Algae Information
Yellow Algae
Yellow Algae also known as mustard algae is the most common type of algae and can occur even in high sanitation levels.
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Causes
Poor filtration, Phosphate levels too high, low chlorine levels.
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Solutions
I check things in this order to solve yellow algae blooms.
1) Filtration:
Are skimmer baskets, pump baskets full? When was filter last cleaned? Poor water circulation is a big culprit for yellow algae blooms. Be sure to have good water circulation to prevent them.
2) Sanitation Levels:
Is chlorine or salt low? Does the salt cell need to be cleaned? Are Cyanuric Acid levels low? Even though yellow algae can still occur in high sanitation levels its best to keep levels above 5ppm during treatment of algae blooms.
3) Phosphate Levels:
Phosphorous is a natural element and is everywhere in our world, trees, fertilizer, laundry detergent etc. When it enters a pool it reacts and becomes phosphates, and phosphates are food for algae. Keep levels below 200ppm to prevent algae blooms and use phosphate remover solutions to drop these before or during or after algae blooms.
4) Treat:
Use a yellow algae treatment solution to kill the algae and brush the steps and walls of the pool to remove it. I highly recommend the product Yellow Treat because it a non metallic solution and the main active ingredient is sodium bromide which is naturally found in the ocean and not harmful when used properly. This product does require additional chlorine when treating algae. Every 10 oz Yellow Treat add 1 gallon Chlorine.
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Green Algae
Green Algae is common in neglected pools. The main cause is debris settling and decomposing, so its most often found on steps, the bottom of the pool or in sweep bags.
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Follow the same steps for yellow algae solutions but use a green algaecide that is non metallic based.
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Usually increasing chlorine levels /CYA and cleaning the filter is enough to take care of this type of algae. But it can persist in some pools which is when an algaecide is needed.
Black Algae
Black algae is the most stubborn and hardest algae to treat.
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The most common cause is from a bathing suit that has been in the ocean. It also can occur from bating suits that have been in a lake or a pond. If you have a dog, this algae can get in their fur and be transferred to a pool the same as a bathing suit. Ocean born bacteria forms black algae and it thrives in pools no matter the sanitation levels, phosphate levels or filtration clarity.
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Black algae has a hard shell exterior that prevents chlorine from killing it. Use a metal brush scrub the black algae spots and increase the chlorine levels. Use a black algae treatment solution, sometimes a silver based chemical is needed. These help to weaken the algae shell to let chlorine kill it and prevent it from coming back.