Black Algae
The Dangers of Black Algae in your Pool & Spa
One of the most frustrating invaders in swimming pools is black algae. This type of algae is also known as blue-green algae. Despite its name, black algae is actually a type of bacteria that looks like black or dark blue-green mold. Not only can black algae make your pool look dirty and uninviting, but it can also be dangerous for anyone who gets in your pool. Swimming in or accidentally drinking pool water that’s infected with black algae can lead to serious health issues like liver damage.
The first step in fighting back against black algae is to make sure that’s truly what you’re dealing with. The best way to do this is to contact a pool professional. These pros have the training and experience to figure out what is growing in your pool. Also, they have the specialized tools and products needed to eliminate black algae and deal with any other pool issues you’re facing.
There are some signs you can look for that might indicate you have black algae in your pool:
- You may see dark flecks or clumps attached to the pool’s surfaces, not floating in the water.
- Your pool’s walls have developed black or blue green spots that seem impossible or very difficult to scrub off.
- The dark colored growths in your pool look like they have raised heads on them.
Black algae is most likely to appear on pool surfaces made with porous materials, such as plaster, concrete or gunite. It’s also most likely to grow on surfaces that are rough, such as textured pool walls.
Because black algae is a type of bacteria—not a plant like some other types of algae—it takes a special approach to kill black algae in the pool. This can be a strenuous, frustrating and time-consuming process for homeowners. However, if you hire a pool specialist, they will have all the tools and products needed to tackle this kind of job. They can take care of everything for you, so you don’t have to deal with it.
What Causes Black Algae in a Pool?
Warding off black algae can be extremely difficult, and even the most attentive homeowners can end up with black algae in their pool. This is because this intruder typically enters pools from outside sources and can invade your pool even if you keep it filtered, balanced and free of debris. This is a different circumstance than other pool problems, such as your pool turning green overnight.
Black algae often gets into swimming pools by traveling on items like swimsuits, floaties and pool toys. This can happen when someone wears a swimsuit or uses a toy in a natural body of water, such as a lake or river, and then doesn’t wash it before they wear or use the same item in your pool.
Once black algae takes root in your pool, it’s often incredibly difficult to get rid of. That’s why it’s wise to contact a pool professional as soon as you suspect you might have black algae. They have the specialized training and tools to treat the problem, prevent future algae growth and take care of all your pool cleaning needs.
If you hire a pool professional, they can regularly add algaecide and other key substances to the pool, like cyanuric acid Plus, they can best advise you on how long you’ll need to wait before you can get back in the pool and can provide ongoing pool cleaning services.
Beyond contacting a professional, some other preventative steps you take to avoid black algae growth include washing any items you use in a lake or other natural body of water before using them in the pool. This should involve a heavy wash because black algae is microscopic and difficult to remove with a basic rinse. Wash all swimming suits in the washing machine and use a bleach solution to scrub down inflatable tubes and pool toys.
Jaws Pool Services can Keep Your Pool Clean and Clear
It’s alarming when you find algae growing in your pool. Instead of messing with chemicals yourself, leave the work to a certified pool professional. The pool specialists at JAWS POOL SERVICES will be able to quickly diagnose the problem and then suggest a treatment plan. Plus, we offer ongoing pool cleaning services, so you can have peace of mind.