Elimination of Black Algae in Swimming Pools

Black Algae

• Black algae is one of the harder types of algae to eliminate from your swimming pool. The quicker you can recognize its presence the easier it will be to clean it. If left untreated, algae will only continue to grow to the point where it may be all but impossible to rid your pool of it. A properly maintained and sanitized pool has a better chance of staying algae free. There are cases, however, of algae blooming in a perfectly clean swimming pool.

Preparation

• To start cleaning your pool of black algae begin by preparing your filter to circulate the chemicals necessary to kill the algae. Clean out any filter baskets and connect your pool vacuum to the filter. Clean the bottom of the pool free of as much dirt and debris as possible. Backwash your pool filter which cleans it free of dirt, small particles and debris it has collected during its typical operation. You want to start with a freshly cleaned filter when you add chlorine shock to the pool.

Balance Chemicals and Brush

• Balance the alkalinity and pH of your pool. Measure these levels with a water testing strip and adjust as necessary. The alkalinity should be balanced first. Let the filter run for eight hours and then retest and adjust the pH if necessary. Many times the pH will become balanced once the alkalinity is within normal levels. The alkalinity acts as a stabilizer for the pH. Once these chemicals are within their normal ranges as indicated by the testing strip, start brushing the pool. Wipe away as much of the algae as possible. This will increase your chances of eliminating it down to the roots. Pool brushes can be found at most pool supply retailers.

Shock

• You need to keep the filter running throughout the duration of cleaning black algae. Add an appropriate dosage of shock directly to the surface of the pool water. Chlorine shock quickly increases the amount of chlorine in the water for sanitizing purposes. The purpose of shocking the pool is to kill the algae as its source. You may need to repeat the shock treatment in order to clear the water. Continue brushing the algae after the shock has been added. Once the water begins to clear, vacuum and backwash the filter again. Then again brush away any of the black to blue/green looking spots from the pool surfaces.