Algae Control for Pools, Spas and Hot tubs
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FocusPools.com Biologic Factors -> Algea Control
The final biological factor that must be considered is algae growth. Algae growth is perhaps the most obvious sign of something gone wrong in pool maintenance.

Proper maintenance will not only keep you water looking great, but also allow for easy prevention of algae growth

There are two basic groups of algae:

  1. Free-floating types including green algea and mustard algae varieties. These tend to be found throughout the water. While they may cling or settle on surfaces such as walls and floors, they are not usually affixed to them. They tend to color a water body cloudy green or yellow.


  2. Black algae is the common name or term given to the dark blue-green algae found growing on pool surfaces. Black algae growth in localized areas such as along one wall, in the deep end, in a corner or around obstacles such as steps indicates an area of pool circulation.



The growth of both types of algae can be easily prevented by using a quality algaecide as part of a regular maintenance program, and by proper circulation. It takes far less algaecide to prevent algae growth from getting started than it will to cure it once it has occurred

The regular use of algaecide is also recommended to prevent problems should a failure of the disinfection program occurs. Due to the volatile nature of chlorine or bromine, these residuals can often be lost very quickly in pools due to equipment or operator error or by heavy rainfall or bather waste demand. If this occurs without an algaecide present, the rapid growth of algae can occur in a few hours. However, if an algeacide is present, it will acti as algae growth prevention until the sanitizer system is functioning normally.


Partial contents of this maintenance site copyright 2001 Bio-Labs, Inc., "Pool Care Guide" and copyright 2000 LaPorte Water Technologies, Inc., "Swimming Pool Water Chemistry - The Care & Treatment of Swimming Pool Water by John D. Puetz, VP R&D Laport Water Technologies, Inc.