Black Algae and Your Lake Havasu Pool

Black Algae

Bloom. Awe. What a wonderful word that brings to mind spring time flowers and blossoms with sweet fragrances and vivid colors. Yes, bloom can be a fantastic word. However, what if a "bloom" could also attack your swimming pool?! Eeek! That is exactly what an algae bloom can do in the matter of one night! There are several types of algae that can live in your pool and most of them can be pretty easily eliminated with proper pool chemistry. The exception might be black algae, however, which is the hardest to get rid of in your pool. With pool season just around the corner for your seasonal pool peeps or for those of you who are year round fishies, here are some steps to help you fight and eliminate black algae.

What is black algae anyway?

The color of algae in your pool indicates a lot about its strength. Green algae is pretty common and easy to eliminate. Black algae, on the other hand, is extremely aggressive. Black algae appears as small spots and spores on the surfaces of the pool. Simple shocking or adding of algaecide to your pool will not do the trick. The roots of the black algae bloom tend to live and anchor in the cracks of the pool plaster and finish. It's for this reason that this bloom is so hard to get rid of.

How to fight back:

You will need to attack it head on and to do so, you'll need:

• -a pool pole and brush
  

• -chlorine tablets
  

• -algaecide
  

• -gloves
  

With the gloves on, rub the black algae spot with the chlorine tab to attack its head. If the algae is at the bottom of the pool, try using a clip with the tab attached to a pole. Next, brush all walls and surfaces with the brush. When you do this, you'll notice a dirty looking "cloud" rising up. Turn off all pool pumps and filter for at least one full day. Add the recommended amount of algaecide to the deep end of your pool. The water chemistry of your pool will be extremely unbalanced. Bring the pH and pool chemistry back to proper levels and remember not to swim in your pool for A WEEK while fighting this dreadful algae.

Prevent the return of this bloomin' plague:

To prevent black algae from ever plaguing you in the first place, maintain proper pool chemistry. Also, maintain adequate pool filtration and circulation. If you still have issues with black algae or pool  maintenance in general, contact a professional. 

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