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It is a warm, sunny day and all you can think about is getting home and having a nice bath in your pool.
Everything was going right; you caught the bus on time and got off work with no complication only to meet something unpleasant and rather displeasing.
You got home, grabbed your bathing suit and towel, but you stopped halfway to the pool on seeing a pile of black unusual outgrowth in your pool.
It is possible that this has never happened to you before, but it is certainly a common phenomenon which occurs in pools.
Those outgrowths are called black algae and, in this article, we are going to understand the meaning, what causes black algae in the swimming pool, how to prevent them from growing in our pools and many more.
What is Black Algae?
Black algae are one of the most difficult types of algae to remove from a surface. If not removed on time, it can cause serious structural damage to the surface infested. Not to sound too scary, it can be removed, and that’s one of the reasons this article was written: To enlighten you (pool owners) about the dangers involved, the causes of black algae, and how to prevent and remove it from your pool.
To say the truth, no one will love to have a bath in a pool full of black algae. It portrays a sign of uncleanliness, right? It is not so difficult to spot. It comes in the form of black dots appearing on surfaces- in this case on the floor of the swimming pool.
Black algae emerge as a result of open surfaces such that it can easily penetrate and attach itself to the walls. You can easily remove it if you have the right equipment and understand the best steps.
What Causes Black Algae in a Swimming Pool?
The major cause of black algae in your swimming pool is dirt. Algae and dirt work hand-in-hand. They tend to be attracted to dirty water. However, several other conditions can cause them to appear in your pool. They include:
- When water doesn’t circulate properly because of a blocked filter, it can cause black algae.
- It can occur if the motor of the filtration system isn’t working properly.
- It can also emerge if you don’t consistently filter the pool daily.
Black Algae in Pool Safe to Swim?
No, it is not safe to swim in a pool full of black algae. I can’t even believe anyone will want to swim in a pool full of black spots. This is because it attracts harmful organisms that can cause sickness such as E. coli.
How to Get Rid of Black Algae in Pebble Tec Pool?
Getting rid of black algae in pebble tec pool can be a little tasking. You will need a few supplies which include pool brush, algaecide, pool shock tool, gloves, granular chlorine and chlorine tablets. We have divided the process into a few steps. They include:
Step One
Ensure every tool you are using is well-sanitized to avoid adding more algae to the pool. A chlorine solution will do the job perfectly.
Step Two
Clean the filters according to the producer’s instructions. Do it the right way you have been doing it, except you don’t do it regularly. If you don’t know how, follow these instructions.
Step Three
Use your brush to scrub off the algae’s surface. It makes it easier for our next action.
Step Four
Scrub again with the pool brush but this time with our chlorine tablet. The chlorine can penetrate easily because we already scrubbed off the protective cover of the algae.
Step Five
The next step is a thorough shock treatment. Get good pool shock equipment and use according to the producer’s instructions. Now the DNA of the algae should be distorted.
Step Six
Use the algaecide purchased to the affected areas. An algaecide is responsible for removing and preventing algae.
Step Seven
Black algae may not leave your pool immediately. It depends on how much black algae has affected your pool. Run your pump and keep scrubbing at least three times daily.
Conclusion
This is the simplest way to get rid of black algae from your pool. Follow the guidelines provided above on how to prevent and eliminate them from the pool.