A quick rundown of algae types, eradication methods & preventative measures

Algae blooms are awful, presenting a difficult challenge to even the most seasoned swimming pool owners. The two most common causes of an algae bloom are lack of circulation and/or filter issues. What are algae? Algae are eukaryotic organisms that range in size from the unicellular organisms found in your swimming pool to seaweeds and kelps found in lakes and oceans. There are more than 21,000 types of algae found on this planet; they have existed for approximately 3 billion years. Algae thrive on sunlight and warmth, so it's not surprising they appear routinely in backyard swimming pool water. While not harmful to humans, algae can create cloudy water that is slimy, discouraging swimmers from jumping in. Large levels of algae will clog pool filters and may indicate the presence of pathogens such as E. coli or other bacteria.

Algae Types:

Red or Pink Algae: Actually not algae but rather indicates the presence of high levels of bacteria or other organisms. An increase in the level chlorine (Pool Chlorine) can easily kill this type.

Green Algae: The most common form, green algae floats in pool water and clings to surfaces both around and in the swimming pool, such as the pool liner. Green algae can be prevented and killed with the typical Algaecide.

Orange or Yellow Algae: Normally found clinging to swimming pool walls in shaded areas that are not constantly exposed to sunlight, this type of algae can be hard to kill, even with elevated levels of chlorine and algaecide.

Black Algae: Black algae blooms are extremely aggressive, with thick quarter-inch spots that appear to be a dark blue, dark green or dark black color. They can present the most difficult challenge a pool owner will ever face. Why is killing black algae so difficult? The spores form deep roots in the surfaces of your pool liner, so even if it looks like you solved the problem the chances of the black algae returning are quite high. Black algae is common in pools near oceans. Try concentrated algaecide, such as this Black Algaecide or Super Algaecide, both designed specifically to kill and prevent aggressive strains of algae!

Click here for more general reading on Algae; if you have an algae bloom in your swimming pool, or wish to prevent an algae bloom, be sure to check our supply of Swimming Pool Algaecides.