This year there have been countless pool customers who have shared their story of persistent algae issues. Sustained warmer temperatures, and the current chlorine shortage have added to this issue. The question becomes how to put an end to the constant algae blooms? Let’s first address how to properly treat algae. Secondly, we’ll provide 3 “Pro-Tips” to keep algae at bay.

How Does Pool Algae Start?

The most common form of swimming pool algae is green algae. An algae bloom almost always starts with a low sanitizer environment. Meaning at some point the algae spores took advantage of there being a low amount of sanitizer in the water. There is also a high probability the water balance of the pH and alkalinity are not in their proper zones.

Pool Algae Facts

Let’s go deeper and add few facts about green algae. It can bloom in most water temps, but thrives in warmer water temperatures. The low sanitizer level allows the bloom to start. One of the most interesting facts about green algae is it grows exponentially, meaning 2 cells, go to 4, 4 cells go to 8 cells and so on. As a survival tactic green algae forms a protective cap over itself. This is especially true of algae on pool walls. At this point, a maintenance dose of chlorine or shock is not enough to reverse the bloom. This means we really have to “Power-Up” our treatment dosage of chlorine.

Attacking the Pool Algae Bloom.

The recommendation is as follows using Bioguard products:

1. Clean the filter to maintain maximum circulation and filtration.

2. Test and Balance the pool. Alkalinity to 125-150. pH to 7.2-7.4 to keep the chlorine active. A pH of 7.8 or above and the chlorine loses effectiveness.

3. Triple shock the pool. If using Smart Shock use 3 bags per 12k gallons.

4. Brush the entire pool to remove the protective layer algae forms.

5. Add the Algaecide Banish, or preferably Algae Complete.

6. Brush the pool again after adding the algaecide.

7. Set the pool to run 24 hours straight.

8. Clean the filter again after the 24-hour period.

9. Vacuum pool.

10. Rebalance the pool and maintain a proper sanitizer level.

11. If the pool is cloudy add Pool Juice 911 and filter 24 more hours straight.

12. If the pool clears, return the pump to its normal run time. Note-short run times may cause potential problems such as algae.

3 Pro-Tips to defeat Pool Algae

Now what about those Pro-Tips?

1) Use a Phosphate remover such as Pool Juice Weekly, or Pool Juice Zero. Phosphates are food for algae.

2) Pool RX– This is an ion cartridge that can be placed in the skimmer, or in the front of the pump basket. Pool RX attacks and breaks down the organics which help cause the algae bloom. Pool RX also allows the pool to run chlorine levels of .5-1ppm.

3) Optimizer by Bioguard– Optimizer has 4 main benefits. Optimizer give pool water a nice feel. It also adds great clarity to pool water. Customers love that there is less pH and Alkalinity movement. But a major benefit of Optimizer is algae hates its base ingredient borate. The proper amount of Optimizer Keeps algae at bay.

Following the above tips will rid a pool of algae and keep it at bay. For additional questions simply call the Pros at Blackthorne Spas. Your innovative experts!  (831) 753-1103