What Causes Black Algae In Pools

The same is true of the dreaded pink slime it is not an algae at all but a type of bacteria.

What causes black algae in pools. But because it contaminates salt pools often and it looks like algae people refer to it as such. There are 21 000 known species of algae but very few of them are red and none of those are found in swimming pools. None are true algae but classes of bacteria that manufacture their own food by photosynthesis. Black algae can find its way into your pool in a range of ways including contaminated swim suits and the weather but is most commonly found growing on plaster in concrete or tiled pools.

Causes of black algae. If you ve ever had to get rid your pool of algae you know how frustrating the removal process can be. What causes black algae in swimming pools. You will notice it in the form of black stains or spots on the solid parts of your pool such as the floor or the walls.

If you have black algae in your pool you have black algae in your filter. Black algae grows in localized areas such as along one wall in the deep end in a corner or around obstacles such as steps indicates an area of poor circulation and poor sanitization. It appears as dark black spots on the walls and floor of the pool and is slippery to the touch. This algae may appear black in the pool but when you retrieve a sample and rub it on a piece of white paper you ll notice a greenish tinge.

The protective layer that forms on black algae makes the algae otherwise impervious to regular sanitizers so you must brush the algae to break through this layer so that chlorine and algaecides can kill the organism. Following a black algae hit scrub it down four times throughout the following day. When swimming pool owners see red or rust colored algae in their pool what they are actually seeing is a type of bacteria. Brush daily for a week with the proper brush for your pool paying special attention to algae affected areas.

Black algae is a thread like growth that develops on rough surfaces in swimming pools. It s an example of a cyanobacterium. Focus on the spot where the algae first appeared and work outwards from there. Responsible pool owners brush their pools on a regular basis.

This type of algae forms in a layered structure with the outermost layer protecting the lower layers. Algas grow when several things have gone wrong in your pool in combination. If the algae problem is extensive use a filter cleaner rather than just plain water. Treatment of black algae.

Black algae is the common name or term given to the dark blue green algae found growing on pool surfaces. Black algae also come from cyanobacteria and it is not an algae type. Remember black algae have deep roots that can penetrate the walls of your swimming pool.