GENERAL: There are some general characteristics that are true for all types of algae. First, algae grows more rapidly in warmer water. Second, the lack of chlorine promotes algae growth. Because of these two factors, algae is a more serious problem in the summer than in the winter months. Third, algae is killed by chlorine, but the chlorine is consumed in this process. This is the main reason why so many people fail in their treatment of algae. All of the algae must be killed while there is still available chlorine, or the remaining algae will begin to grow again.
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YELLOW ALGAE: This is the most common type of algae we see and it is very difficult to kill. It shows up as a yellow or mustard color, usually on the shady side of a pool wall or in the corners of the steps. It must be brushed into solution for active killing to take place. A high chlorine content will usually kill this algae, but the use of “Yellow Treat” or “Jack’s Yellow Stuff” will speed up the process. These products activate the chlorine, but also consume the chlorine very rapidly. It is extremely important that the chlorine residual be tested the day after treatment, and if the level is low, the pool should be shocked again. A second brushing and treatment may be necessary.
Once the algae is killed, some of it will be captured in the filter, but because the dead algae particles are so fine, they will settle to the bottom of the pool, usually appearing as a gray or brown dust. This must be vacuumed and it might be advisable to use a filter aid, or a clarifier to try to help trap these small particles. Filter cleaning is then necessary.
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GREEN ALGAE: This is when the color of the water turns a green and usually opaque color. Many times, green algae and yellow algae occur together. In general, treatment for green algae is the same as for yellow algae.
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BLACK ALGAE: Many people mistake various stains for black algae. Black algae almost always appears as spots, from pin-head size to quarter size. It looks and feels like tar. Larger gray spots are not black algae. Black algae can only be killed by burning it out with high chlorine concentrations, or physically scraping it off or blasting it off with a pressure cleaner. Typically, you should use “tri-chlor” or “Algae Kill” or “Algae DestroYer”. These products are a very high concentration of slow dissolving granular chlorine. Treatment is to shut off the pump to still the water flow, then pour the tri-chlor over the affected areas so that it falls to the bottom and lies on the algae. Obviously, if the algae is on the sides of the pool, this treatment will not work. Here you need to rub the area with a chlorine tablet, or use a high pressure water spray under water to remove the spots.
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PINK ALGAE: This is very rare. It actually looks pink, or light red. Pink algae is actually a fungus rather than an algae. It needs to be treated just like black algae.
ALGAE PREVENTION:
Obviously, prevention is preferable to treatment. In most cases, algae can be prevented by maintaining a high chlorine residual during those times when algae growth is prominent. It is also important for the customer to shock the pool regularly and especially after heavy rains.
We should suggest that the customer use a preventative during the summer months and probably all year long. Our “60%” algaecide is a great product. Initinally, use half the bottle, then 4 to 6 ounces per week, depending on the size of the pool.
It is extremely important that the customer understands that chlorine treatment cannot work if the pH of the water is not in th 7.2 to 7.6 range. It doesn’t matter how much chlorine is used if the pH is over 7.8.
Also, make sure the customers do not use algae destroyers, like “Yellow Treat” as a maintenance product. If they do, they will have a difficult time maintaining a chlorine residual.[/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]
