ALGAE BASICS...
Can you believe that algae may well be the most important organism on the planet? That's because algae produce about 330 billion tons of oxygen each year which equates to about 70-80% of the world's oxygen. That's more oxygen than all plants combined! They are most often found in oceans, lakes, streams, ponds, rivers but also grow in soil, on trees and even on some animals! They are so rich in nutrients and antioxidants that some species are even sold as nutritional supplements.
POOL ALGAE
While there are several thousand species of algae, only a small number are believed to thrive in pools. Pool algae can be found in a variety of forms and colors and seem to grow best during hot weather. Therefore, it seems that a pool is most likely to get algae at the same time when people would be most interested in swimming. As we all know, algae can quickly ruin water clarity and cause slippery areas on pool surfaces. Fortunately, BioGuard offers a variety of products and programs to help keep pools clear and inviting.
Green Algae
- This may be the most common type of pool algae. Unchecked, green algae can quickly turn a clear pool into a green swamp. It can grow on the surfaces or turn the water cloudy while depleting your chlorine level. Use Banish® according to label directions to treat green algae growth.Mustard Algae
- Some green algae have a built-in survival mechanism that allows them to survive in water with high levels of chlorine. When this survival mechanism is activated, they take on a yellow or "mustard" color; hence the name, mustard algae. Mustard algae are easily removed by brushing. However, the algae have not been killed, only temporarily displaced. Over time, mustard algae will redeposit on the same surface or somewhere in the pool. Mustard algae can be more difficult to kill than green algae. Use Banish in conjunction with chlorine according to label directions. Results are often seen in as soon as 24 hours. Banish is stable with up to 50 ppm of free chlorine so staining is not an issue when shocking. Be sure to test the water for metals before treating with Banish.Black Algae
- Despite the name, black algae aren't really algae at all! They're actually blue green bacteria. The blue-green pigment is so dark that they can look like black dots growing on (or into) pool surfaces. The algae strands (filaments) anchor into the pits of plaster making it difficult to remove. Once anchored the black algae secretes a protective film making it resistant to pool chemicals. This is why brushing is so important. Again, Banish is the recommended product for controlling black algae. Spot Kill® and Spot Kill WP are suitable alternatives especially when the algae are localized in one spot.PREVENTION IS THE KEY!!
In order to prevent algae from becoming a problem, just follow these simple steps:
·Always maintain an appropriate chlorine residual.
Just as importantly, keep an eye out for warning signs. These signs include: a sudden drop in chlorine, an increase in chlorine demand, or a sudden loss of water clarity or circulation (pump and filter). Any of these can mean that an algae problem is just around the corner. Therefore, take immediate action to eliminate the chlorine demand and be certain to add a preventative dose of algicide.
BioGuard offers a variety of effective treatment and preventative products for algae. When used regularly, Back Up and Algae All 60 (non-foaming) will help keep algae under control. Banish is a highly effective algaecide that kills all types of algae in swimming pools. Spot Kill and Spot Kill WP can be applied directly onto algae-covered areas for spot treatment. Optimizer Plus® is a once a season treatment that will help to continuously suppress algae growth. However, as effective as the products are, it's always much easier to prevent algae problems than to correct them!
By: Geoffrey Brown
Technical Services
BioGuard