Algae comes in many species and subspecies, each with different causes. One common cause is improper chlorination. During summer, even one day without chlorine can lead to a significant algae bloom. Poor circulation and filtration also contribute. Without proper circulation, chlorine can’t do its job, and without effective filtration, algae spores remain in the water, ready to grow when exposed to the sunlight they need for photosynthesis.

While chlorination is key, it's not just about adding chlorine. The pH level of your pool greatly affects chlorine’s effectiveness. The lower the pH, the stronger the chlorine. Another important factor is cyanuric acid, also known as conditioner or stabilizer. This is essential for your pool, acting like sunscreen for chlorine. Without it, chlorine will "gas off" within hours, leaving your pool vulnerable to algae growth due to lack of chlorination. However, too much cyanuric acid reduces chlorine efficiency, which can also result in algae growth.

​

    Filtration and circulation are relatively easy to manage. Make sure your filter is cleaned regularly, and aim your return eyelets so that the entire pool is covered, avoiding dead spots. Also, run your pump long enough to achieve at least 1.5 turnovers per day. A turnover refers to the number of times the entire volume of your pool water is filtered.

When algae appears, many people immediately think, “JUST ADD ALGAECIDE” However, this may not always be the best choice. While algaecides can help, they have side effects. Copper-based algaecides are the most common, and though effective, they can take up to two weeks to fully eliminate algae. More importantly, if the copper levels in your pool are not monitored regularly, these algaecides can cause copper levels in your pool to rise to dangerous levels, leading to heavy metal poisoning. Not the "easy fix" you want for your swimmers!

​

    Other algaecides, like sodium bromide, silver, and polyquat, also have drawbacks. Sodium bromide consumes a lot of chlorine, and once it’s done killing bacteria, viruses, or algae, the pool needs more chlorine to be reactivated. Additionally, once the pool becomes a bromine pool by the addition of this, it will always remain one until it’s drained. For this reason, sodium bromide-based algaecides are not recommended. Silver-based algaecides have similar risks to copper. Polyquat, on the other hand, is actually an algaestat, not an algaecide, and should only be used to prevent algae.

​

    Lastly I will mention food the food sources of algae, phosphates, nitrates, and sulfates. They can enter your pool from dirt, leaves, pet hair, urine, and other organic sources. Nitrates and sulfates, like stabilizer, cannot be removed chemically and require draining and refilling the pool. Phosphates, however, can be removed with a lanthanum-based product. Although expensive, this treatment is extremely effective and fast at eliminating algae if phosphates are the main culprit.

If you find yourself wanting help dealing with algae or any other pool-related issue in the Temecula Valley, click here, and out team will be happy to assist you.