Owning a pool in sunny Arizona has countless benefits, but algae growth is one of the most common upkeep problems. The good news is that it is fairly easy to prevent, and to clean before it gets out of control, with a few consistent habits. Here is what to know about the types of algae, what causes them, and how to keep your pool clear.

The three types of pool algae

Algae is an aquatic organism that energizes itself through light and reproduces rapidly. Green algae is the most common and the least dangerous, ranging from light yellow to dark green, and it either floats or clings to the pool walls. Mustard algae, also called brown or yellow algae, is a rarer type most often found in humid locations, looks like pollen or sand near the surface, and resists chlorine. Black algae is the hardest to remove because it hides in the crevices of the walls and floor.

What causes algae growth

Algae spores are found in soil and plants and easily blow into your pool, and they can even arrive on swimwear worn in the ocean. Once inside, they multiply if conditions are right, which usually means a low chlorine level, a poor filtration system, or circulation problems. Algae also brings the risk of other dangerous bacteria like E. coli, so swimming in an affected pool is not recommended.

Prevention

Regular maintenance is the best defense. Test the water regularly with test strips, a liquid kit, or a digital tester, keeping your free chlorine level between 1 and 4 parts per million. Administer a shock treatment weekly, adding a large dose of chlorine and other chemicals at once to eliminate spores before they reproduce and to kill any algae that has already formed. Good circulation and a clean filter round out prevention, and the strong desert sun means testing a little more often in summer.

Cleaning it up

If algae appears anyway, a thorough cleaning gets the pool back to normal. Manually vacuum up the large debris, since doing it manually bypasses the filter and keeps contaminated water from circulating back in. Brush the walls and floor with a stiff pool brush so chlorine can reach the crevices where algae hides. After a shock treatment, soak your filter rather than rinsing it to clear the contaminants, and check the filtration system often to be sure it is working properly.

Build your dream pool

Now that you know what it takes to keep algae out, Pools by Design can help make your dream pool a reality and guide you through care and maintenance across Tucson and Southern Arizona. Contact us to take the first step.