Can algae grow during the winter while my pool is covered?
No, algae is a living organism and needs light to grow, as weel as a few other factors. If you have a good, solid winter cover that does not allow sunlight to pass through it you will not have to worry about algae growth while it is covered.
Can you completely remove algae from a pool?
Two facts must be understood when trying to manage any algae problem. First, it is virtually impossible to completely remove all algae in one’s pool. The goal is to effectively manage and control the algae growth. Second, algae are plants and have certain requirements to sustain life. If these requirements; sufficient light, nutrients, etc, are not met, the plants will die. By having a basic understanding of these needs, algae can effectively be controlled.
How often should I use algaecide in my pool?
Algaecide should be added to your pool water on a weekly basis. Follow the directions on the label to determine how much to use.
I added algaecide to my pool, but the algae didn't go away. What did I do wrong?
First, you must add the algaecide according to the directions. If you don't add the correct dosage amount, it won't kill any of the algae. However, be aware that using the entire bottle of algaecide is also ineffective. Not only will you spend additional money, large doses can also lead to staining and foaming in your pool.
In addition to properly dosing your water, it is also recommended that the algaecide be added in the morning on a bright sunny day for best results. Algae are plants and grow in the presence of sunlight. Adding algaecide during algae's best growth time will increase intake of the algaecide and make it more effective. If black algae is present, brushing the algae at least once daily will also help expedite algae removal. Brushing the dead cells away makes the living algae more vulnerable to the algaecide.
I have heard of people talking about pink algae. What is that and how do I treat it?
Pink algae is not an algae at all, but a bacteria. Normal algaecides will not reliably work on them. We have products that are designed to assist chlorine with removal of this bacteria. To eliminate pink algae, you must superchlorinate your pool, turn off the filter, and clean it with a good filter cleaner. Let the filter soak overnight then backwash to waste. Let the chlorine level subside before using again. (Hint: a good rule of thumb is to toss into the pool the equipment that is normally used for pool maintenance, including hoses, brushes, etc. prior to superchlorinating. These need to be disinfected too).
What is algae?
Algae are plants and as such require certain components to grow, namely nitrogen compounds, phosphate, trace elements and minerals such as potassium and magnesium. As with all plants, if these elements are removed, the algae will die. This is the basic goal when designing an algae control program. Reduce the food for the algae and you will reduce the algae
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