Lucas Firmin Blog

Pool Service Company in Baton Rouge: Preventing & Cleaning Black Algae

Posted by Lucas Firmin on Feb 11, 2020 12:31:46 PM

black algae pool maintenanceOwning a swimming pool can be one of the best investments you can make, particularly for home entertainment, and key to being able to enjoy it fully is ensuring it is properly maintained and cleaned year-round.  When neglected, problems such as black algae can arise and lead to major headaches. 

What is Black Algae?

There are many forms of algae, but black algae in particular can be one of the toughest to eradicate due to its dark color and pervasive nature.  It will settle and grow anywhere it can in the pool and is primarily found in cracks, cervices, corners and other hard to see and reach places.  Shocking your pool will not rid of this algae, as it contains roots deep roots and a protective layer that can resist the chemicals.  Black algae can even piggy-back on toys and other items you bring into the pool, making it imperative to clean items before throwing them into the water. 

How to Treat Black Algae

Black algae may be tough to get rid of, but it’s not impossible.  To begin, you’ll need to scrub your pool (at the affected black algae area) with a high-quality nylon brush, though this alone will not rid the problem.  It may appear clean, but roots of the algae may still be attached.  Break a chlorine tablet in half, and rub it directly on the surface where the algae grew.  This will aid in killing off the roots, but to truly be algae-free, you’ll have to make sure to keep the pool at a proper pH level and shock it.  Let your filter run for at least 24 hours after the shock and continue as needed until the issue is gone. 

Even after all of this work, you may see the black algae return.  Keep at scrubbing and properly using chemicals to rid the problem, and it will go in time.  Black algae is not harmful itself, but it can attract bacteria if left untreated, so acting quickly and eliminating the problem will prevent any harmful effects it may produce.  If you need any assistance in ridding your pool of black algae, give us a call and we can assist you!

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Topics: Pool Maintenance