Common Causes of Pool Algae and How to Prevent Them

Pool algae are one of the most common maintenance issues pool owners experience. If not managed properly, it can rapidly impact water clarity, pool appearance, and swimming conditions. Algae can start as a water discoloration or on pool surfaces and can proliferate quickly under proper conditions.

Knowing what causes algae in swimming pools and how to avoid it can help to make pool water cleaner and pool maintenance less of a chore. Regular water testing, accurate circulation, maintenance of filters, and using pool products like an algaecide are all important factors in preventing algae.

What is Pool Algae?

Pool algae are microscopic plants that multiply in water when conditions are right. Algae spores have the ability to enter the pools via:

• Wind
• Rain
• Swimmers
• Pool equipment
• Plants and debris nearby

Algae spores are found in outdoor areas, but maintaining the pool will generally prevent algae multiplication.

As algae starts to grow, it can cover pool walls, floors, or steps or even float in the pool water. Some of the most common causes of pool algae growth are listed below.

Poor Water Circulation

Low water circulation is a major factor in algae blooms. Contaminants and algae spores can settle and multiply in areas where the movement is poor.

Common Circulation Problems

• Blocked skimmer baskets
• Dirty filters
• Inadequate pump operation
• Non-receptive areas of corners or steps

Prevention Tips

Use the pool pump on a regular basis

Make sure the return jets do not circulate water.

Gently brush low circulation areas frequently.

Clean filters and skimmers frequently

Pools with good circulation will provide better distribution of sanitizer throughout the pool.

Improper Sanitizer Levels

If chlorine levels or sanitizer levels are low, it may allow algae to flourish. Pool sanitizers control contaminants and microorganisms in pool water.

If the sanitizer concentration is too low, algae could start to proliferate.

Prevention Tips

Check the sanitation of sanitizers regularly.

Ensure chlorine levels are kept within recommended levels.

Be more vigilant when pool usage is high or temperatures are up.

One of the most crucial of the algae prevention practices is consistent testing of the water.

Poor Water Balance

There may be poor water chemistry that can lead to a decrease in sanitizer effectiveness and algae buildup.

Key water balance considerations are:

• pH
• Total alkalinity
• Calcium hardness
• Stabilizer levels

A reliable testing system can be utilized to track these conditions. The use of chemicals like the Taylor pool test kit is common for many pool owners to monitor the chemistry and balance of their pool.

Inadequate Filtration

The filtration system is one of the most important processes that filter out debris, contaminants, and particles from the water. If the pool filter is not working properly or is dirty, it may not be able to maintain pool water.

The following are signs of filtration problems:

• Cloudy water
• Reduced circulation
• Particles that fall back in the pool
• Persistent algae growth

Prevention Tips

Replace or clean filters for cleanliness on a regular basis.

Examine the filtration gear for correct functioning;

Operate the filter machine for a sufficient amount of time each day

Good filtration helps to keep pools clearer and cleaner.

Warm Temperatures and Sunlight

Algae grow best in warm water and in sunlight. Pools may need to be checked more often and treated more frequently in the summer.

Prevention Tips

Test water more often during the hot weather season

Ensuring consistent sanitizer levels

Increase circulation during hot weather

Factors of the environment may determine the rate at which algae can grow.

Organic Debris in the Pool

Algae can grow on leaves, grass, dirt, insects, and other debris that add nutrients to the water.

Larger debris that stays in the water for a long time can cause cloudy water and algae growth.

Prevention Tips

Skim debris daily

Clean the pool on a regular basis using a vacuum.

Wash pool baskets regularly

Cleaning up the pool helps prevent organic contaminants from accumulating.

Inconsistent Pool Maintenance

Water chemistry or circulation issues can go unchecked due to irregular maintenance.

Not testing, brushing, and/or cleaning the filter can cause conditions to be conducive to algae growth.

Prevention Tips

Follow the regular maintenance schedule, including:

• Water testing
• Cleaning walls and floors with brush
• Vacuuming
• Filter cleaning
• Chemical monitoring

Algae problems can be reduced by the greatest degree of consistency.

The Role of Pool Algaecide

A pool algaecide is commonly used as part of an algae prevention program. They are designed to control algae growth and help maintain overall water.

Preventative Use

Many pool owners will add a small amount of a pool algaecide to the pool on a regular basis to help minimize the chances of algae growth.

During Algae Treatment

• Algaecides can also be used in conjunction with sanitizer changes and brushing when algae are seen
• Product directions should be carefully adhered to prevent over-use or chemical imbalance
• Cleaning pool surfaces with a brush and a vacuum

Even in balance water chemistry, algae can start to grow in low circulation areas or on rough surfaces.

Regular brushing helps:

• Loosen algae buildup
• Improve circulation
• Prevent algae attachment

Vacuuming also eliminates debris and particles, which promote algae growth. Algae can be effectively prevented with regular testing. Chemistry testing is done regularly to detect chemistry imbalances before algae can be seen.

Measurement levels to keep an eye on:

• The chlorine/sanitizer level
• pH balance
• Total alkalinity
• Stabilizer levels

Numerous pool owners use test equipment like the Taylor pool test kit for regular maintenance and testing.

Regular testing enables pool owners to make incremental changes, instead of waiting until bigger issues arise.

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What to Do If Algae Appears

If algae begin developing:

• Test the water ASAP
• Thoroughly brush affected surfaces
• Clear pool of debris using a vacuum cleaner
• Wash the filter system
• Vary the amount of sanitizers according to requirements
• If necessary, use an algaecide in a swimming pool.

Preventing algae blooms may help to restore water clarity more efficiently with timely action.

Final thoughts

Algae can grow in pools because of inadequate circulation, unbalanced water chemistry, insufficient sanitizer levels, dirty pool filters, warm water temperatures, and/or lack of regular maintenance. Recognizing these causes is key to helping pool owners prevent them.

Cleaner and healthier pool conditions throughout the swimming season can be achieved by routine testing, filtration, regular cleaning of the pool, and careful use of an algaecide designed specifically for use in pools. Water chemistry testing using kits like the Taylor pool test kit can also be used as a tool to detect water imbalance early and to help maintain stable water chemistry over time.