Natural Remedy for Pool Algae

Culture

• Algae thrive in full sunlight and depend upon nitrogen and phosphorous for nutrition. One way to prevent algae buildup and growth is to limit the amount of sunlight your pool receives. Before picking a site for your pool or water feature, ensure that the area is not in direct sunlight to prevent future problems. Keep your pool nitrogen- and phosphorous-free by clearing away debris, such as leaves, insect matter and animal waste, from the pool. Swimming pool users should shower before entering the pool. Limiting the sources of algal growth is a natural way of keeping the plant out of your pool.

Filters

• Natural filters prevent algal buildup by clearing the pool's water of nutrients and debris, along with algae. Bacteria grow readily on aquatic surfaces. In nature, water runs through filters, such as stone and sand. Bacteria grow on these surfaces and feed off of detritus and algae. Bacteria grow naturally on pool walls and rocks where they consume algae in the pool. Increasing the surface area in your pool, by placing filter pads on its surface, will increase the presence of bacteria and decrease algae. These filters are made of carbon and other lightweight materials and are often sold as "filter media" in garden supply stores and nurseries.

Manual Removal

• There are two types of algae that invade residential pools: string algae and free-floating algae. Free-floating algae buildup can be prevented by skimming the pool's surface. This process can be time-consuming and must be repeated regularly. String algae adhere to the sides of pools and must be removed via brushing and scrubbing. Again, this process must be repeated on a regular basis. Manual removal is a natural, non-chemical method of getting rid of algal growth, but it is temporary.

Other Methods

• Ultra-violet lights are placed inside pool filters and effective at killing algae that pass through them. Other methods that can reduce algal growth include turbulent water. Algae will not grow where water is continually agitated. Bubblers, waterfalls and additional water features provide not only aesthetic value but the practical purpose of limiting algal growth. Another decorative way of removing algae in backyard ponds is waterlilies. Their pads provide a spot for bacteria and also shield the water from the sun.