Black Algae In Pool Plaster

If you have black algae in your pool you have black algae in your filter.

Black algae in pool plaster. It s related to spirulina another type of blue green algae and to red algae which also grows in swimming pools. The algae harbors in rough areas of the pool plaster. They re single celled organisms called cyanobacteria that can be black or dark blue green. This is for a concrete pool gunite swimming pool and not vinyl swimming pools as this may tear your vinyl liner.

If you spot any black spots big or small that are attached to the plaster in your pool resembling a mould like texture you ve got a black algae problem. It usually appears on the pool surface as isolated black spots dark circular patterns or blotchy black patches. Does not brush off the wall easily. If the algae problem is extensive use a filter cleaner rather than just plain water.

It appears as dark black spots on the walls and floor of the pool and is slippery to the touch. A few samples are shown below. It is virtually impossible in vinyl or fiberglass pools due to the smooth surface that prevent the roots from embedding themselves. Now you know you ve definitely got it let s kill it.

Black algae is mostly for concrete and plaster pools. In can happen in vinyl pools but it s rare. Removing black algae from your pool. Black algae is a thread like growth that develops on rough surfaces in swimming pools.

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. Be splash happy and black algae free in 5 simple steps. 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. Brush daily for a week with the proper brush for your pool paying special attention to algae affected areas.

Black algae typically afflicts plaster pool surfaces. Black or blue green spots with raised heads not free floating. It s an example of a cyanobacterium. The algae is found in pools even with proper filtration and sanitation.

If there s only a small amount of black algae in the pool you can probably get away with backwashing your pool filter for sand or de filters or rinsing the filter cartridge. Identifying black algae in a swimming pool. Remember swimming pool black algae has layers so you want to get as many layers off as possible before adding the chlorine. Black algae can get into your pool several ways but one of the most common is from swimming suits that have been in the ocean.

This type of algae forms in a layered structure with the outermost layer protecting the lower layers. Found in pools even with proper filtration and sanitation. None are true algae but classes of bacteria that manufacture their own food by photosynthesis.