)
- Pseudomonas aeruginosa
- Legionella pneumophila
Viral pathogens such as norovirus and adenovirus thrive in algae-contaminated waters. A relaxed sanitation modus operandi can allow pools to become breeding grounds for algae growth and a rise in diseases, making algae removal mandatory.
Importance of Algae Removal
Maintaining water quality is synonymous with algae removal. Algae-infested water can become murky and dark, making it difficult for swimmers to enjoy the experience.
Clean pool water increases visibility and reduces the chances of injuries and accidents. With algae removal and proper cleaning measures, the pool experience can be made much more enjoyable and safer.
Preventing Damage to the Pool
Unchecked algae growth can wreak havoc on pool equipment and cause extensive monetary damages. Algae can sink their roots into porous surfaces, such as plaster and grout, which can deteriorate over time.
Algae removal can save money and time. This requires preemptive maintenance measures that extend the pool’s lifespan.
Minimizing Health Risks
To ensure the safety and well-being of swimmers, algae removal is necessary. Algae can cause:
- Skin diseases and irritation
- Allergies
- Respiration problems
- Allowance of waterborne diseases
Through algae removal, swimmers’ health can be safeguarded. This makes the experience safer and more enjoyable.
Methods of Algae Removal
Manual Brushing and Scrubbing
This method is self-explanatory. Brushes and scrubbing pads are used to clean and remove algae from pool surfaces. This method targets visible algae on walls, floors, steps, and other pool surfaces.
Regular brushing and scrubbing are advised, as they dislodge algae colonies and prevent their regrow. Areas prone to algae growth should be brushed routinely.
Chemical Treatments
Algeriacides are used to kill and prevent algae growth. These are chemical formulas that come in different forms, such as:
- Copper-based
- Quaternary ammonium compounds
- Polyquat algaecides
Algaecides disrupt cell membranes and disallow photosynthesis, leading to algae death. They are mixed with pool water according to the usage instructions.
Algaecides are a great way to deal with an algae infestation; however, they should not stop individuals from practicing proper pool maintenance practices. These should be used alongside brushing, filtration, and sanitation.
Routine Maintenance Practices
Here is a to-do list to ensure your pool is algae-free:
- Ensure you have a properly functioning filtration system that removes debris and algae spores from the pool.
- Ensure you regularly backwash and clean pool filters to maintain proper filtration.
- Ensure that the chlorine levels are well-maintained. Chlorine acts as a sanitizer against algae. You can employ a pool operator to check the chlorine levels in your pool.
- Ensure that pH levels, alkalinity, and calcium hardness are optimized. This allows chlorine to work at maximum capacity.
Tips for Preventing Algae Growth
Preventative measures for algae removal are essential to the health and safety of the swimmer, as well as the aesthetic beauty of the pool. Here are some ways to ensure your pool remains safe from an algae infestation:
- Monitoring the water chemistry regularly can help maintain proper water balance. Checking the pH, alkalinity, and calcium hardness to ensure they are optimum ensures a clean and safe pool.
- Proper filtration and circulation are critical to swimmer safety and pool longevity. They should be sized and maintained according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- A routine cleaning and maintenance schedule should be followed religiously. This ensures the pool is cleaned and maintained regularly, deterring algae growth.
- Periodic algaecide applications may be necessary as preventative measures to supplement filtration and sanitation.
Conclusion
In summary, algae thrive in swimming pool conditions. They are an infestation that makes the pool unsafe, dirty, and unappealing. If algae grow unchecked, the pool will be damaged, causing several health and financial risks.
Algae removal is critical to the swimmer’s health and the pool’s aesthetics. Algae can be removed by several methods, which include:
- Manual Brushing and Scrubbing
- Chemical Treatments
- Routine Maintenance
Prevention is hailed as better than the cure. Preventative methods to remove algae are:
- Regular water chemistry monitoring
- Proper circulation and filtration
- Cleaning and maintenance schedule
Having a pool is not just a luxury; it is a responsibility. Constant pool upkeep is recommended for the health and joy of your loved ones. Applying algae removal methods is also beneficial.
