Understanding Algae and How Our Temecula Pool Service Company Helps to Keep It From Growing

We wanted to dedicate a post on our blog to something that most Temecula pool owners probably don’t want to think about: algae. You’ve likely seen a pool with algae before, or your own pool may have had it growing in it at one time or another.

There are a lot of words that probably come to your mind when you think of a pool with algae: murky, slimy, dirty, gross, and others words like these. Very few people are willing to swim in a pool that has obvious signs of algae growth. In addition, algae can be damaging to a pool, especially if it is left untreated.

Read on, as we answer some common questions about algae as it relates to swimming pools.

What Is Algae?

First of all, let’s talk about what algae is.

Algae is a simple, plant-like organism that thrives in water, especially in warm, sunny conditions like the Temecula climate. Unlike most plants, algae does not have roots, stems, or leaves. It grows through photosynthesis and can multiply rapidly when conditions are favorable.

Algae spores are constantly introduced into pools through wind, rain, dust, and even through swimmers. Under the right conditions, like when the water warms up and the water chemistry is not properly balanced, these spores can quickly grow into visible colonies.

What Are the Different Types of Algae?

There are several common types of algae that affect swimming pools, each with distinct characteristics:

Green Algae
This is the most common type. It floats freely in the water or clings lightly to pool surfaces, turning the water cloudy or bright green. It spreads quickly but is generally easy to treat.

Yellow (Mustard) Algae
Yellow algae appears as powdery, yellowish-brown spots, typically on shaded walls or pool floors. It is more resistant to chlorine than green algae and can be mistaken for dirt or sand. It often requires multiple shock treatments and frequent brushing to eliminate.

Black Algae
Black algae forms dark, stubborn spots with deep roots that penetrate porous surfaces like plaster or concrete. This type is the most difficult to eliminate and requires aggressive treatment, often including special algaecides that can penetrate black algae’s characteristic hard, protective layer.

Pink Algae

Pink algae appears as a pink or reddish-orange slime on pool surfaces, most often on PVC parts, like pipes. It is caused by bacterial growth and is relatively easy to treat through scrubbing and shock treatments.

What Problems Can Algae Cause?

Algae growth isn’t just unsightly—it can create several issues for both swimmers and for the pool itself.

While most pool algae is not directly harmful to swimmers, it can harbor bacteria and other pathogens that may cause skin irritation, ear infections, or gastrointestinal issues.  In addition, algae can create hazardous conditions in your pool. It can make pool floors and walls slippery, increasing the risk of slips and falls. Cloudy, algae-filled water can make it difficult to see the bottom of the pool, creating safety hazards.

When it comes to the pool itself,algae can overwhelm the pool’s filtration system, reducing efficiency and increasing maintenance needs. In addition, persistent algae, especially black algae, can stain and damage pool surfaces.

Algae also consumes chlorine. This makes it harder to maintain proper sanitation levels in the pool’s water and leads to higher chemical costs over time.

How Do the Temecula Pool Service Technicians at Aqua System Keep Algae at Bay?

The professional pool service technicians at Aqua System use a combination of routine maintenance and preventative strategies to keep algae from taking hold in Temecula pools.

The first thing they do is test and balance your pool water regularly. By maintaining proper levels of chlorine, pH, alkalinity, and stabilizer, they help prevent algae from gaining a foothold. If you have one of our full-service pool maintenance plans, our technicians will also regularly brush your pool’s walls, steps, and corners to remove potential algae buildup.

Cleaning your pool’s filters ensures proper circulation and filtration, both of which are essential to preventing algae growth. Aqua System offers filter cleaning as one of our add-on services and recommends having your filters cleaned at least quarterly.

Preventative use of algaecides can inhibit algae growth, especially during warm seasons. That’s why, at Aqua System, we include summer algae treatment with all of our Temecula pool service plans at no additional charge.

Periodic shocking of your pool water can also help eliminate contaminants that encourage algae. If your Temecula pool could benefit from a shock treatment, your pool service technician will let you know.

What Can I Do as a Pool Owner to Help Keep Algae Out of My Pool?

Pool owners play a crucial role in preventing algae between professional service visits. Here are some practical steps you can take:

• Run the pump daily: Good circulation prevents stagnant water in which algae can thrive. If you’re not sure how many hours per day your pool pump should be running, ask your Aqua System pool service technician for a recommendation.
• Skim regularly: Remove debris like leaves and dirt, which provide nutrients for algae.
• Brush pool surfaces: If you are on a bi-weekly service plan, brush your pool’s walls at least once in between our technician’s visits to help prevent algae from attaching and growing.
• Monitor water clarity: If you notice any cloudiness or discoloration, let your pool service technician know right away so he or she can treat the algae before it has a chance to spread.
• Keep pool equipment clean: Ensure filters, skimmers, and baskets are free of debris.

Final Thoughts

Algae can quickly become a major problem if left unchecked, but with consistent care, it is entirely preventable. A combination of professional maintenance and responsible pool ownership will keep your pool clean, safe, and enjoyable all season long.

If you are looking for a Temecula pool service company that can help you keep algae away, or help you get rid of the algae that has already taken over your pool, contact us at Aqua System. We offer weekly or bi-weekly pool service, as well as a green-to-clean service for Temecula pool owners.