Have the permanent black spots and patches screwed up your shining pool fun? Oops! It might be the black algae, the stubborn cousin of the green algae. But no worries! Deep pool cleaning can rinse and wipe out the black algae from your pool water.
Pool owners wondering how to remove black algae from their pools are in safe hands. This comprehensive blog covers everything about the black pool treatment. This self-explained guide covers everything from understanding black algae to its prevention tips.
What is black algae?
Black algae, an algae spore, grows on the pool’s walls and surface pores. This strain is black and is also known as blue-green algae. The worst part of having black algae in the pool is that it facilitates the growth of bacteria.
What is the difference between green algae and black algae?
The following table shows the critical differences between green algae and black algae related to swimming pool maintenance:
| Feature | Green Algae | Black Algae |
| Color | Found in various shades of green | Black, also found in blue-green |
| Growth | Faster growth, Grows on pool surfaces and water | Slower growth, Grows inside pool cracks and hard-to-reach corners. |
| Treatment | Easy treatment: This can be treated during regular pool maintenance. | Stubborn strain; requires special algaecide. |
What are the signs of the presence of black algae?
How do you know if you have black algae in the pool? Well, here are some obvious signs.
- Tiny blue-green or black dots or big clumps of mold attached to the pool surface.
- It doesn’t brush off during regular pool maintenance, even sometimes with an algae brush.
- The black and blue-green spots have raised heads.
- It is attached to the rough surfaces of the pool and doesn’t float freely in the water.
- Without extensive removal, it is likely to come again.
Where does black algae come from?
Green and other strains come into your pool through wind, rain, and other natural elements. On the contrary, black algae come from natural water sources such as lakes, beaches, rivers, etc. If you haven’t washed your swimming suit, pool toys, or floats after a fun trip to a natural body, it’s likely to contaminate your pool with black algae.
The other sources of black algae include:
- High humidity and poorly ventilated places
- Stagnant or poorly circulating pool water
- Presence of organic matter such as leaves, pollen, or dirt.
- Lack of sunlight
- Poor chlorination
- High phosphate levels
How do I get rid of black algae in my pool?
Black algae are tricky and often come again and again with time. But we know how to get rid of black algae in a pool. Here is the step-wise guide to removing the pool owners’ worst nightmare.
- Clean the Filter
- Test and Balance the Water
- Brush the Pool
- Scrub the Black Algae Spots
- Shock the Pool
- Running the Pump
- Addition of Black Algae Killer
1. Clean the Filter
Algae in the pool water indicates that the filtration system isn’t working correctly. Cleaning the filter and running your pool removes the algae. Use filter cleaners for dirty filters. Additionally, replace the filter cartridges if they are wearing out.
2. Test and Balance the Water
Check the pool water alkalinity, pH, and sanitizer levels to determine your needed pool shock. The ideal levels are:
- Alkalinity: 100 ppm to 150 ppm (ideal: 125 ppm)
- pH: 7.4 to 7.6
- Chlorine level: 1 ppm to 3 ppm (read the proper range of chlorine level mentioned on the sanitizer you are using)
3. Brush the Pool
Brush the pool thoroughly, especially pool corners, pores, and cracks. Stainless steel wire brushes and acid brushes are ideal for cleaning resilient black algae.
4. Scrub the Black Algae Spots
No matter how hard you brush the pool structure and walls, spots and pores need to be filled. You can apply chlorine directly to the pores and surface to effectively kill black algae.
It’s okay to be harsh on the pool for more extensive cleaning. You can use a putty knife, a pumice stone, or steel wire brushes. A telescoping pole is better for hard-reaching pores and corners.
5. Shock the Pool
It’s time to shock your pool to make it uninhabitable for black algae. Shocking the pool will increase the pool’s chlorine and other chemical levels, effectively killing the black algae. The best chemical for pool shock is calcium hypochlorite. If a one-time pool shock doesn’t work, shock it multiple times.
6. Running the Pump
Once everything is cleaned and set, running the pump will do the rest. You should run the pool pump for at least 24 hours after the shock. Don’t worry about the algae for now. It will be dying inside the pool of shock chemicals.
7. Addition of Black Algae Killer
Lastly, strong algaecide should be added to kill black algae more efficiently. Whatever algaecide you choose, follow the instructions on the pack carefully.
What are the safety precautions for cleaning the black pool?
Here are the safety precautions to follow while cleaning the black pool:
- Read and follow the instructions inscribed on the chemicals.
- Wear protective eye goggles and chemical-resistant gloves when handling the pool chemicals.
- Do not directly breathe in the chemicals
- Never mix different pool chemicals
- Never let your kids and pets near the water during the black pool treatment.
- Store the black pool chemicals in a cool, dry place, out of reach of children and pets.
Why is the black algae challenging to get rid of?
Black algae happily multiply and grow in the pool water with pH imbalances, low chlorine levels, and poor water circulation and filtration. After some time, it enters the pool’s cracks, corners, and hard-to-reach places.
Their high penetration power enables them to enter concrete, exposed aggregate, and gunite surfaces. Once penetrated, black algae become difficult to kill or remove. Moreover, it forms a protective layer from the outside, making it resistant to routine chlorine sanitizers.
How do I keep black algae from coming back?
The following tips and guidelines will help you prevent the black algae from returning:
- Keep your pool’s water alkalinity, pH, and chemical levels in the standard and recommended ranges.
- Run your pool filter and filter for at least 8 hours a day.
- Regularly vacuum and brush your pool.
- Shock your pool at least every week.
- Keep your pool equipment clean and well-functioning.
- Clean your pool toys, floats, drink holders, and floating speakers after natural water trips.
Is swimming in the black algae pool harmful?
First, the accumulation and growth of black algae in a pool make it less aesthetically appealing for swimming. However, it’s not the black algae that directly makes a pool unhealthy for swimming.
Black algae pool water attracts bacteria such as E. Coli and other disease-causing insects that can cause swimmers to become ill. It is best to avoid swimming in the black pool and clean it as soon as you notice the signs.
Silverline Pools: The Best Company for Cleaning Your Black Algae Pool
Silverline Pools has offered unparalleled black pool cleaning services for over a decade. We restore your black mold pool to its gleaming, swim-ready condition. Whether it is the black algae killing at the initial stages or scrubbing and brushing the hard-to-treat algae, our seasoned professional cleaners have the solutions for every black pool condition.
How does Silverline Pools treat a black algae pool?
Here is how we treat your black algae pool:
- Test pool water’s chemicals, alkalinity, and pH.
- Brushing and scrubbing the pool’s corners, crevices, stairs, and other hard-to-reach surfaces.
- Cleaning your pool filter and circulation system.
- Running your pool pump.
- Adding solid and effective chemicals and algaecides.
- Shock your pool.
- Take effective measures to prevent the black algae from returning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will draining the pool get rid of black algae?
Draining the black water pool is not the ultimate solution. The black algae will come again once the pool is filled unless cleaned and treated correctly.
Is black algae permanent?
Black algae can be permanent, as it can penetrate the interior of the pool’s walls and surface. If left untreated, it can permanently root in your pool for 2-3 years.
How long after adding black algaecide can you swim?
It depends on the type of algaecide you add. Some algaecides may work faster, while others take time to function. We recommend reading the instructions on algaecide.
Can you pressure-wash black algae in the pool?
Pressure washing can be an effective way to get rid of black algae in the pool.
Should I brush the pool before adding algaecide?
We recommend adding a high dose of chlorine and brushing the pool thoroughly before adding algaecide.
Wrapping Up
Taking care of your pool maintenance is crucial for year-long swimming and swimmers’ health. If not properly maintained and cleaned, black algae spots and molds accumulate on the pool surface, walls, and corners. Black algae are more complex to kill and get rid of than other algae strains.
Thorough pool walls, surface brushing, shocking the pool, and strong black water algaecides can kill and remove stubborn black spots and stains. For pool owners longing to bring their black algae pool back into a crystal-clear swimming and entertainment spot, choose no one other than Silverline Pools. Contact their expert team and enjoy uninterrupted swimming and pool fun in your backyard.
